Futures On The Line: Janet McLaughlin
Janet McLaughlin, Professor of Health Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, discusses her research on the impact of autism service challenges on family well-being, and responds to the PC government's proposed autism service model. __________________________________________________________________ On February 6, 2019, Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, made an announcement to overhaul autism services in Ontario. The previous Ontario Autism Program covered 100% of eligible therapies, although thousands of children were waiting years for service. Under the new model, parents would be given a “childhood budget” that they can use to purchase behavioural therapy, respite or technological aids. Budgets will be capped at $20,000 a year for children under six, and $5,000 for children and youth aged 6-17, with reduced amounts for families making over $55,000 a year, and cut off completely for families making $250,000. Children with severe needs often require intensive therapy that can cost up to $80,000 a year. In our series of interviews, we explore how Ontario families are impacted by this change.
Janet McLaughlin, Professor of Health Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, discusses her research on the impact of autism service challenges on family well-being, and responds to the PC government's proposed autism service model. __________________________________________________________________ On February 6, 2019, Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, made an announcement to overhaul autism services in Ontario. The previous Ontario Autism Program covered 100% of eligible therapies, although thousands of children were waiting years for service. Under the new model, parents would be given a “childhood budget” that they can use to purchase behavioural therapy, respite or technological aids. Budgets will be capped at $20,000 a year for children under six, and $5,000 for children and youth aged 6-17, with reduced amounts for families making over $55,000 a year, and cut off completely for families making $250,000. Children with severe needs often require intensive therapy that can cost up to $80,000 a year. In our series of interviews, we explore how Ontario families are impacted by this change.