Opposition Leader says the government’s new Autism  Action Plan is typical of how the Ghiz administration responds to pressure from Islanders on  controversial issues.

Jim Bagnall calls autism paper token gesture

“Once again we see this government handing out another glossy document, but as per usual we  see only a fraction of that report set to be implemented and offering only token measures,” said Opposition Leader Jim Bagnall.

“It’s  sole purpose is try to make government look good in the eyes of the public.”

Bagnall said he can understand the frustration and anger of Islanders who have to fight every day for their children.

“These parents know how important early intervention is to their child, and  they know that every day, every month that goes by, without professional help hurts their child’s  ability to adapt and become a part of their environment, socially, emotionally and academically. ”

“They know how vital early intervention is, they need help and this action plan does not deliver  it.”

Bagnall said providing $1 more per hour for therapists to work with these children will not  address issues of staff turnover, shortages and the subsequent gaps in the child’s therapy.

“How  many trained professionals are going to be attracted to do this work at $11 per hour? It’s  ludicrous.”

Bagnall questioned the hiring of a “part-time” navigator who also has “other duties” to help  parents of autistic children. “This is a prime example of government trying to fool Islanders into  believing that they are doing something. I’d say good luck to those parents who want to access  that service,” said Bagnall.

Overall, Bagnall said the recommendations of the strategy are ambiguous, wordy and vague.

“Government has been working on this strategy for two years, yet they didn’t consult with  parents who could have offered valuable advice and suggestions. Now, instead of a comprehensive and all-inclusive strategy there are major gaps that are going to have to be addressed in the future. Why not just do it right the first time?”

Bagnall said government is trying to make it appear that they have “stepped up to the plate” to  address this issue, when in reality the parents of these children are still going to be paying for  private therapy, out-of-province assessments and in-home care without any real help from  government. “These parents are once again being left angry and frustrated and without proper access to services and programs.”

(From Opposition Office)

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