Increased services for autism spectrum disorder in the Estrie region
Record staff
of the first Quebec Forum on Autism Spectrum Disorder, held on February 11 and 12, 2016, during which people with ASD, their families, experts and actors have had the opportunity to exchange ideas and vote on actions to be given priority.
To support the announced measures, the Government of Québec will provide a recurring annual investment of $29 million for the province as a whole and an additional $1.25 million to support research, training and production of intervention tools related to autism spectrum disorder. In addition, $11 million is added for the first year of the Action Plan to reduce waiting lists.
The investments announced include the following objectives:
• Increasing the number of children under the age of 5 benefiting from the intensive behavioral intervention (IBI) program and rehabilitation services (45 per cent reduction in the waiting list);
• eliminating the waiting list entirely, thereby increasing the number of families receiving support for respite, care and babysitting services (nearly 700 new families will benefit);
• Providing financial support to community organizations to create new respite, management, and caretaking spaces;
• Systematically assigning a key player to young children as soon as they access services: These actors will act as service coordinators, relieving parents of the associated burdens
• ensuring the continuity of services at the end of schooling (21 years) in order to promote integration at work or other types of activities.
"Through this action plan, we want to make a difference in the lives of people with autism spectrum disorder and their families, from childhood to adulthood,” Charlebois said. “We know that their lives are challenging and we want to accompany them in all important stages of their lives."
"The goal is to do everything possible to ensure that people affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly those in the Estrie region, can benefit from the additional resources necessary for their development,” added Fortin.
The 2017-2022 Autism Spectrum Disorder Action Plan is available at: msss.gouv.qc.ca/tsa