National ASD Needs Assessment Survey

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Autism in Canada – National Needs Assessment Survey for Families, Adults with ASD and Professionals

The Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) is a national coalition of autism related professionals, family members and community members (Including Autism Calgary Association.) Together, we are working to secure the federal government’s commitment to the development of a National Autism Action Plan.

Thanks to funding from Public Health Agency Canada (PHAC), CASDA is conducting on-line National Needs Assessment Survey that will be used to gather data that will support our request to the government for a national autism action plan.

This on-line survey will canvas the opinions of thousands of Canadians, from all provinces and territories. The data gathered will identify existing services and service gaps, provide perspectives based on regional, individual, family and professional views and needs as well as help support surveillance initiatives. 

The survey was developed primarily by Dr. Jonathan Weiss, a researcher from York University and CIHR Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment and Care Research, in collaboration with Cynthia Carroll, Autism Nova Scotia. This research has been approved by the Ethics Review Board of York University.

From the data collected, CASDA will produce a report to assist with its planning process. CASDA will also share the data and report with PHAC to assist in the work they are doing to produce relevant information for Canadians on ASD.

NNASTake

We want everyone touched by Autism in Canada to have their voice heard. Together, we are in a position to influence public policy and planning. “One of the outcomes from this National Needs Assessment Survey, is the voice of Canadians affected by autism speaking directly to our governments and policy makers on the status of services and supports in Canada.”

Survey Quick Facts

questionnaire and computer mouse, concept of online voting

  • We want 5000 Canadians to complete the survey in order to ensure we have a statistically representative sample size and rock solid data.
  • To be eligible to complete the survey you must be, an Individual with ASD, a Family member of individual with ASD, a Caregiver of individual with ASD, an Educator or a Professional who works in the ASD field.
  • The survey will be open from April 2nd to June 30th
  • The survey takes only 15 minutes to complete
  • The survey is available online at www.asdalliance.org
  • CASDA will use this information to write a report for the Public Health Agency of Canada, estimated report submission date is September, 2014.
  • While 1 in 88 people in Canada will be diagnosed with Autism, there are thousands more who live, work and care for them.  We need your help to make sure all of them have their voices heard.

Please spread the word and help us #GetTo5000. We are relying on our network of supporters to help us ensure that all Canadian’s eligible to participate:

For more information, contact

Please contact Margaret Whelan, CASDA Project Manager at 416-522-9180 or at