The Ontario Autism Coalition calls on the government to make systemic changes to provincial autism services
Several people have gathered in front of Ross Romano’s campaign office this afternoon to mobilize to improve support services for young people and adults living with autism in Ontario.
According to the Ontario Autism Coalition, the list of children waiting for treatment for autism has more than doubled and they say a number of systemic changes need to be made immediately.
Among the supporters was Clar Oellette, a grandmother who cares for her five grandchildren living with autism. She explains that the system is completely broken.
“As a parent you feel so isolated,” he says. “You know these kids could go much further if they had more individual support. The government has failed our children and we need systemic changes.”
Ontario’s autism program has undergone four major renovations in the past six years. Some families have waited years for their child to be treated, as the province’s three main political parties are proposing changes to Ontario’s autism services.
The second attempt by conservative progressives on an autism program has a double budget of $ 600 million a year, but deployment has been delayed, leaving thousands of children across the province without key services.
This has frustrated families like the Oellettes.
“It’s not fair,” he says. “These children have been pushed through the cracks. We need the services set up for our children.”
The NDP intends to eliminate any age-based requirements and pledges to increase the program budget by an additional $ 125 million by 2024-25.
The Liberals, for their part, would also eliminate age-based determinants and implement a direct billing option while working within the existing budget.
Regardless of who comes to power, Oellette just wants to see her grandchildren get the help they deserve.
“When you met a kid with autism, you met a kid with autism,” he says. “The needs are so great among all the children. This is the first time I have used my voice: it gives me power, but it is frustrating. We need this government to take a step forward and take care of these children. They just want to be treated as human beings. They must have programs developed specifically for their needs. “