SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH--(Marketwired - May 16, 2015) - Industry Canada

The Honourable Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, today joined world-leading researchers on autism spectrum disorders at the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research in Salt Lake City, Utah. He participated in a panel discussion and spoke about Canada's actions to support autism research.

Mr. Lake highlighted the Government of Canada's commitment to improving the quality of life of people living with autism and their families. The Government recently committed $2 million to support a working group tasked with the development of a Canadian Autism Partnership to address key issues such as information sharing and research, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and support for families. Mr. Lake also stressed the importance of supporting prestigious research talents like Dr. Stephen Scherer, who was identified as a Nobel Prize contender for his significant breakthrough on the causes of autism using genetic sequencing. Lastly, he highlighted the Government's support for partnerships and the sharing of research knowledge to gain a better understanding of autism.

Quick facts

• About 1 in 68 children has been identified as having autism spectrum disorder according to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• The International Society for Autism Research, established in 2001, is a scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism spectrum disorders.
• The Government of Canada recently announced the renewal of funding for NeuroDevNet to support collaborative research aimed at developing a new understanding of, and treatments for, children affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.
• Dr. Stephen Scherer, Senior Scientist and Director of the Centre for Applied Genomics at The Hospital for Sick Children, was identified as a Nobel Prize contender for his research on the causes of autism. The Centre is funded by Genome Canada, a not-for-profit organization that was established in 2000 to accelerate the development of Canadian research capacity in genomics.
• The Government of Canada established the Research Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment and Care Research Program, in partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Neurosciences, Autism Speaks Canada, the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance and NeuroDevNet, to support research and innovation in the treatment and care of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder.
• As set out in the renewed science, technology and innovation strategy, Seizing Canada's Moment, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting research and innovations to treat disorders like autism and help improve the quality of life of Canadians.

Quote

"Our government has made record investments in science, technology and innovation to improve the quality of life of Canadians, including those living with autism. As the parent of a child with autism, it is great to know that there are world-leading researchers in Canada working with the global research community to better detect, understand and treat this disorder."
- Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Associated links

- International Society for Autism Research annual meeting

- Economic Action Plan 2015

- Dr. Stephen Scherer named 2014 "Nobel-class" Citation Laureate

- Research Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment and Care Research Program

-Renewal of funding for NeuroDevNet

- Science, technology and innovation strategy: Seizing Canada's Moment

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