This is pretty exciting news for families
supporting children with autism in
Ontario. It is promising in that it will help parents access available autism
resources as fast as they can for their children without having to be in
endless waitlists. At the same time, it can be overwhelming for parents
who are already neck deep in spending moment in caring for their child.
Hopefully, this is a step forward and our children with autism will be able to get quicker access to professional intervention as early as possible.
Ontario. It is promising in that it will help parents access available autism
resources as fast as they can for their children without having to be in
endless waitlists. At the same time, it can be overwhelming for parents
who are already neck deep in spending moment in caring for their child.
Hopefully, this is a step forward and our children with autism will be able to get quicker access to professional intervention as early as possible.
"News Release from Ontario Ministry of
Children and Youth Services
Expanding Service Options
for Children and Youth with Autism
Direct Funding Service
Option Will Be Offered in New Ontario Autism Program
May 18, 2017 1:45 P.M.
Ontario is giving
families of children with autism more options for their children's service by
offering a new, permanent direct funding option, which will be implemented by
the end of this year through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
Minister of Children and
Youth Services Michael Coteau made the announcement at Monarch House in
Oakville today, speaking with families about Ontario's commitment to flexible
services and supports for children and youth with autism.
By the end of this year,
the province will implement a new direct funding option as part of the OAP.
This will allow all families to choose between receiving direct service or
receiving funding to purchase services for their child. Families currently receiving
direct funding will continue to receive their funding throughout the
transition, and will be able to choose the new OAP direct funding option to
receive services from their preferred provider.
Next month, families
will begin to transition into the new OAP, which will provide services that are
flexible and tailored to the unique needs of each child, regardless of age. The
program will be implemented gradually over the coming year, with the program
expected to be fully in place by spring 2018. The new program includes a single
point of entry for families to more easily access services and will create
16,000 new spaces over five years, so that more children and youth with autism
can receive the services they need sooner.
The province will
continue to engage with families, caregivers, advocates, clinicians and
providers, including the OAP Advisory Committee, to ensure the new program is
providing the best possible supports and services for children and youth with
autism, from diagnosis to adulthood.
Quick Facts
- Parents
can call 1-888-284-8340 toll-free for more information or to find their
nearest ministry regional office.
- Streamlined
entry to autism services through a toll-free number in families’ regions
will also be provided as part of the new OAP.
- Autism or
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, complex neurodevelopmental
disorder. It is characterized by persistent deficits in social
communication and interaction and repetitive behaviour. Symptoms of autism
vary significantly and range in severity.
- Ontario
is investing an unprecedented half-billion dollars over the next four
years to create new services for children and youth with ASD.
- There
are an estimated 40,000 children and youth in Ontario with ASD.
- Based
on the most recent prevalence rate from the United States Centres for
Disease Control and Prevention, prevalence has grown from 1 in 150 in 2002
to 1 in 68 in 2010."
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