Social Policy in Ontario

The new Ontario autism program will give all children under 18 years of age diagnosed with the developmental disorder access to the treatment they require when they need it.

It’s about time. Parents across the province have for decades been advocating for changes to services for children on the autism spectrum.

Yesterday’s announcement by Michael Coteau, the minister of Youth and Childhood Services, puts parents at the centre of the decision-making when it comes to their children.

In the past, many young people were deemed too severely autistic or too highly functional to be eligible for provincially funded intensive behavioural treatment. And many were even considered too old. Those who fell into these categories could get only limited behaviour therapy a few hours a week.

Making things worse, in March 2016, the government lowered the age cap in an effort to cut wait times and ensure treatment for children 5 years old and under, when it is most effective. Advocates had long called for an end to wait-lists, but not by simply kicking older kids off, many of whom had already been waiting for years.

When Coteau took over his portfolio in September, many parents were understandably frustrated and infuriated. The new minister said he was listening and acknowledged the system needed a “massive change.” Yesterday he set about implementing it.

This new $533-million program, which will start June 26 and roll out over the next year, will put the children at the forefront.

First, it will be inclusive. The age, severity of autism symptoms and the presence of coexisting diagnoses will no longer affect the eligibility for therapy.