Mar 24 Special Needs Stats and News- Canada Ratifies Rights of Persons With Disabilities

Canada Ratifies UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

March 11, 2010:

The Government of Canada has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at United Nations headquarters in New York City.

“Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and enabling their full participation in society,” said Minister Cannon. “Ratification of this convention underscores the Government of Canada’s strong commitment to this goal.”

The Convention also contains provisions on issues unique to people with disabilities, such as accessibility, independent living and inclusion in the community, as well as the processes of rehabilitation and habilitation, through which those with disabilities learn to function fully in society.

There are approximately 4.4 million persons with disabilities in Canada—about 14.3 percent of the population.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Catherine Loubier

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

613-995-1851

Do you foresee an impact on your life with the ratification of the  UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?

Mar 24 Fidgeting Tip- Ambidextrous Kids and ADHD

Did you know that ambidextrous kids are more likely to have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Says Jeremy Shere, PhD

In a recent study, it was found that mix-handed children are more than twice as likely to have ADHD as kids who are exclusively left- or right-handed.

Parents and pediatricians could use this finding to identify kids who may be at risk. Read more:

http://soundmedicine.iu.edu/segment/2376/Ambidexterity-Linked-to-ADHD

What do you think about these findings?

Mar 24 Asperger Syndrome Tip- Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome

Children affected with Asperger’s disorder have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Motor skills problems

• Uncoordinated behavior (sometimes mistaken for quirks)

• Repetitive rituals (similar to OCD symptoms)

• Social awkwardness / no friends/ lack of eye contact

• Obsessions / focused on one subject

• Sensitivity to noise / touch / feel of clothing

• Slow to begin talking/ delayed development of motor skills

• Odd speech / extreme logic / high vocabulary

• Anger / aggression / hitting others

• Craves ROUTINE/ hates changes

• Appears lost / in own world

• Flapping hands

• Communication problems

• Stimming behavior

Can you add other symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome?

Mar 24 Autism Tip-April Is National Autism Awareness Month

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day.

April is National Autism Awareness Month

World Autism Awareness Day was declared by the United Nations Dec. 18, 2007, one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days.


The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.


The latest statistics show that one in 80 boys are diagnosed with Autism."


It is estimated that 50,000 Canadians are diagnosed with autism-related disorders. It costs an estimated $1-billion per year for support services to Canadians with autism.


Give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join in the effort to inspire compassion, inclusion and hope.

Does your area organize events for April 2, World Autism Awareness Day?