"All of us are terrified for the future of our children," said Sharon Gabison, one of the parents who is filing a complaint.

"Without the appropriate interventions, we are worried that our children will lead lives of desperation after we are gone."

The parents say the treatment, intensive behavioural intervention, is the best way of dealing with autism, a poorly understood brain dysfunction.

Currently, the therapy is provided by the Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services. Some children are on lengthy waiting lists for the treatment, which isn't funded after they reach age six.

The families are hoping the human rights commissioner will recommend the government change its policies and make intensive behavioural intervention a medically necessary treatment for autistic children beyond age six.

A spokeswoman for Children's Services Minister Brenda Elliott said the government's policy on the issue simply follows the advice of experts.

"The research we have indicates that (the treatment) is best when it's targeted at those at a young age," said Christine Bujold.

She added that the government recently announced plans to increase autism funding by almost $100 million by 2007, with the lion's share to be used for intensive behavioural intervention.

Other families have already filed complaints with the human rights commissioner over the issue. They are still pending.