Families of autistic children in northern Ontario are expressing disappointment with last week’s announcement about a new Autism program.
Starting in March, the province will begin offering core clinical services based on a child’s individual needs. The services include applied behaviour analysis, speech language pathology, occupational therapy and mental health supports.
It will start with 600 children and youth involved.
April Szpara of Fort Frances is with Northern Capacity Building Advisory Committee. She says it fails to address the north’s challenges of accessing services.
“Looking at the announcement that was made by the ministry, I feel like northern Ontario, northwestern Ontario, there really isn’t any provision specific to our area,” says Szpara.
Szpara adds the funding offered falls far short of what northern Ontario families need.
“We’re trying to look at ways of attracting professionals to this area, but without a commitment from our government indicating what’s coming for the north. It’s very difficult.”
Szpara says they addressed their concerns to Minister Todd Smith just days before the announcement took place. She says they’re now wondering if something specific for the north will be coming at a later date.
“We are unsure whether or not there’s going to be something separate unveiled to addressing all of the challenges because really, our situation here is quite different than southern Ontario when it comes to any kind of services.”
