Did you know that the latest statistics indicate 1 in 150 Canadian children are affected by autism, an increase of more than 600% in the past 10 years? What was once viewed as a rare disorder is now recognized as one of the most common neurological disorders affecting children. Ho-Lee-Chow is attempting to raise awareness concerning Autism and providing some first - level resources to educate and direct people to learn more about this condition that affects so many precious young Canadians. Parents in Canada and around the world are desperate for services and support. They are overwhelmed by the lack of access available to them. The internet is making resources more readily available but personal communication, services and resources are still very difficult to obtain. One resource for providing clinical, training and support centre for children with autism and their families is the Geneva Centre for Autism. Ten years ago, according to their website, "an average of 40 new families came to the Centre annually for help with their children. Now 60 new families contact the Centre each month." We at Ho-Lee-Chow feel as though this is an alarming trend and wish to bridge the gap and begin to raise awareness. Autism is a neurological disorder affecting communication, social interaction skills and behaviour. It usually manifests during the first three years of life. Impaired social interaction is its hallmark symptom. Children with autism have serious problems relating to others and often avoid looking directly at people. Approximately fifty percent are verbal, with only a few demonstrating the fantastic mathematical and artistic abilities exhibited by Dustin Hoffman's character in the film "Rainman". Many children with autism do not have even one friend. This is very stressful to them and to their families. Among the characteristics displayed by a person with autism, they may exhibit repeated body movements, unusual responses to people, special attachment to objects, resistance to changes in routine, and extreme sensory sensitivity (often including severe reactions to noise and touch ) . These characteristics mean that significant levels of supervision are required at all times . Although a specific cause of autism is not yet known, current research links autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. Research suggests there is a genetic base to the disorder and is currently focusing on several specific genes. "To us, raising autism awareness includes; educating, linking people, people resources and practical resources as a network to reach our vision of raising the awareness and the needs of those with Autism and their families - as well as educating the general public on this important and sensitive matter", according to Jake Cappiello, President of Ho-Lee-Chow. Currently there is no known cure for autism . However, effective, structured intervention , combining education, support and training can provide children with autism the skills necessary for successful integration, participation and acceptance in our society. ACG Graphic Communications ACG Graphic Communications