GOVERNMENT’S OWN EXPERTS CRITICIZE NEW AUTISM STRATEGY

(Queen’s Park) – Today, MPP Sylvia Jones again questioned the Minister of Children and Youth Services for her decision to cut-off children over the age from receiving IBI therapy, after the government’s own experts have spoken out against the decision.

“Experts continue to voice their opposition to the Minister’s decision to cut-off IBI therapy to children over the age of 5,” Jones said.

On April 7th, Autism Ontario put out a statement on their position on the new Autism strategy, stating families who have been on the waiting list for IBI services for many years are being doubly penalized…by learning they will now not receive this service …This devastating news has added to the financial burden borne by families of children and youth with ASD and adds to the stress they experience as caregivers.

“Autism Ontario is not the only group or individual to raise concern,” Jones said. “The government’s own expert, Dr. Ian Dawe has publicly opposed the Minister’s decision,” Jones said.

“In a conversation with a parent who inquired whether their child would benefit from IBI therapy even though they are 6 years old, Dr. Dawe stated there is no evidence that your child might not benefit from it. Dr. Dawe goes on to say that what government has funded was not what we recommended,” Jones said.

“How many more experts have to come out against the Minister before she reverses her decision? The Minister needs to listen to Dr. Dawe, Autism Ontario, and the thousands of families being abandoned by the government, and allow children over the age of 5 to access IBI therapy,” Jones said.

To read more about what Jones is doing in the Legislature please visit: www.sylviajonesmpp.ca.

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For more information, contact:
Christopher Dacunha
416-325-1898
sylvia.jonesla@pc.ola.org