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A recent study conducted by the Public Health Agency of Canada examined the prevalence of functional difficulties in Canadian children and youth aged 5 to 17 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study analyzed data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth and found that the most common functional difficulties in this population were related to remembering/concentrating, communication, and self-care. Lower perceived mental health was associated with increased difficulties in remembering/concentrating, while ASD diagnosis at a younger age and lower perceived general health were associated with increased difficulties in communication. Parental expectations for postsecondary education were associated with decreased difficulties in self-care. Overall, 39% of Canadian children and youth with ASD experienced one or more functional difficulties. [Extracted from the article]