Ontario Autism Program

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The government of Ontario is backtracking on funding changes for children with autism. Their original plan eliminated intensive therapy for kids five and older.

Today the minister for Children and Youth Services said all kids with autism will get the help they need.

The cost of several changes to the program will be $200 million, in addition to the $333 million that had already been set aside for the new Ontario Autism Program.

For three months families protested and the government has responded. The new program announced today has backed away from the controversial age limit imposed back in March. It will now allow intensive behavioural intervention, IBI, for all children.

“Every child in Ontario with an autism diagnosis will have access to a new and improved services sooner regardless of age.”

16,000 kids in Ontario are currently on the wait list. Michael Coteau, the new minister for Children and Youth Services says while families wait to get into the new program they will be given direct funding in successive payments of $10,000 to pay for therapy.

Mackenzie and Delanie had been in IBI until they were cut off at the age of six, but with this new announcement they will see some funding to get them back into therapy.

Paul Ceretti is a single father in Hamilton raising the twins.

“To get them back into funding and get them the therapy that’s going to help them, they’re 13 now and they say autism doesn’t end at age 5, well it doesn’t end at age 13 either.”

Both girls were told they were never going to speak but IBI taught them how. The treatment gave the girls communications skills and the ability to connect with others.

It was happy today.

“It’s great news, not only for me and my girls but for many families throughout Ontario.”

But it was a different tone when we met up with the family back in March when the first announcement was made.

Parents across the province were outraged with a program that would eliminate intensive therapy for kids over five. Those on the waitlist would receive only $8000 for private therapy, enough for a couple of months.

“These enhancements we are announcing here today respond directly to the legitimate concerns raised by parents and advocates.”

Hamilton MPP Monique Taylor was at the announcement. She calls it a welcome change that should have been done right the first time.

“Quite honestly I was kind of sad that the government didn’t apologize to families today for putting them through that for the last three months.”

Paul isn’t surprised by the lack of apology but is grateful his girls will get another opportunity with quality behavioural therapy.