[Kelly Moonie]

I wrote a message to my current MP, Mark Warawa, Conservative Party asking him what he was going to do about the current issue/problem with Autism funding. This was his response.

Thank you for taking the time to write asking for additional funding to support families with an autistic child. Let me assure you that through the many meetings and visits I have had with parents and their children, I understand the challenges of parents who face autism on a daily basis.

I was asked by Langley parents to advocate in Ottawa for the federal government to share in the cost of a university chair to be established in British Columbia. That commitment was announced in October 2007 with the $1 million grant from the federal government matching the province of BC towards a National Chair at Simon Fraser University. I have rallied for autism in Ottawa, spoken to my colleagues and supported the creation of the National Autism Strategy passed in the House of Commons in 2006. In April 2007, I co-hosted a meeting with Langley parents and caregivers along with MLA Mary Polak to discuss the roles each government takes with regard to health issues such as autism.

While the responsibility of treatment funding remains with the provinces, the Conservative Government is spending millions every year in research into autism. We are also providing help for families through the tax system, providing information about best practices, and building awareness about autism. Through the efforts of CIHR’s Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, which supports autism-related research, we are providing substantial support to find better treatments, and ultimately cures, for autism. While providing services for Canadians with autism is a provincial and territorial responsibility, we will continue to find ways to support parents and children.

Since taking office in 2006, the Conservative Government has made several changes to help families of children with autism. Our 2006 Budget increased the maximum annual Child Disability Benefit and extended it, allowing more families to qualify, and in our 2007 Budget we invested $140 million over two years to establish a Registered Disability Savings Plan. Budget 2008 expanded the GST/HST exemption for basic health and education services to include training for individuals with autism or other disabilities. Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) the federal government has spent or committed $3.1M in 2006-07 and $3.6M in 2007-08 alone into research on autism. On November 8-9, 2007, CIHR, in conjunction with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), hosted a national autism research symposium, convening researchers, service providers, family members, persons with autism, community organizations and government representatives, to share knowledge and to support dialogue on future research priorities.

This year (2007/08), Health Canada is providing $50K to the Offord Centre for Child Studies to enhance their Canadian Autism Intervention Network Web site (which specializes in making research results more widely available). In spring 2008, PHAC undertook a web-based public consultation with over 1,500 parents and concerned groups to find out how to better provide information to the autism community. A dedicated autism page has been created on the Health Canada Web site, with information and links for parents. In May 2008, CIHR became a member of the Pan American Autism Research and Services Training Initiative. This will help to develop research expertise in the area of public health and screening for early diagnosis of autism, and enhanced service delivery across the Americas by providing training to professional service providers.

I hope the above assures you of this government’s ongoing commitment to helping families facing the challenges of this condition.

Mark Warawa, M.P.
Langley

[Kelly Moonie]

IT'S A START!!

This morning, my mother emailed the anchors at GLOBAL news and asked them to address the fallowing question the the candidates that were on the show. (I believe this mornings candidates were from Newton/ North Delta)

The topic of Medicare came up, and the anchors jumped right into my moms question!!

**The fallowing was what my mom sent in, and the question addressed….

To: morningnews@globaltv.com
Subject: Candidates Question—Who Cares??

Good Morning Mr. Darling
Please ask todays candidates this question:

"If you are elected to the House of Commons on Oct. 14th, will you
publicly commit to supporting legislation which will amend the Canada
Health Act to include autism treatment?"

I have a 2 1/2 year old grandson who is autistic. My son-in-law works seven days a week so my daughter can stay home to look after her children and be present for therapy, a requirement. In BC the Provincial Government contributes $1667 for therapy until the child reaches the age of six. At the age of six the contribution then drops to $500 per month. Yes, that is correct. From $1667 per month to $500 per month. My grandson is already being deprived of the full compliment of therapists he requires as his parents can no longer afford to pay for the occupational therapist. My daughter and son-in-law spend $2000 a month of their own money to supplement the BC Government's contribution. In Alberta the Provincial Government pays for the complete care of autistic children until they reach adulthood. What about the care in other provinces? Your province? There is no universal health care in this country when WHERE you live is in direct association to the amount of care you receive. The Canada Health Act needs to be amended to include ALL children with disabilities. The Children of Canada are our future, lets not brush them aside. Who do you feel has the best interests of all Canadians at heart. Corinne Koftinoff

***Here was the reponse from the candidates:

NDP- YES absolutely. She then went on to say that she was a nurse and a teacher and agreed compleately with universal medicare in Canada!

Liberal- Agreed but brushed it aside. Didnt seem to concerned.

Concervatives- DIDNT even SHOW UP!!

THIS is what I need you ALL to do:

Every morning, if you have the opportunity, email the EXACT same question into global news. They have different candidates on the show every morning from 7:50- 800am. If the news anchors see this exact same question coming in EVERYDAY from hundreds of families, maybe we can really start something! Perhaps make it a major focus for all those in running to consitter.

All us families are HUGE in number. There are thousands of us effected by autism and if we ban together and bombard the news and press, then the gov't will have NO choice but to listen!

[Kelly Moonie]

AMBER.

I just did everything privately and actually just got approved for my funds yesterday. I got the pediatrician, speach path and physcologist evaluations all done privately. The only one that cost a bit of money was the physcologist. I went to an excellent man from the Able Clinic, Ron Schmit. His had a 2 month wait list ( minimal compared to the FHAN wait list) It wasn't to outragiously priced either. I can explain all about it if you want to email me. I will give you my number if you email me privately. moonie@telus.net

Talk to you soon =)

[Kelly Moonie]

Thanks to all who replied to my posting earlier. I have been given alot of helpful ideas. I am still looking for at least one line and a lead therapist. My family lives in LAngley. Anyone with helpful tips would be much apprieciated. Thanks Agian to all those who took the time to reply. Kelly (mom)

[Kelly Moonie]

Well, I cant begin to expain how frustrated I am. I have been searching for line and lead therapists for over 2 months now. Although I do have 2, I still need at least 1 more. I have had 8 people cancel interviews on me because I live in Langley and it is too far. I also had a lady who lived in LAngley, commit to the position and the back out because I couldnt offer her enough hours she needed to pay off her student loan. She didnt even have the courage to phone me, rather, she sent me an email.

My son just turned 2 years old and timing is very crutial. I want to start his program ASAP and have had nothing but downfalls. I feel extreamly discourage and I feel like I am letting my son down.

If anyone out there knows ANYBODY who lives near LAngley and would love the oportunity to make a difference in a terrific little boys life, please email me. moonie@telus.net

Thanks you so much. Kelly

[Kelly Moonie]

Morning !

I am interviewing Ik and kiran today from E.A.P. Just wondering if anyone has any feesd back on these two? Thanks.

moonie@telus.net

[Kelly Moonie]

***HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!***

***LEAD AND LINE THERAPISTS NEEDED***

An enthusiastic and dedicated person is needed to work with my 23 month old, autistic son.
Kyle is outgoing, energetic and always happy. I am aiming to have all the therapists ready to start his therapy program in January/08. ( The program will be conducted through a Behavioral Consultant at E.A.P.)

The therapists will play an important role in an intensive home-based therapy program. Our family lives in Langley. S/he will join a team of energetic people committed to improving Kyle's language, play and social skills.

The successful applicant must be willing to learn new teaching methods based on positive reinforcement, enjoy children, be dependable, and be excited about helping Kyle reach his potential. A criminal record check will be required as well as references.

Those applying for the Lead therapist postion must have a university background (students welcome)

A minimum commitment of 6 hrs per week is required. In addition, s/he must be willing to attend all team meetings.

Full training will be provided.

TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE EMAIL. moonie@telus.net

OR CALL: Kelly @ 604-539-0236

Thanks and I look forward to hearing your responses =D

[Kelly Moonie]

HELLO ALL! Kelly again.

Being as frazzled as I am, I forgot to post my email address. Thanks to those who remended me =)

I can be reached at moonie@telus.net

I live in LAngley and anyone with info reguarding line, lead therapists , support groups or ANYTHING that might help me, please let me know. I need the help! Thanks again, Kelly

[Kelly Moonie]

Attention Parents.

I am new to all this, so you can call me a very overwhelmed mother. I have inlisted in the sevices of Buffy Paul at the E.A.P. Clinic as well as her Conultants who work under her supervision.

I need feed back!! Any parents who has had thier child in Buffy's program or has had any experiences dealing with the E.A.P. Clinic ( Good or Bad) Please let me know! This is a very important decision and I really appreiciate any input!!

Thank you, Kelly

[Kelly Moonie]

Kelly here again,

I thought I would include my email address if anyone wanted to get ahold of me directly. Thanks for all the helpful advise in advance =)

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