High functioning autism on Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-functioning_autism

Canada Immigration and Autism Links

Are you asking yourself "Should we apply as immigrants to Canada if our child has autism?" Or maybe you're wondering, "Will my child's autism affect our immigration application to Canada?"

This is my honest answer:
If your dependent has autism, even high functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome , DON'T even TRY to apply for immigration. In my honest opinion. Save your money.

Why do I think so? View these articles to see how Canada immigration does not look at autistic dependents with favor, because they will use too much financial resources in Canada:

http://www.visaplace.com/blog-immigration-law/canada-visa-news/canadian-immigration-application-refused-on-medical-grounds-autistic-teenager/

http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2011/05/02/canada-immigration-and-autism-they-just-dont-mix/

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1005102--family-faces-deportation-over-son-s-autism

http://autisminnb.blogspot.com/2011/04/canadian-autism-shame-canada-bars.html

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=708399

http://www.canadaforvisa.net/immigration-says-son-with-asperger%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98inadmissible%E2%80%99-to-canada/



Look at these official pages:
1. this is from the Handbook for Designated Medical Practitioners(those who do the medical screening for Canada immigration applicants)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/dmp-handbook/appendix-02.asp - Question 16. also Section A of the IMM 1017 form. They screen for developmental delay and cognitive abilities (mental status), which are deficits in autism, in the medical exam. Remember, it is the visa officers who will compute the cost of care of your autistic child, not you. So even if you actually spend little for your dependent's therapies, they will compute how much it will cost Canada to care for your autistic child. The result=medical inadmissibility.

2. Download the handbook for yourself and see how they screen for autism and other developmental disorders in the forms and the medical exams: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/dmp-handbook.pdf

I hope you will be prudent enough to withhold and stop yourself from applying to save yourself rejection and heartache and money as well. Just my opinion.

Recommendations For Students with High Functioning Autism by Kerry Hogan-from the UNC website

http://teacch.com/educational-approaches/recommendations-for-students-with-high-functioning-autism-kerry-hogan

Golfer Ernie Els' Son Has Autism

Ernie Els' son Ben was diagnosed with autism at age 7. Read Ernie's story at his website on ernieels.com

pic from ernieels.com

Here is an excerpt from Ernie Els' story:

"One in 150 children is affected by Autism and that was perhaps the most shocking thing about all of this; the number of people it affects. And you know, it hits the whole family hard. For a long time you are trying to figure out ‘What just happened to my life?’ You feel sorry for yourself and for your kid and for your family. And the tragedy is that even in this day and age, the kid who has Autism is often forgotten about. The feeling is that he’s almost a waste of time, which says a lot more about society than it does the child. It’s heartbreaking."

 It seems like we went through the same experience!  If you read on in Ernie's website you will see how Ernie and his wife made important decisions to settle in the US for their son's benefit. They also put up a foundation, Els for Autism. He even organized a PGA Tour Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Ernie Els for Autism Pro-Am. Here is a lovely picture from the PGA tour photo gallery of Ernie and his son Ben:

 I look at their faces and I see the love of a father who would do anything to help his son. I also see hope for Ben and other kids who are affected by autism.