Families with autistic children say there is no way they can wait two years for the new provincial autism program to be phased in.
Krista Smith is with Northern Autism Families Matter, and points out after cuts to the program began, the government realized it needed more than a year to fix it. “But they keep pushing back that time. These are kids that are waiting for therapy, there is no time, these kids just can’t wait.”
The Thunder Bay mother adds she understands the government’s claim the autism file is complex. She says she’s happy about some aspects of the plan revealed, such as mental health supports starting in the new year. “With autism comes a whole slew of things from anxiety to depression, and once kids reach adolescence, those numbers just increase.”
The local mother is angry the new program was originally supposed to be ready now, then it was April 2020, now it’s over two years.
Smith also points out the government does not understand the unique challenges facing the north. “In Thunder Bay we’re better off than those in Manitouwadge. They don’t have the time or the money. The kids can’t sit in the car for four hours, get therapy, and then sit in the car again for four hours and go home.”
