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By Caden Fanshaw

AUTISM FUNDING

Local mother outraged after Province monopolizes autism funding

Nov 12, 2021 | 5:28 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Not long ago, the province announced the funding model for children diagnosed with autism in BC would be changing.

Minister of Children and Family Development Mitzi Dean called it an improved system but many have begged to differ since the announcement was made.

Barbara Kayter a Speech-Language Pathologist in Prince George who treats many children with autism says the plan is a disaster waiting to happen.

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Chrystal Green is just one of many parents frustrated with the changes, her son has been diagnosed with autism and she says what the province is trying to do is flat out wrong.

“We’ve been on this journey for over six years, we have personally vetted and brought people in to support our family,” says Green. “Through all the work that we put in, we received an email, an impersonal email from the Minister saying that this decision has been made.”

Green and Kayter want the decision to be reversed, and funding to be restored for families who have kids diagnosed with autism.

Autism BC in conjunction with other autism groups in the province shared their concerns in an open letter to Minister Mitzi Dean, and Premier John Horgan demanding more consultation

Letter from Autism BC

The Ministry of Children and Family Development responded Friday afternoon to a CKPG News request for comment.

“The ministry is committed to ensuring families have access to the services they need, when they need them, in their own communities. Under the current patchwork of programs, many families have struggled to access services for their children with disabilities, neurodivergent and other support needs.”

“A new network of family connections hubs across the province, including in the north, will make services available in a consistent way, whether families are living in urban areas or in more rural and remote regions of B.C.”

“The new service system is based on consultation that started in 2019 with more than 1,500 Indigenous and non-Indigenous families, service providers, social workers and many others. It is also informed by recommendations from the Representative for Children and Youth and the all-party Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth. We continue to hear from and listen to families, advocates and service providers on how best to support them through this transition.”

“Nothing is changing right now for families and we will continue to engage with families, service providers, and community agencies to ensure we get this right. Public information sessions for families and service providers will begin at the end of the month. During these 90-minute sessions, staff will answer technical questions about the new family connections hubs and how our ministry will be supporting families during the gradual transition.”

“We encourage anyone seeking further information to visit www.gov.bc.ca/ChildYouthSupportNeeds or call the support line at 1-833-882-0024.”