Newsroom

Holland Bloorview hosts MCYS announcement about Autism Services

Laurel Broten, Ontario’s Minister of Child and Youth Services (MCYS) announced today at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital that children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will benefit from new services and supports beginning late next spring.

Joining the Minister in her announcement were Don Valley West MPP, Kathleen Wynne, Dr. Wendy Roberts, Developmental pediatrician at Holland Bloorview and Co-Director of the Autism Research Unit at the Hospital for Sick Children, and Steven Scherer, Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children. Holland Bloorview also hosted dozens of stakeholders from the autism community who arrived to view the Minister’s announcement.

Following a tour of the hospital that included an opportunity for the Ministers to meet clinicians and researchers in the autism program, Minister Broten delivered her announcement in front of a large audience of autism stakeholders and Holland Bloorview staff.

"We are building on the significant progress we've made since 2003,” says Broten. “More kids are getting the right supports at the right time. Our government understands the challenges faced by families with children and youth with autism spectrum disorders, and we're determined to continue to make progress for these kids and their families."

In her announcement, Minister Broten stated that the province will increase its annual spending on autism by $25 million, bringing the total investment in autism to over $186.6 million since 2003-04.

8,000 kids with ASD will benefit annually from new Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)-based services, which will help them develop communication, social and daily living skills and to manage better in school. This is in addition to the intensive therapy already benefiting 1,446 children and youth under Ontario's Autism Intervention Program.

In addition, Ontario is also investing in the future of autism research in the province. A new clinical expert committee will provide advice on emerging research and best practices. Investment in leading edge autism research right here in Ontario will help to improve early detection and diagnosis, and better understand links with other conditions.

“As an academic centre of excellence, through research and in clinical practice, Holland Bloorview is heartened to see the increased focus on autism in this province,” says Sheila Jarvis, President and CEO, Holland Bloorview.

Visit the Ministry of Child and Youth Services for more information. 

• 
• 

Select Text Size

• Adjust text size: Small Aa
• Adjust text size: Medium Aa
• Adjust text size: Large Aa