Leader Patrick Brown to the Premier: Autism doesn’t end at five

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown used Question Period to demand the Government reverse their cuts to autism therapy. 

“Cutting IBI treatment for children over five is a mistake. It is a mistake to take the chance for IBI treatment away from 5 year old Keith in Toronto,” said Brown, referencing a five year old boy who was removed from the waitlist for therapy. “His mom called these changes ‘devastating for [her] child’s future.’ And she said the devastating cuts to Keith’s treatments are ‘heartbreaking.’” 

As of May 1st, the Liberal Government has terminated IBI treatment for those five and above, despite IBI being considered an effective and life-changing treatment for many. By the Ministry of Children and Youth Services’ own numbers, approximately 85 per cent of children who receive IBI therapy are over the age cut-off.  

“Thousands of families waited for years for IBI treatment, then with a stroke of a pen, this government ripped any ounce of hope they had away from them,” said Brown. 

“Will the Premier put herself in the shoes of these families? Will she give them the hope they need? The hope they deserve?” concluded Brown. “Will you fund IBI for kids over five? Autism doesn’t end at five.” 

VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaj95QEJT7k&feature=youtu.be