Carrie Adelstein, a mother in Napanee, Ontario, has faced challenges in accessing supports for her five-year-old daughter who has been diagnosed with autism. It took her five years to obtain funding for services and three months to receive an Ontario Autism Program number for her daughter. Despite receiving some supports, Adelstein feels that the services are still out of reach for many families. She believes that the province is shifting the responsibility of providing support for children with special needs towards the private sector, potentially leaving many families without the resources they need.
Adelstein emphasizes the importance of the government prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing adequate support for families with children who have special needs. She believes that the government needs to invest in helping families access the necessary services and resources. The Ontario Autism Program offers a range of services, including family services, caregiver-mediated early years programs, core clinical services, entry to school programs, and urgent response services. In addition, the province also provides services for children at home, resources for teachers in childcare settings, rehabilitation services, and other related programs.
Despite a recent multi-million-dollar funding boost for autism supports in the latest Ontario budget, concerns remain about the accessibility of therapy for children with autism. The funding boost brings the total funding for the Ontario Autism Program to $720 million. However, there are worries that thousands of children may still struggle to access the therapy they need. Adelstein’s experience highlights the challenges that families with special needs children face in navigating the system and accessing the necessary supports.
Adelstein’s journey in obtaining support for her daughter’s autism diagnosis showcases the struggles that many families face in accessing services for children with special needs. She emphasizes the need for the government to prioritize supporting these families and ensuring that services are accessible and available. Adelstein’s concerns about the shifting responsibility of providing support to the private sector highlight the potential consequences for families who may not be able to afford the necessary services for their children.
The Ontario Autism Program aims to provide support to families of children and youth on the autism spectrum through a range of services and programs. However, the challenges in accessing these services, as highlighted by Adelstein’s experience, point to the need for continued advocacy and support for families with children who have special needs. The recent funding boost for autism supports in the Ontario budget is a step towards addressing these challenges, but more work is needed to ensure that all children have access to the therapy and resources they need. Adelstein’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing support for families with special needs children and the ongoing work required to improve access to services and resources.
