Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects the way an individual interacts and interprets the world around them. Researchers estimate 1 in every 66 children between the ages of 5 to 17 is diagnosed with autism in Canada, and it is also 4x more likely in boys.
Autism can manifest in many forms and affect individuals in different ways. Because ASD is on a spectrum, some cases are very mild and barely noticeable. While others are severe and can greatly impact daily life.
More About Autism
Autism is not a singular event. And it doesn’t only affect the individual suffering from it. It also greatly impacts families and their healthcare professionals . This might even be argued that they feel more involved than the sometimes unaware patient. It can be a full-time job taking care of, encouraging, and enduring the ups and downs with those diagnosed.
World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2020. But any day, “we can create a kinder, more inclusive world [by helping to] promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of people with autism and their families, you’re making a lasting impact.”
How can technology help?
Autism is not just for children. These children don’t ever “grow out of it”. Autism is a life-long disorder. Learning and knowing how to handle and cope with their disorder would significantly improve their quality of life.
Early intervention is important. Research shows that high quality intervention at a young age (signs usually appear by age 2-3 years old) can dramatically improve communication and social skills, learning and brain development.
What is iTARGET?
iTARGET Autism is Canada’s first autism family-centred, genetics-based initiative. It stands for individualized Treatments for Autism Response using Genetic-Environment Targets. The project fully integrates the research, clinical and patient communities within BC. iTARGET’s main goal is to get earlier and more accurate diagnoses of ASD’s. The data will help facilitate an individualized approach to the detection, management and treatment of ASDs because this procedure is more effective than currently available methods. Striving for the best possible results, the team works to help patients and their families manage the disorder.
Excelar Technologies is a proud partner to the iTARGET Autism initiative. Our organization strongly believes combining technology and data can improve the lives of millions of Canadians impacted by autism.
With iTARGET Autism, we hope to help medical professionals review and obtain data of patients to create customized treatment plans. This will help researchers achieve their goals in helping patients and their families manage the disorder and develop best treatment plans possible.
