A plea for help

Re: New autism policy fixes affordable, but parents disappointed about no new cash, Randall Denley, Feb. 8

I’m wondering if Mr. Denley knows anyone personally who has autism. How smug and insensitive to dismiss the NDP’S belief that “all children should get every service they require” by saying that would be splendid but only “in a perfect world.” Well Mr. Denley, yes they should. They are our children and they are entitled to the assistance they need, just like every other child in Ontario.

He goes on to say “with a (provincial) deficit of up to $14.5 billion, it’s just not on.” That’s like saying: we know your arteries are blocked but the budget for stents has run out.

We are not dealing with upgrading our wardrobes. These are real live people with some devastating situations. In addition, no one ever talks about the strain on the families, the siblings and the marriage.

I find it amazing that when funds are needed for services that I deem elective, such as abortion or IVF or assisted suicide, they magically appear. To say the autism community is disheartened is an enormous understatement. These people are already spent with the needs in front of them and are losing their ability to fight. Is there a courageous politician, journalist, medical practitioner out there who will take up the cause? Please.

Marg Baker, Toronto