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NDP CAUCUS SERVICES

Attention News Editors and Health Reporters:

Ombudsman to investigate wait times for autism treatment

    OTTAWA, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - Ontario's Ombudsman has agreed to launch an
investigation into the long waiting lists for obtaining IBI treatment for
autistic children, at the request of NDP Health Critic Shelley Martel on
behalf of two families with autistic children.
    Martel, the MPP for Nickel Belt, made the announcement during a speech at
the Ottawa Cycle for Autism BBQ at Lakeside Gardens today.
    In a Sept. 6 letter to Martel, Ombudsman Clare Lewis said, "Based on the
preliminary research my office has conducted, I share your concern and intend
to commence an investigation of this issue on my own motion."
    Martel called the Ombudsman's investigation "encouraging."
    "When the Ombudsman gets involved, that can add weight to our push for
fairness and can force the government to right the wrong. Autistic children
need IBI treatment to have a chance of a near-normal life. Now's the time to
step up the pressure," she told the Ottawa parents group.
    Martel also used the occasion to launch a province-wide leaflet campaign
for effective Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) treatment for autistic
children.
    "All autistic children should be able to get the treatment they need
regardless of their age," Martel said. "The Ministry of Health recognizes
autism as a medical disorder. It's time the Ministry properly funded the
necessary treatment under OHIP."
    Martel also called on the Conservative government to develop a solution
for assisting autistic children in the public school system and highlighted
the need to develop clear regulations and standards to ensure that children
get consistent, high quality IBI treatment.
    IBI is an acknowledged effective and medically necessary treatment for
autistic children. But the Conservatives cut off funding for the treatment
when a child turns six. As well, hundreds of families are on a waiting list
for IBI. Hundreds of children are turning six before ever receiving treatment.
Through IBI treatment many children have overcome the illness to become fully
functional members of society.





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For further information: Media contact: MPP Shelley Martel cell:    
(416) 407-6296

 

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