MINISTER REFUSES TO PROVIDE REAL SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Queen’s Park) – Today, Sylvia Jones MPP Dufferin-Caledon questioned the Minister of Children and Youth Services on her decision to remove children over 5 years old with Autism from accessing Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) therapy.

“Last week when news broke about the Minister’s decision, I immediately started hearing from parents across the province who were angry the Minister had broken their trust,” Jones said.

“Many families have been waiting for years for this necessary support for their child. Now they have been pulled off the waitlist by the Minister because their child is over 5 years old. Just imagine how devastating that is to be so close to receiving this necessary support and then have it be ripped away from you,” Jones said.

During Question Period Jones highlighted that one family is paying over $16,000 per year for 8 hours of therapy a week. “Families can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $50 an hour for IBI therapy,” Jones said.

“The Minister needs to start providing real support and reverse her decision to remove children over 5 years old from accessing 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