Liberal Cuts to Autism Therapy Hurts Affected Barrie Family

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown asked the Premier about her Government’s cuts to Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) therapy for children aged five years and older, by raising the story of a young girl from Uxbridge in the legislature.

As a result of these Liberal cuts, more than 2,000 children who are presently on the waiting list will no longer be eligible for therapy. Private treatment is estimated to cost approximately $50,000 a year, yet the Liberal Government is only providing affected families on the waiting list a one-time payment of $8,000 to cover any costs incurred during the transition process.

During Question Period, Brown referred to an e-mail he received from Uxbridge resident Tia Riopel describing the positive impacts IBI therapy had on her young daughter, Jolie-Ann Jones. The e-mail said IBI therapy dramatically improved her communication skills, giving her the ability to make eye contact and to finally make friends. After six months of IBI therapy Jolie-Ann acknowledged her grandfather’s presence for the first time by giving him a hug.

“Listening to that, how can you take away IBI treatment from Jolie-Anne’s family? Autism doesn’t end at five.” Brown concluded his questioning. “Will the Premier think as a mother and as a grandmother and explain how she can take IBI treatment away from all of these children and their families?”

VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woc6DYaMmwo&feature=youtu.be