MINISTRY STAFF RAISES CONCERN WITH PROVINCE’S AUTISM PROGRAM

(Queen’s Park) – Today, Sylvia Jones MPP Dufferin-Caledon questioned the Minister of Children and Youth Services for calling IBI and ABA therapy essentially the same thing, after a government document highlighted concerns with the province’s ABA program for children with autism.

“Earlier this week the Minister stated that IBI and ABA are essentially the same thing,” Jones said. “However the Minister’s own autism Manager raised concerns with the government’s ABA program, stating ABA may not be intensive enough and regression can occur between blocks of services,” Jones said.

“The Minister needs to admit she was wrong to suggest IBI and ABA therapy are essentially the same,” Jones said.

“IBI therapy has shown time and again to benefit children with autism no matter what age they are. Now the Minister wants to cut-off this life-changing therapy for children over the age of 5, and force them to use a service that everyone knows doesn’t work,” Jones said.

“Parents understand that ABA and IBI are not the same. Board Certified Behaviour Analysts’ understand ABA and IBI are not the same. Even the Minister’s own autism manager understands they are not the same,” Jones said.

“It’s time for the Minister to start listening to experts and stop removing children 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