Ontario’s unprecedented commitment to children with autism was strengthened this week as the Ernie Eves government announced it was once again doubling its investment to support autistic children and their families.

Our government recognizes that families of children with autism need support over the long term. That’s why we’re introducing new programs and services for children with autism so they can grow and learn.

Part of the funding will be aimed at recruiting and training people who specialize in children with autism. The plan calls for the launch of an aggressive recruitment strategy including working with colleges and universities to develop a curriculum.

About two-thirds of this new funding ($39.6 million) will go toward Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) for children aged two to five. The intensive approach involves trained therapists working one-on-one with children, reinforcing appropriate behaviour, language and academic skills.

New funding means the following services through the Intensive Early Intervention Program will be expanded:

— Individual services, plans, and assessments for each child;

— Intensive behavioural intervention services for children between the ages of two and five years;

— Recruitment of additional staff for regional service providers;

— Training for professionals in early identification, diagnosis, assessment and behavioural intervention;

— Training for parents so they can support their child’s treatment at home; and

— Evaluation that will ensure the program is effective.

A further $19 million will go towards new programs for older children of autism to help them make the transition to school.

Our government’s actions and initiatives prove we have always put a high priority on supporting the healthy growth and development of Ontario’s autistic children.

In fact, nationally, Ontario is a leader with our Intensive Behavioural Intervention program. We are the first government in Ontario to fund an Intensive Intervention Program for children with autism aged two to five.

Currently, more than 550 children and their families benefit from existing services. By increasing funding, an additional 610 children will be able to get the support they need by 2006-07.

When fully implemented over the next four years, this new commitment will make Ontario’s program the most extensive in North America for treating autistic children.

Don Valley West MPP David Turnbull is the associate minister of enterprise, opportunity and innovation for the Province of Ontario.