[FEAT BC Admin]

In this topic area, discussion is about the fight to secure Government funding for your A.B.A. treatment program. It is also the place to talk about your thoughts and ideas about how to establish new Government programs specifically designed for autism treatment.

This is the place to hear input from parents who have fought for funding and won, as well as those who have fought for funding and would like to share their horror stories. There is a tendency to not share success stories once funding is secured. Please fight that tendency. By sharing our experience, we all become stronger.

 

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—-By FEAT BC (Freeman) on Saturday, January 3, 1998 – 03:16 pm:

-Hi everyone!

These are some things to think about in your dealings with government to help you to obtain support for your child’s Autism Treatment Program. These are my personal opinions and do not represent those of FEAT of BC or any other organization.

Many of these observations are based on my personal experiences (and I believe it poetic justice to help every parent avoid being systematically abused by their social worker the way I was).

Good luck to everyone! (Let’s all pull back the curtain on the Wizard of OZ).

Sabrina

 

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How To Fight for Funding for Autism Treatment and Appropriate School Placement

1. Establish a Paper Trail

Always take notes, documenting major points of all conversations with government and school officials.

This includes casual, in person conversations with social workers as well as ALL telephone conversations. All key points of discussion must be written down in your notes including the date and time of the discussion. This includes what was agreed upon, as well as what was not agreed upon.

Then the notes should be used to write a letter recapping the substance and content of the conversation. This letter must then be mailed or faxed to the person with whom you had the conversation. In addition, a copy must be kept in your file (see section on the icci game).

Why?

It is important to formalize the interaction between you and Government officials. In addition, everyone is put on notice that they must closely adhere to their responsibilities, regulations and laws., Furthermore, they must then consider the paper trail you have created. This lets everyone know that the interaction can become public and that any abuses of power and authority can be formally appealed and/or publicized.

In other words, they canit use discretion unfairly under the cloak of secrecy.

2. Submit all Requests in Writing

All your requests for your child must be submitted formally in writing with a copy included in your file and a copy, if necessary, sent to their immediate superiors.

3. Set Deadlines for Action

All formal requests for action must have a reasonable deadline set for that action. If no action or response is received by the deadline you have set (two weeks for example), then you will interpret the lack of response as a formal declination (a formal NO) of your requests.

Why Set Deadlines?

When bureaucrats do not want to do something, they will stall by ignoring you and your request. (As an aside, in the study of the bureaucracy, this is known as ithe power to do nothingi). They can string you along for years. When you have determined that the person you are interacting with is not inclined to help you or is not dealing in good faith, then you must take the initiative and formally label his/her behavior as obstructionist and de facto as a declination (a NO to your requests). This allows you to move to the next level of authority on your timetable to present your case. This takes the power to do nothing away from the bureaucrat with whom you are dealing. Simple stated, a bureaucrat who stalls and does nothing becomes irrelevant (use your invisible spray) and you move on to the next level of authority.

How to icci?

A cc. is a copy of your letter sent to someone other than the person you are writing. You put the cc. at the bottom left-hand corner of your letter followed by 2 spaces and the name of the person or people to whom you want to send a copy of the letter.

Who to icci to?

Sometimes it is best not to icci at all, especially in the early stages of the relationship (for example, your first letter to a social worker requesting assistance). This gives them the opportunity to do the right thing and does not present you as an overly combative person. When you start to run into problems, it is a good idea to send the icci to the 2 immediate superiors of the person you are having problems with. We do not recommend icciing all the way up the chain of command, since you want to give them a chance to solve the problem at the local level.

Why send a icci copy?

The reason for playing the icci game is that you want your interactions with the official to be known to his superior and possibly to other organizations so that 1) their action or inaction becomes a matter of record and 2) the individual knows he is being monitored. This helps minimize abuses of power and authority and helps encourage the official to meet their obligations and do the right thing.

What is the sequence of letters?

Find out the chain of command of the particular bureaucracy you are battling.

TOP

Minister
Deputy Minister
Children’s Ministry’s local region chain of command, all the way down to the District Supervisor
and Social Worker
Contacts can be found at the government directory: http://www.dir.gov.bc.ca/

BOTTOM

Start at the bottom and climb. At the Regional Operating Officer (ROO) level (once you have been declined) you have to decide whether to jump up to the top, threaten and then go to the media, or both. A word of wisdom: DO NOT BLUFF. If you are not willing to go all the way, they will ‘smell’ this. You must be prepared to take it right up to the Minister and beyond.

Documentation from Experts:

In your arsenal to fight for your child, it is wise to get his/her pediatrician and/or psychiatrist to write a letter on your childis behalf. In addition, any other experts who know your child and are sympathetic to what you are trying to do should become involved.

When to hire a lawyer?

If money is not an issue, you can hire a lawyer when you get to the area manager level. Make sure that you have a paper trail so the lawyer has something to work with. Also, have the lawyer give F.E.A.T. of B.C. a call, and we will send him/her information that will help.

If money is an issue (as it is for most of us running autism treatment programs), you might want to hire a lawyer once you have been turned down by the Minister.

How to hire a lawyer?

The type of lawyer needed is a litigator, or trial lawyer. S/he does not need to be an expert in autism, or special needs; s/he needs to be experienced in suing governments, and enjoys being in court. Word of mouth is a good way to find a lawyer.

Topic

[Mike & Jean]

More great news from Medicare for Autism Now! Today, director, Jean Lewis, announced that Maria Kehagias is joining our board. “We are delighted to welcome Maria as a director of our organization. She brings a diverse blend of professional expertise infused by her energetic, positive attitude.”

For several years, Maria has worked with a number of adolescents and adults across the autism spectrum in the capacity of Special Education Assistant, ABA therapist, Senior Therapist, and Program Director. She has front-line experience with individuals who are very mildly effected to those who are more severe with dual diagnoses requiring very complex treatment programs. She has witnessed first hand the life-changing efficacy of ABA for all individuals with autism and their families. Maria’s direct experience in the field of ABA, coupled with her more recent interests in public relations and marketing position her very well to oversee and direct our organization’s fundraising, event coordination and social media campaigns.

Maria’s interest in autism treatment advocacy grew when she began to witness the hurdles that families faced when trying to pursue what was their child’s right – access to healthcare. “Why is our country denying our most vulnerable citizens?” asks Ms. Kehagias, “This is an unacceptable injustice and abuse by neglect.”

For more information, contact Jean Lewis at mfanow@gmail.com

[Andrew Kavchak]

Hi Folks,

Two news items. First, with respect to the Mike Lake issue that I posted about last week, it turns out that the recent federal budget included a provision of $2 million for purposes of:

(from: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/docs/plan/ch4-2-eng.html)

Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes to provide $2.0 million in 2015–16 to create a working group, led by the Minister of Health, to consult with stakeholders including the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance, on the development of a Canadian Autism Partnership. Of the $2.0 million in funding, $1.5 million would be used to support stakeholder participation in the working group. This working group will be tasked with the development of a plan for the Canadian Autism Partnership that would address key issues such as information sharing and research, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and supporting families.

Apparently, Mike Lake was a key player in getting the government to commit the $2 million in the budget for this purpose. So, after years of court battles and lobbying for a National Autism Strategy, and almost a decade after Mike Lake was first elected, we've got a huge pot of money for a working group to consult and develop a proposal for a Canadian Autism Partnership. While I feel a sense of joy knowing that something is better than nothing, I still get the feeling that we're really not moving forward very much.

Second, this feeling of not moving anywhere fast is accentuated by the story today on the CBC about a mother of an adult lady with autism who is exhausted and has no place to go…
http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/docs/plan/ch4-2-eng.html

Autistic adult daughter leaves mom exhausted with nowhere to turn
Hope Galloway among thousands of Canadian parents desperate for help

Well, someday the working group may conclude its research and consultations and submit something to the government for consideration, and hopefully something will happen (in our lifetime, I mean).

[Sherri Brown]

Medicare for Autism Now! Campaign Kickoff Event

June 27, 2015 from 10:00AM- 2:00PM

Despite 15+ years of lobbying, collaborating and litigating – autism treatment is still excluded from our universal health care system. Canadian families are still bankrupting themselves in order to provide treatment for their autistic children. Our featured speakers will discuss these issues, and provide participants with a toolbox of advocacy skills.

Join us for this free public event to launch Medicare for Autism Now's action and advocacy agenda for the 2015 Federal Election! Be a part of the movement and learn new advocacy skills!

Lunch is provided. Children are welcome and we will have behaviour interventionists present to supervise children and offer snacks and refreshments.

Featured Speakers Include:

Dr. Glen Davies, Clinical Director, ABLE Developmental Clinic
Dr. Mel deLevie- Pediatrician, Vancouver
Wesley Romey and Laurie Guerra- Young man with autism who has participated in an ABA prorgram, and his mother, Director of Autism Society of BC
Dr. Sherri Brown- Director, Medicare for Autism Now!
Jean Lewis- Director, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!
David Marley- Director, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!

See Event Flyer on our Facebook page for detailed event information. Register Early as Spots are Limited.

Register on Facebook: https://wwMedicare for Autism Now! Campaign Kickoff Event

June 27, 2015 from 10:00AM- 2:00PM

Despite 15+ years of lobbying, collaborating and litigating – autism treatment is still excluded from our universal health care system. Canadian families are still bankrupting themselves in order to provide treatment for their autistic children. Our featured speakers will discuss these issues, and provide participants with a toolbox of advocacy skills.

Join us for this free public event to launch Medicare for Autism Now's action and advocacy agenda for the 2015 Federal Election! Be a part of the movement and learn new advocacy skills!

Lunch is provided. Children are welcome and we will have behaviour interventionists present to supervise children and offer snacks and refreshments.

Featured Speakers Include:

Dr. Glen Davies, Clinical Director, ABLE Developmental Clinic
Dr. Mel deLevie- Pediatrician, Vancouver
Wesley Romey and Laurie Guerra- Young man with autism who has participated in an ABA prorgram, and his mother, Director of Autism Society of BC
Dr. Sherri Brown- Director, Medicare for Autism Now!
Jean Lewis- Director, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!
David Marley- Director, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!

See Event Flyer on our Facebook page for detailed event information. Register Early as Spots are Limited.

Register on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/430049920510349/

OR via email to: sherri@medicareforautismnow.org

Please indicate if you're bringing your child(ren) so we can ensure sufficient BI coverage.

Thank you!

[Barbara Rodrigues]

"For the purposes of clarity in terms of membership, Marg affirmed that CASDA is
intended not as a parent support organization nor to replace or duplicate those support
organizations, but to bring together autism organizations from across the country." Well that is for sure!! Makes me sick and what a disgrace to put him in with such a great man like Jim Munson! Mike Lake is one of the worst as he's the one whose son is getting funding and supports but he denies that same funding and support to the rest of Canadian children with autism. The worst!! And why did this organization get over 50,000.00 to create a report on facts (or lack of wording specifically for treatments) about what FEATBC and many others have already told the Government kids/adults with autism NEED!!!!!!!!! Ugh….another bunch of bureaucracp!!! As always thanks for keeping us informed Andrew.

[Andrew Kavchak]

Well, well. Guess what the latest development is with respect to Mike Lake (MP from Edmonton with a son who has autism)?

When he was first elected to Parliament I went to see him with my colleague and we spoke with him about autism policies, etc. It did not take long to see that he did not really know much about autism and did not really care much either. When we told him what the latest CDC statistic were for autism prevalence rates he blurted out "I don't believe that!".

We then gave him some signed pages of the petition that we had going at the time to include autism treatment in Medicate, and he is the only MP that I know of who received the petition and gave it back saying that he refused to table it.

Then, when there was a vote on a bill to create a National Autism Strategy, he voted AGAINST it, and issued a disgraceful letter saying that it was bad law. FEAT BC issued an annotated version of the letter which exposed his shameful arguments. The annotation is here:
https://featbc.org/downloads/FEATBC_release_02_26_07.pdf

And now what? Well, we still don't have a National Autism Strategy and the recent news in Ottawa is that young adults with autism are being kept in the psychiatric wards of hospitals due to the lack of group home spaces, etc.

Yet, the autism alliance called CASDA, recently had a general meeting, and according to their minutes (http://files.ctctcdn.com/c74e3290501/33110718-ea6a-4385-bd4a-ab05e9d91320.pdf), they passed a motion to make Mike Lake an honourary member and to thank him for his leadership. Apparently he got a lifetime membership and a standing ovation.

Well, well.

[Mike & Jean]

Today, Medicare for Autism Now! director, Jean Lewis announced that Dr.
Sherri Brown is joining our board. “My colleagues and I are delighted to
welcome Dr. Brown as a director of our organization. Sherri brings highly
relevant professional expertise, as well as extensive advocacy experience to
our organization. She also adds new energy and the perspective of a parent
of a child diagnosed with autism.

Dr. Brown is a lecturer at Simon Fraser University with research interests
and experience in the politics of access to health care and treatment. She
has lectured widely in HIV treatment access issues in Africa and has also
been an organizer of community lecture and fundraising events around these
issues. She is an award-winning scholar, including Canada’s Trudeau
Scholarship. Sherri is also a published author and a book co-editor whose
works address issues on advocacy and access to health care in Canada and the
developing world.

In 2013, following her son’s autism diagnosis, Sherri’s research and
advocacy interest shifted as she navigated complex public health and social
service systems to access health care and treatment for her son. She now
orients part of her research and volunteer efforts to the autism community.
She is the Vancouver facilitator for the Autism Support Network as well as
the founder of http://www.projectbearings.com; a new website and blog dedicated to
providing evidence-based and empowerment-centred navigational and advocacy
resources for parents of children with autism and other developmental
disabilities.

“I am eager to begin work with my fellow directors, says Dr. Brown, as
Medicare for Autism Now! continues its leadership role advocating for what
is right and necessary for Canadians with autism.”

For further information, contact Jean Lewis at mfanow@gmail.com

[Andrew Kavchak]

Well, if there was ever any doubt that the solution to all our problems can be found in Ottawa, this is surely the story that will lay all that doubt to rest. The solution is…the psychiatric ward! With a security guard! And physical and chemical constraints! Etc..! Thank God the provincial government has created a "task force" to look into it!

From:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-hospital-spends-millions-to-house-people-with-autism-1.3076247

Ottawa hospital spends millions to house people with autism

Young man with autism has lived in acute-care hospital for 18 months

By Julie Ireton, CBC News
Posted: May 19, 2015 5:30 AM ET
Last Updated: May 19, 2015 11:54 AM ET

Michael Neve loves playing basketball, biking along the Rideau Canal and helping cook dinner for his sister, but such pleasures are impossible when your home is an acute-care hospital.

Neve, 26, is physically very healthy but he has a developmental disability and autism and no proper home.

For the past year and a half he's been living in the psychiatric ward at The Ottawa Hospital while he waits for his name to reach the top of the waiting list for a group home.

Ottawa Hospital officials say the cost of an acute-care bed for Michael runs $1,250 a day. Add to that the cost of a 24-hour security guard who keeps an eye on Neve and the price tag for his stay in hospital since 2013 is almost a million dollars and counting.

Debra Bournes, Vice President of Clinical Programs at the Ottawa Hospital, says Neve is currently one of four people with autism living in the hospital awaiting placement to a home. That also includes someone who has been there for more than 1,000 days.

The total cost to house these four people has added up to millions of dollars.

"The bottom line is these people can wait for years to be able to be discharged into a place where they can have the best quality of life possible," said Bournes.

Searching for solutions

Jennifer Neve, Michael's sister, is desperately searching for solutions for her brother. As a nurse at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre herself, she's familiar with the health care system but she's frustrated Michael is still living on a hospital's psychiatric ward.

"They're set up to have two-week or four-week, short-term stays, seeing acutely ill people," said Jennifer. "I'm very grateful they've taken him in, but at the same time, it's really a band aid solution right?"

Michael Neve attended special education programs up until grade 11. He's physically active and can carry on a limited conversation, but his sister says in the fall of 2013 Michael was living with family friends without proper supervision.

Jennifer was living and working in Vancouver when Michael ended up in the Ottawa Hospital's emergency department in November 2013.

"He was self-harming. That was not good, he needed medical attention," said Jennifer. "When he was in the hospital, he stopped talking, stopped eating, he was wearing diapers, he lost all control of himself. Sort of like a catatonic state."

'Cooped up in the hospital'

Jennifer says she came to visit and couldn't believe how thin and unresponsive her brother was. She decided to quit her job in Vancouver and move back to Ottawa to become his guardian.

Michael has a security guard 24 hours a day because Jennifer said he has compulsions to hug and touch, something that can make patients and staff uncomfortable.

Jennifer said the guards keep Michael out of trouble but sometimes he still gets agitated and requires both physical and chemical restraints.

"Which is very traumatizing for Michael. I think if he were to live in a group home, maybe he'd be able to walk in the back yard and blow off some steam as opposed to being cooped up in the hospital."

Jennifer says she was told last spring that only about six people in Ottawa will be placed in a home each year and more than a hundred people are on the waiting list.

"I almost feel a bit stuck," said Jennifer.

In halting sentences Michael says he'd like to live in his own apartment in downtown Ottawa. Right now he has a personal care worker who takes him to play basketball, art and music classes four afternoons a week.

Michael says he likes the hospital and the friends he's made there, but when asked if there's anything he doesn't like about the hospital, Michael replies, "Not being able to go home."

A spokeswoman for the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services said the ministry recognizes work is needed on residential supports.

"That's why we've created a Housing Task Force to help recommend a broader set of residential options, including those that can be implemented in the short term to address the residential waitlist," read an email statement from Meaghan Coker.

[Mike & Jean]

Medicare for Autism Now! has re-released our 2011 interview with Dr. Glen Davies as part of our campaign and on-going web-series, "Medicare's Orphans" leading up to the federal election next October.

In this powerful interview, well known and respected child psychologist, Dr. Davies, who has practiced in the Vancouver area for over 25 years discusses a range of information; all crucial for parents to understand: the increase in diagnosis, the overwhelming scientific evidence of ABA, the costs of not treating autism, why parents must advocate, and much more.

Are you still willing to accept the unacceptable – or – are you ready to join the campaign?

Learn more at: http://www.medicareforautismnow.org Follow us on Facebook

[Mike & Jean]

Autism Awareness: Really?

After years of parent advocacy and a couple of pieces of major litigation, the “Auton” case being one; who in our Canadian provincial or federal governments are unaware that medically necessary autism treatment (ABA) is still not covered by our universal health care system?

After years of Canadian families bankrupting themselves financially and emotionally; what family is unaware of the enormous costs associated with providing treatment for their child with autism?

After years of multiple and avoidable deaths of young Canadians with autism; who in government is unaware that proper access to effective treatment might well have prevented these tragedies?

After years of Canadian governments denying access to treatment; what family is unaware of the bleak future for their untreated child with autism?

After years of “autism awareness” we should be more than aware that it’s high time for us to do something purposeful with our awareness!

Universal access to effective, science-based autism treatment (ABA) remains the most urgent necessity for Canadians affected by autism. The autism treatment movement in Canada began in 1998 when autism diagnoses were 1 in 200. Today, they’re 1 in 68!

In 2011, Medicare for Autism Now! Society produced, “Medicare’s Orphans”, a 42 minute documentary film about the fight to get healthcare for children with autism in Canada. We produced this film for parents, so they could understand the history of the autism treatment movement in Canada, see and learn from a variety of parent advocates, each engaged in effective, purposeful advocacy. The film is a blueprint for those who want to solve this problem. It’s for parents who understand that awareness without action is worse than useless, that real advocacy is quite often difficult and almost always unpopular. It is for parents who are no longer willing to accept the unacceptable.

There is going to be a federal election next October, so we thought it very timely for parents and supporters to take another look at, “Medicare’s Orphans” on our website: http://www.medicareforautismnow.org While you’re there, take a look at who we are, what we’ve accomplished, and what you can do.

The website contains detailed instructions/tools on how you, on your own or with others can effectively engage candidates in our issue prior to the fall election. Need more information, or want us to talk to your parent group, contact us at: mfanow@gmail.com

Go to our Facebook page: “Medicare for Autism Now” to watch the individual extended participant interviews in “Medicare’s Orphans”. Included are: Dr. Glen Davies, Dr. Mel DeLevie, parent advocates, Laurie Romey, Barry Hudson, sibling Lia Marinoui, and many more. First up will be powerful, New Brunswick parent advocate, and author of the popular blog, “Facing Autism in New Brunswick”, Harold Doherty. Watch, learn, share, ACT.

[Andrew Kavchak]

Hi Folks,

Well, last week there was the annual Autism Awareness Day. Below are three statements that were made in Parliament. Two by MPs in the House, and one by Senator Munson in the Senate.

Instead of talking about what needs to be done and what the government can and should do, Conservative Mike Lake usually gives a short speech about how wonderful his son is. However,t his year, his message is slightly different. Personally, I find that autism has had such a devastating impact on my own son's life, that I dislike autism quite a bit, and would love it if my son could experience life without autism, and be able to function like a normal human being. However, in his annual message, Mike Lake now seems to not only love his son, but his autism too.

With respect to Senator Munson's speech, what struck me was the reference to not only a National Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategy, but for the first time I see a reference to a "National Autism Awareness Strategy". It seems that we're still working on the awareness aspect.

House of Commons
April 1, 2015

World Autism Awareness Day

Hon. Mike Lake (Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is World Autism Awareness Day, and now 17 years since my son, Jaden, was diagnosed. It is also almost 16 years since his incredible sister, Jenae, was born. When she was just 13, in an interview with Steve Paikin, Jenae was asked a really tough question, “Do you ever sometimes wish that your brother was 'normal', like every other kid?”

Jenae answered without hesitation, “Well, honestly, since Jaden was diagnosed with autism before I was born, I don't exactly know what a 'normal' brother is like, so Jaden kinda is my normal”. She continued, “If he didn't have autism anymore, he wouldn't be the same as Jaden is now”.

Autism brings with it big challenges, varying significantly across the spectrum. However, as we help him deal with his challenges, we would never want to lose the Jaden we have now. The more that a 'normal' life for Canadians includes people with autism, the more we can work together through the hard stuff, and allow our brothers, sisters, neighbours and friends with autism to thrive.

World Autism Awareness Day

Hon. Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, April 2 marks the second World Autism Awareness Day in Canada.

Autism is one the most common developmental disabilities, affecting 1 in 100. Yet many of us are unaware of the extraordinary abilities of many with autism and the challenges they face.

Many on the autism spectrum have above-average intellectual and artistic capabilities, while others have difficulties with motor skills, intellectual disability, sleep interruption, and verbal and math skills.

Autism varies widely. The quality of care and support families receive depends on the province in which one lives. Families struggle to meet the daily challenges of caring for a loved one.

Federal leadership is needed to coordinate approaches to care, to share best practices and research, health, education, income support and caregiving. I know, having worked with many individuals and patients who have autism, that they are all extraordinary persons who contribute to their communities.

In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, many landmarks will be lit up in blue as part of the campaign. Be aware and work to remove the stigma of autism.

Senate Debates
April 1, 2015

World Autism Awareness Day

Hon. Jim Munson: I rise today to talk about World Autism Awareness Day, which is tomorrow. Moments ago I was on the front steps of Parliament, and there was a rally for autism. There were 200 of us there, and it was a feel-good experience. It's the third Autism Day on the Hill, carried out by my dear friend Suzanne Jacobson of QuickStart and KickStart here in Ottawa. She's on the Hill somewhere, and I want to thank her so much because she truly is a champion. Suzanne has made it a beautiful tradition for this day of awareness building to create a banner with pictures of Canadians with autism. You should have seen it today. It was so special.

The "faces of autism" banner includes the pictures and names of 165 people — children, adults and siblings. Some pictures are funny and quirky, others more formal, including graduation shots. Those photos make a powerful statement, and I'm grateful to Suzanne for helping Canadians to better understand what matters most in the ongoing effort to deal with autism as a social, moral and, above all, human rights issue.

In the last two days we had the first ever autism summit with 150 of us — we began with seven or eight of us about 10 years ago — from across the country under the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance, CASDA. The agenda was packed with insightful presentations and demonstrations. It was truly a wonderful time.

Based on the results of a national survey conducted last year to assess autism service needs amongst Canadians, discussions are moving forward. Yesterday, CASDA announced, for example, that it was asked to submit a proposal by the federal government to build a Canadian partnership with this government. I think this is a good thing. If it is successful — and I'm keeping my fingers crossed — there will be a lot of money in the upcoming budget. We're getting closer and closer to a national autism awareness strategy.

Honourable senators, and our guests here, tomorrow is World Autism Awareness Day. It is a day to recognize those living with autism and to reflect on how these individuals and Canadians can best ensure that their human rights are respected in this country we call home. It is about inclusiveness and a smart party would have this in their election campaign platform. If all of the parties have it, I'll support all of the parties on this specific issue, and I'll make that deal with everyone.

At this moment and within the current environment, I have never, ever believed more in a national autism spectrum disorder strategy — the absolute need for one, as well as our capacity to achieve one.

[Author]

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