By now most parents of children with autism are aware of the changes taking place regarding the provincial plan for autism treatment. The new Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is expected to streamline services for children and youth across the province based on each child’s needs. The new plan, which came into effect in June 2017, is expected to be fully implemented in spring of 2018.
In summary, according to the Ministry website, the plan includes a single point of access to the OAP in each of the nine service areas to make it easier for families to access services for their child. For eastern region, the access point is Maltby Centre, 31 Hyperion Court, Suite 100, Kingston, ON maltbycentre.ca 1-844-855-8340. Area parents can also contact Counselling Services Belleville and District at 613 966 7413 ex 2223.
The new plan gives families more control over the direction of their child’s treatment plan. Families will be actively engaged in the assessment, goal-setting and intervention planning for their child making it a team work among parents, OAP professionals and service providers to support a child’s needs at home and in school to come up with a flexible and individual plan. The length of treatment will depend on child’s needs independent of age, the website says.
Another feature of the OAP is the direct funding option which is expected to be implemented by the end of this year. Parents will have the option of being on the waitlist for direct service from regional autism service provider such as Counselling Services Belleville and District in this community or receive funding to find and build their own autism team. The regional service provider will be able to provide a list of available qualified autism professionals in order to ensure safe and high quality services.
Area parents are encouraged to contact CSBD for more information on the OAP and to understand further how it might actually affect the services offered to an individual child or youth as the plan rolls out.
Another feature of the OAP is the direct funding option which is expected to be implemented by the end of this year. Parents will have the option of being on the waitlist for direct service from regional autism service provider such as Counselling Services Belleville and District in this community or receive funding to find and build their own autism team. The regional service provider will be able to provide a list of available qualified autism professionals in order to ensure safe and high quality services.
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