The changing prevalence of autism in three regions of Canada.

In 2002/2003, the National Epidemiologic Database for the Study of Autism in Canada started capturing information on children diagnosed with autism in different regions of the country. Based on data collected through 2008 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 2010 in Prince Edward Island and Southeastern Ontario, the estimated average annual percent increases in prevalence among children 2-14 years of age ranged from 9.7 % (95 % CI 7.

Age at diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in four regions of Canada.

Objectives: Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders ("autism") may lead to better treatment outcomes, reduces the stress parents experience when they do not understand the reasons for their child's behaviour, and empowers parents to make choices such as seeking genetic counseling. We examined the age at which Canadian children are diagnosed with autism, and analyzed whether there are geographic or temporal variations or differences by sex or diagnostic subtype.

Methods: As part of an autism surveillance program, in 2002/2003 we began collecting information on children with autism in Manitoba, Southeastern Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.