The Ontario government announced Monday that they will be expanding the scope of the autism expert panel to provide advice on what a new needs-based and sustainable autism program would look like.
While the new plan is being worked out, those receiving therapy under the old system will get a six-month extension on funding, families promised money will receive it and more children will come off the wait list, according to Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Todd Smith.
"My message to families of children and youth with autism is, we have heard you, and we are taking action," said Smith.
It didn't take long for the Ontario NDP party to respond to the Ford government's announcement, stating that the wait is still too long for kids with autism and budget caps are too restrictive.
“Families and children were devastated by Doug Ford’s callous cuts to the Ontario Autism Program,” said the NDP critic for Children and Youth, Monique Taylor.
“Over a year later, they’re still waiting, while their children have week after week of critical developmental potential stolen away from them. Now, they’re waiting at least until the fall — and who knows if they’ll get the support they need, then.”
Smith said Monday the funding envelope will remain at $600 million – the same funding ceiling Minister Lisa MacLeod set.
In April, MacLeod said “We’ve heard from parents and we want to take the time to listen very carefully to their best advice on a needs-based system,” but, four months later, families are still waiting with no changes to the amount of care and support children can access.
On July 29, Smith announced steps Ontario is taking to provide continuity of service while providing the necessary time to design a new needs-based autism program by April 2020.
"Our government is committed to a needs-based program that provides children and youth with the supports they need to thrive," said Smith.
"Over the past number of weeks, I have met with service providers and families of children with autism who share a common goal to provide the best possible care and make a positive difference in the lives of children and families living with autism in Ontario."
New mandate for the Autism Advisory Panel:
The panel has been asked to develop recommendations for a new, needs-based and sustainable Ontario Autism Program with the goal of helping as many children as possible. The panel is examining results from online surveys, telephone town halls and written submissions as well as considering relevant evidence, science and data and will submit its advice by the end of summer.
Extension of existing behaviour plans:
Families will continue to receive services outlined in their current Ontario Autism Program Behaviour Plan until its end date. Families will then be able to renew their plan for a second six-month extension of up to six months at their current level of intensity, or less where clinically appropriate. There will be no gaps in service.
Continuing to bring children off the waitlist:
For children not in service, childhood budgets will continue to be issued to families as the province works towards a needs-based program.
As previously announced, Ontario is investing an additional $278 million in the province's autism program, bringing the total amount of funding to $600 million annually.
"I have every confidence that together, we will get this right. It's clear we need to ask the advisory panel to provide us with a broader set of recommendations and advice - and we need to give them the necessary time to do so," said Smith.
"In the interim, we will continue services for families, move more children into service and give our experts the time they need to bring forth their considered recommendations. These measures will also bring greater transparency for parents and families across Ontario."
Deputy Premier and health minister Christine Elliott says the advisory panel's expert advice "will be critical to ensuring our investments across government, including in Ontario's health care system, promote and advance a truly child-centred approach."
"I look forward to receiving their recommendation," said Elliott. "In the meantime, we are continuing to listen to families of children and youth with autism and remain fully committed to supporting them through enhanced supports."
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Education are working closely to better align and integrate services and supports for school-aged children with autism.
"Our government is committed to ensuring Ontario schools are safe and inclusive places for students with autism," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. "We will work tirelessly with Ontario families, educators and school boards to achieve seamless transition for children and enhance school-based supports."
