The Ford government appears to finally be listening to the concerns of parents and is changing its controversial autism funding model to one that is needs-based.
But parents will have to wait until next spring.
Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services announced on Monday that, based on the feedback of parents of children with autism and its internal review, the province will shift to a funding model that takes into account the complex needs of each child.
"My message to families of children and youth with autism is, we have heard you, and we are taking action," Smith said in a statement. "Our government is committed to a needs-based program that provides children and youth with the supports they need to thrive. Over the past number of weeks, I have met with service providers and families of children with autism who share a common goal to provide the best possible care and make a positive difference in the lives of children and families living with autism in Ontario."
The funding model pivot comes after months of protests by parents who were outraged by the province's retooling of the Ontario Autism Program earlier this year. Under those changes, eligible children under six were capped at $20,000 per year up to a life maximum amount of $140,000, while kids who were older than six when they entered the program would only receive up to $5,000 per year up to a maximum of $55,000. Families with total incomes totalling more than $250,000 annually would have been ineligible for funding.
That change would have made it nearly impossible for parents to afford the same level of intensive therapy which can cost more than $80,000 a year.
Smith has now directed the 20-member autism advisory panel to develop recommendations for a new needs-based and sustainable Ontario Autism Program, with a goal of helping "as many children as possible." The panel has been tasked with examining the results from online surveys, telephone town halls and written submissions as well as considering relevant evidence, science and data. Its recommendations are expected to be delivered to the provincial government by the end of the summer and must fit within a $600-million budget.
Parents are also being promised that there will be no gaps in their children's care as this new program is developed. Smith stated families will continue to receive the service outlined in their current autism program behaviour plan until its end date, with the option to renew their plan for six-months at the same intensity level.
"I have every confidence that together, we will get this right," said Smith. "In the interim, we will continue services for families, move more children into service and give our experts the time they need to bring forth their considered recommendations. These measures will also bring greater transparency for parents and families across Ontario."
The opposition at Queen's Park is not impressed with the government's change of heart.
“Families and children were devastated by Doug Ford’s callous cuts to the Ontario Autism Program,” said NDP critic for Children and Youth, Monique Taylor in a statement released Monday. “Over a year later, they’re still waiting, while their children have week after week of critical developmental potential stolen away from them. Now, they’re waiting at least until the fall — and who knows if they’ll get the support they need, then.”
