On October 27th, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) has been selected to lead an assessment focused on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Canada. An oversight panel will provide leadership to this effort while three working groups will focus on specific issues: social inclusion, economic inclusion and evidence-based interventions. More information can be found on our website.
This assessment will create the evidence base to inform the creation of a national autism strategy, and one of its cornerstones is significant engagement and consultation with stakeholders.
As part of its assessment and community engagement on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences is seeking the expertise of at least five (5) volunteers from the autism community. These volunteer roles are open to autistic adults and parents or others with a close family member who is on the autism spectrum.
There is an online application process with more details on what volunteers can expect, as well as the selection criteria and process. Expressions of interest must be submitted through this link by November 23, 2020.
We are also pleased to announce that Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum has accepted the appointment as Chair of this assessment, along with Dr. Mélanie Couture as Vice Chair. They are advising the CAHS as we create the Oversight Panel and three Working Groups.
The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences was formed in 2004, and our nearly 800 Fellows are drawn from all disciplines from Canada’s academia, health care and research institutes. In the past, CAHS has completed assessments on a variety of other key issues, more information is available on our website.
Should you have any questions, please contact us through our dedicated email: autism@cahs-acss.ca.