Check out the new link - Autism in Saskatchewan  Fall of 2009 -

Change slow to come in year since gov't revealed plan: group

By Jeremy Warren, The StarPhoenixNovember 16, 2009

Accountant Leland Kreklewich says he is an example of how early intervention and specialized programs can benefit those with autism
Photograph by: Greg Pender, The StarPhoenix, The StarPhoenix

Leland Kreklewich took an accounting class in Grade 10 because, as someone diagnosed with autism, his parents wanted him to learn basic independent life skills, such as how to balance a chequebook.  By the time the course finished, Kreklewich was helping other students with their work. When he attended SIAST in Moose Jaw for accounting, it was the same story. Although he was initially offered extra help and time for tests because of his disorder, other students instead sought him out for his accounting wizardry.  "I graduated with a 90 per cent average and based on that, I decided to give accounting a shot," said Kreklewich, sitting in the board room of his employer, Meyers Norris Penny.  The 25-year-old embodies what early intervention can do for a child with autism. Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Kreklewich often travelled with his parents from their Melville home to Regina for specialized autism programs.  Now he holds a reputable job, owns a condo and drives a car.  "(Driving) might be insignificant to a lot of people, but many people with autism spectrum disorder don't even know how to drive," said Kreklewich. "It can be dangerous in high-stress situations."  Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder. People on the autism spectrum process information differently, leading to poor social skills, learning problems and violent behaviour. One in 166 children in Saskatchewan is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, according to the provincial Ministry of Health. 

Kreklewich sits on an advisory board of Autism Society Canada and is a board member for Saskatchewan Families for Effective Autism Treatment (SaskFEAT). If the government doesn't move fast to improve access and funding for autistic children and their families, Kreklewich's story will remain the exception to the rule, rather than the normal outcome of an autistic life, SaskFEAT says.  In October 2008, the provincial government released its Framework and Action Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Services in Saskatchewan. The nine-page document, the result of consultation with autism groups and service providers, offered an extra $3 million for autism services.  The action plan also promised an extra 15 consultants and 18 para-professional workers to streamline delivery and help individualize programming for youth with autism from birth to age 19.  One year later, 12 consultants have been hired and four of the 18 para-professionals -- people with training in early child care and experience with children diagnosed with autism -- have been hired, according to the Ministry of Health.  "The remaining spots are expected to be filled in the next few months," said Linda Restau, director of continuing care and rehabilitation in the health ministry.  The consultants act as first contacts for families, the first step that will determine what services best meet the needs of individual autistic children.

Parents don't need a confirmed diagnosis to see a consultant, fast-tracking a child into the support system, said Restau.  "We heard in the process that parents wanted someone to see their children before a confirmed diagnosis," she said.  SaskFEAT wants a comprehensive autism strategy that does not exclude families based on income, location or age of the person with autism. The government's current policies fail all three requirements, says the organization.  "I have yet to see the benefits of the $3-million action plan," SaskFEAT executive member Arden Fiala said in an interview from her home in Shaunavon. "The money hasn't come to the front lines."  The struggle to find, retain and pay for the services of autism support workers such as speech language pathologists adds a lot of unnecessary stress to families, said Fiala, the mother of an autistic daughter in Grade 7.  "We're frustrated; we're tired," she said. "I'm too tired to be angry. It's a ripple effect. As parents, the situation affects all of us. We're paying a high price as a family. We're caregivers, educators and financiers."  Even if the government does fulfil its own action plan, the flawed framework will be ineffective, said NDP Opposition health critic Judy Junor.  "We're over a year now and there has been nothing done," said Junor. "The hiring has started, but there's not a consistent qualification requirement."  This issue hits close to home. The son of Junor's nephew might fall on the autistic spectrum, but the extent of the disorder is unknown because the child still hasn't been diagnosed.  "My nephew's boy waited months just to get an appointment so it's been a year and there's still no diagnosis," said Junor.  Long wait times for autism support are the norm, said Fiala.  "If I needed any specialized service, like behavioural testing, we have to wait seven months for an appointment," said Fiala. 

The health ministry says the average wait time for an autism diagnostic assessment is eight weeks.  Financing education and care for autistic children is difficult if one doesn't qualify for funding. Fiala spends $525 per month for pediatric appointments in Saskatoon (not including loss of income when one or both parents travel, she said), and Kreklewich's parents spent $15,500 for a one-year program, which required travel five times a week for 14 days every four weeks.  The income level testing has created a two-tier system, where families who can afford to pay for autism services receive support in a timely fashion while everybody else has to queue, if they even qualify for funding, said Junor.  "If we can't provide in the system, we have to look at individual subsidization like we see in the home-care system. Different children require different services," she said.  While autistic children in Saskatoon or Regina have easier access to services, those in rural areas have to travel often, adding more costs. Fiala travels to Saskatoon once a month for testing and must stay the night.  "It shouldn't matter if I'm in Estevan or Saskatoon, there should be trained professionals available for our children," said Fiala.  The new autism workers hired under the action plan will be mobile, said Restau.  "Support workers will provide services to individuals in their home communities," said Restau. "They will travel."  But adults with autism won't benefit from the new services. The plan only covers autistic people up to age 19, leaving autistic adults to find help within a social services system that isn't as responsive to individual needs, say critics.  "That's unfair," said Kreklewich. "There are cases where these kids will live with their parents for the rest of their lives."  Kreklewich went on to live a fully independent life and considers himself one of the lucky ones. "It was total freedom when I moved out," he said. "It was exciting." 

jjwarren@sp.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

PROVINCE MOVES TOWARD NEW FUNDING STANDARD FOR DAY PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

People with intellectual disabilities will have access to better-funded, more personalized supports that meet their needs following the announcement today of a new funding standard for the province's day programs.
The new funding standard matches day program funding with the assessed needs of people with intellectual disabilities. The old funding model was based on cost-per-space, which did not take into account individual differences in the support needs of clients.
"The piloting of a new funding standard for day programs demonstrates, once again, our commitment to provide quality supports to people with disabilities," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "This proposed new funding model and standard has the potential to be one of the most significant enhancements to day program funding for people with intellectual disabilities in more than a decade."
Full province-wide implementation of the new standard across all day programs funded by the Ministry of Social Services is expected to occur in the 2010-11 fiscal year. It is expected that implementation of this new standard will provide funding to CBOs for up to 170 full- and part-time jobs.
The new standard will be tested over the next six months as part of a $588,000 pilot project involving eight community-based organizations (CBO) that deliver day program services in Lloydminster, Meadow Lake, North Battleford, Preeceville, Regina, Weyburn, Wilkie and Yorkton.
The new funding standard is the result of a $7.7 million investment from the province - part of the government's four-year, $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 people with intellectual disabilities who require residential, day and specialized programs that meet their assessed needs.

For more information, contact:
Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca

NDP Calls for Expanded Autism Treatment Services
Posted: November 12, 2009

NDP Health critic Judy Junor said today that the Wall government must implement a comprehensive, long-term strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Junor, accompanied by representatives of SASKFEAT (Saskatchewan Families for Effective Autism Treatment), raised the issue during Question Period today and also introduced a motion in the Legislative Assembly calling for action.

“We’re hearing clearly from parents coping with the challenges of raising autistic children that the necessary diagnostic services, treatment, and ongoing support needed to adequately care for their children simply aren’t available in Saskatchewan,” Junor said.

Junor said that while a comprehensive strategy based on best practices and evidence-based research from other jurisdictions is absolutely needed here, until that system is in place, many families are looking for solutions now. She said the government should act immediately in at least two specific ways: allowing autism treatment to be funded through an Individualized Funding mechanism and removing the income test for Cognitive Disabilities Funding.

“Individualized Funding would provide parents of autistic children the flexibility to choose the treatment methods and supports that align with proven therapies and their needs,” Junor said. “And far too many families cannot access the disabilities treatment their children may require because of the income cut off. No one is asked to go through an income test if they have a broken hip and they shouldn’t be asked to do so in searching for autism treatment either.”

Junor also said many families with autistic children are frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles placed before them in accessing diagnostic and treatment services from government. Currently, the Ministries of Education and Health both play large roles in assisting families but Junor said too often, they feel ignored or shuffled off by one or the other.

“What’s desperately needed here is an umbrella mechanism within government where families with autistic children can receive one-stop, seamless care,” Junor said. “The challenges faced by these parents are large enough without wasting precious time and energy searching for help within the government.”

“The bottom line in all of this is that parents need to be provided the opportunity to choose the best treatment options for their autistic children,” Junor said. “But we also need a comprehensive, dedicated approach from government in moving towards a system where early diagnosis and effective treatments are available right here at home without providing undue financial pressure on these families.”

For further information, please contact Scott Calimente - NDP Caucus Office - (306) 787-7388

February 5 & 6, 2010
Saskatoon, SK, TCU Place
Autism Awareness Centre Presents:
Paula Kluth - “You're Going to Love This Kid": Teaching & Supporting Children on the Spectrum
Paula Aquilla - The Role of Sensory Processing in Learning, Behaviour and Activities of Daily Life
For more information, please contact Victoria Harris at 1-866-724-2224 or (780) 474-8355 Fax: (780) 477-8350
E-mail: vharris@shaw.ca Visit our website to register on-line and view complete conference information at www.autismawarenesscentre.org .

Saskatchewan families for effective autism treatment inc.
Box 2545, Tisdale, SK. S0E1T0
Phone:(306) 862-4768 Fax:(306) 862-3899
www.saskfeat.com
saskfeat@hotmail.com

Mission Statement: To be a support to and for Saskatchewan people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families and their communities.


October 23, 2009

Dear Friends:

SASKFEAT is coordinating an autism awareness event on November 12, 2009 and we invite you to join us. We will be in the Upper Chamber of the Legislature from 10:00AM to 1:00PM, please arrive by 9:15AM, when the opposition will be questioning the government on autism services, or rather, lack of autism services in our province. At that time a member’s motion will be presented by the NDP.  SASKFEAT, in conjunction with the opposition, is developing a series of questions that will be asked that will include a member’s statement and a 75 minute debate. These questions focus on the need for an immediate Saskatchewan Autism Strategy to cover the lifespan of all individuals with ASD and provide those services to the individuals in their community.  These questions do not target, endorse or recommend any one treatment methodology. Instead we suggest that parents should be allowed to choose treatment methods and supports that align with their own preferences. Until an acceptable and proven Saskatchewan Autism Strategy is available we will be demanding sufficient “individualized” funding for every individual on the autism spectrum. This immediate funding will not be income tested and will be kept in place until the government establishes a proven Saskatchewan Autism Strategy that works for everyone and that can be delivered across Saskatchewan.  SASKFEAT is asking on November 12, 2009, that everyone who has been affected by autism attend the meeting. Please bring family and friends to hear what the government of Saskatchewan has to say about providing services and funding for autism. We need people to flood the gallery, the over flow room, and outside to show our common concern.  It is time for all of us to join together to show that enough is enough and that our loved ones lives should not depend on the cost of potash or the governments lack of knowledge.  Please email me your attendance response at saskfeat@hotmail.com by November 9th, 2009.

Sincerely,

Tim Verklan
President
SASKFEAT

Parents complain of lack of funding
 
By Anne Kyle, Leader-PostOctober 23, 2009

As a parent of a 12-year-old girl with Aspeger syndrome, Arden Fiala said she has yet to see the benefits from the $3-million provincial action plan for autism spectrum disorder.  In October of last year, the provincial government announced, as part of its action plan, that 15 new consultants and 18 new support workers will be hired by the regional health authorities to provide enhanced supports and services to children with ASD and their families.  "It's a start, but it definitely does not address the immediate concerns that we have as parents with children who fall within the spectrum,'' Fiala said in a telephone interview from Shaunavon.  "The one problem we face is the fact that autism is affecting so many children.''  She added it is estimated one in 150 children in Canada is affected by this neurological disorder. However, it is difficult to tell how many children in Saskatchewan are affected or how many adults on the spectrum are diagnosed because there is no mechanism in place right now to track those individuals, she said.  "The invisible nature of this disorder, makes it so much harder to create the awareness and understanding of ASD. Physically, people who fall within the spectrum don't look disabled. They look fine (physically) because the disorder is invisible,'' she said.  Fiala said parents are faced with long wait times -- often as long as two to three years -- to access diagnostic and treatment services.  "It is unethical, when you receive the diagnosis of autism, and there is no programming available for our children in this province, there is no strategy in place and there is no funding in place. So we are given a diagnosis, and then told there is no options, here in the province,'' she said.  Often, a high-functioning child with ASD or Asperger's (a child with average to above average intelligence) falls through the cracks and isn't diagnosed until that child is about seven or eight years old, Fiala said.  "It is the child's social behaviour that ends up being the pronounced deficit in their behaviours,'' she said, explaining autism spectrum disorder affects the way a person's brain processes information, and impedes the way they communicate, interact socially and their behaviour which can be restricted and repetitive.  As part of Canadian Autism Awareness Month, the national organization and the Saskatchewan Families for Effective Autism Treatment (SaskFEAT) are calling for a pan-Canadian strategy that ensures the thousands of Canadians with ASD receive the support, treatment and services they need to help them reach their full potential and becoming contributing members of society.

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

Box/C.P. 22017,

1670 chemin Heron Rd,

Ottawa, ON

K1V 0C2

Phone/Tél: (613) 789-8943

E-Mail: info@autismsocietycanada.ca

Website: www.autismsocietycanada.ca

Charitable registration number: 13160 7657 RR 0001

Canadian Autism Awareness Month (CAAM) - October 2009

CAAM events across Canada

During the month of October many provincial and territorial events are planned around the country to raise Autism awareness and to celebrate our successes. Autism Society Canada posts a comprehensive list of provincial and territorial events on its website at: www.autismsocietycanada.ca

“As a parent of a child living with an ASD, Autism Society Canada is helping me to find answers. I look forward to talking with other Canadians living with an ASD child and their families about available ASD resources, from across this country. This will have a measurable impact on my daily life, as a mother, as a  teacher and a direct impact on my family's life, and more importantly, my daughter's life, as she was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.”. – Arden C. Fiala, parent and volunteer from Saskatchewan, SASKFEAT director

A Canadian National Autism Strategy

Canada’s Health Minister the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq issued a Ministerial Message to remind us of the importance of continuing to raise awareness in Canada. Autism Society Canada continues to work with the Federal Government to ensure Canada develops its National Autism Strategy. Families and individuals continue to struggle with limited funding, resources and supports. The thousands of Canadians with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) deserve support for treatments and services to help reach their full potential and contribute to society. “Autism Society Canada has a responsibility to again call upon politicians and policy makers during this month to make autism a national priority. ASC’s ultimate goal remains to develop a National Autism Strategy for all Canadians.” – Michael Lewis, President of ASC

CAIRN (Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network) Symposium

Autism Society Canada’s Board members and its Advisory Committee of Adults on the Spectrum were present at this national conference in Toronto October 2, 2009. The conference brought together scientists and practitioners from across disciplines, as well as parents and policy makers to share information and to discuss potential research topics with autism stakeholders. For the first time, persons on the autism spectrum were also present to share their thoughts and views on a research agenda. It was such a great honour and responsibility for the Advisory Committee to be part of this CAIRN symposium and to provide a first-hand perspective on research issues that matter to adults on the Autism Spectrum, a crucial element that’s been sorely needed in Autism research for the longest time Committee of Adults on the Spectrum – Kristian Hooker – Chair, Advisory

Canadian Charter of Rights for Persons with Autism

People with autism should share the same rights and privileges enjoyed by all citizens of Canada with appropriate consideration to the best interests of the person with autism. These rights should be enhanced, protected and enforced by appropriate legislation in each province and territory. ASC is encouraging feedback (Charter was proposed in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), April 2 admin@autismsocietycanada.ca) regarding the Canadian Charter of Rights for Persons with Autism. The originalnd 2009.

Founded in 1976, Autism Society Canada has grown to become a strong federation of Canada-wide provincial and territorial autism societies whose collective memberships represent the largest body of individuals affected by ASDs and their families in Canada.

Check it out Canadians. Do you think our Canadian government is paying attention?

Fight To Overcome Autism Gets Major Boost, Higher Priority

By Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Last Wednesday, President Obama visited the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to announce the single biggest investment in biomedical research in American history. Among the $5 billion in grants he announced are new explorations of longtime research targets from cancer to heart disease. But the grants also include the largest-ever investment in an Obama administration priority that has so far gone mostly unnoticed: autism research.

President Obama has made autism a focus from the first days of his presidency. Less than a week after he was sworn in, my department’s Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee released its first-ever strategic plan for government autism research. And President Obama has backed this plan by adding $1 billion to his budget for autism over the next eight years. Altogether, the federal government will provide nearly twice as much funding for autism research in the upcoming fiscal year as we had just three years ago.

We needed a new focus and new resources because autism has emerged as an urgent public health challenge. As recently as the 1990s, scientists thought autism was a rare disorder that affected 1 in every 2000 kids. Earlier this decade, we revised that estimate to say that 1 in every 150 kids was somewhere on the autism spectrum. Our most recent data suggest that autism may be even more common than that. Almost every American I talk to about this issue knows at least one family that is affected by autism.

Autism has created new challenges for families, schools, and health care providers. When parents discover that their child has autism today, they’re left with a lot of questions, but few answers. What causes autism? How can it be prevented? Which treatments can help? Where can I get needed services? These questions aren’t new. And the government has tried to address them in the past, most notably with the Combating Autism Act, which passed in 2006. But there has never been a comprehensive, well-funded effort across government to overcome autism – until now.

As Secretary of Health and Human Services, I oversee many of the agencies that are participating in this effort. At the NIH, new research funds are being used to address every aspect of autism from testing innovative treatments to exploring the unique needs of the growing number of adults with autism to searching for the genes underlying the disorder.

At the Health Resources and Services Administration, they’re helping train health professionals to recognize autism early when we know treatments can be more effective. They’ve also created two national autism research networks that will allow researchers to gather data from different sites in order to identify the most promising treatments for autism. These networks will also create channels for these best practices to flow back to parents and providers around the country, so that Americans can have the latest evidence on which treatments work and which don’t.

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services is working with states to provide targeted case management that helps kids with autism get the support they need at home and at school. And for the first time ever, they’re supporting medical home models that can help children with autism get the kind of coordinated, family-centered care that helps them thrive.

President Obama is also taking steps to make sure health insurance reform will address the needs of families with autism. Under the plan he has proposed, private insurance companies would no longer be able to deny you coverage just because you or someone in your family has a condition like autism. And in order to participate in new health insurance exchanges, insurance companies will have to agree to offer mental health services that help families with autism on par with other benefits.

Like public health challenges such as polio in the 1950s and HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, we must address the rising prevalence and complex needs of people with autism. We still have more questions than answers. But with additional funding and a new coordinated national strategy, we are working harder and more closely together to find those answers than ever before.

Kathleen Sebelius is the Secretary of Health and Human Services in President Barack Obama's Cabinet. She was the Democratic governor of the state of Kansas from 2003 to 2009

Arden C. Fiala, Saskatchewan's representative for the Autism Society Canada, presented The Right Honorable Mr. Dwain Lingenfelter an Autism Awareness Lapel Pin, and Bracelet, as October is Autism Awareness month in Canada. Arden Fiala is also a SASKFEAT (Saskatchewan Families for Effective Autism Teatments) director. SASKFEAT is a provincial organization made up of families, friends and dedicated professionals who have a genuine interest and concern with the well being and development of individuals with Autism and within the Autism Spectrum. SASKFEAT mission is to be a support to and for Saskatchewan people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families and their communities.
 

Autism Services is pleased to announce that registration for the one day conference, Asperger’s Syndrome and Adolescence: Planning for Social and School Success is now open. The conference will be held on Saturday October 17th and is designed for parents, teachers, teacher associates, vocational/day program workers, residential workers, advocates and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and autism.

We are very pleased to be bringing Brenda Smith-Myles to Saskatchewan so that she can share her expertise on the unique characteristics of individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and high functioning autism. She with be introducing the Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS) which can be used in a variety of settings to facilitate social, behavioral, vocational and academic success. She will be focusing on the “how to” of implementing the program in the school system as a specific example of how the program can be used.

Funding for the conference has been provided by Saskatchewan Health and as a result we have been able to keep the costs very low at $50 per person including lunch. Sponsorship for parents for whom the conference fee is a burden can request that the fees be waived as we have set up a special fund to support their attendance.

The conference registration brochure is available online at our website http://www.autismservices.ca/. The registration deadline is October 2nd.

We would appreciate if you would forward this email on to anyone else you think may be interested in attending the conference.

Morgan Rice
Conference Coordinator
Autism Services
(306) 665-7013 ext 233

Bullying and Autism Spectrum Disorder
 

Are you the parent of a child or youth who has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome or Autism? Researchers from York University, Dr. Jonathan Weiss and Catherine Cappadocia, are conducting a nation wide study to investigate bullying experiences among children and youth diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There is currently little research on this topic despite anecdotal evidence that suggests it is a very important issue for children and youth with ASD. This study will identify factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of bullying and investigate the impact of bullying on the mental health of children with ASD.

Please take 30 minutes to complete an important survey about bullying! As a first step towards a better understanding of bullying and victimization among children and youth with ASD, parents can complete this survey online. Parents will be asked to talk about their child’s experiences with bullying, school situation, and diagnosis and symptoms of Asperger syndrome or Autism. Parents will also be asked their own perspective on their child’s health and behaviour and how this makes them feel.

Survey results will be used to support school and community programs for children and youth with ASD. The knowledge gained through this study will contribute to the development of future bullying prevention and intervention programs across Canada. This project was approved by the York University Research Ethics Board.

Thank you in advance for your consideration! As a token of our appreciation, all survey participants will be entered into a draw for $300.

To learn more about the survey or to participate, please click here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=bZg3nLA_2bQWdW_2bI_2fz_2bbXchw_3d_3d

You can also see the other projects we have for families of people with ASD by going to the website: www.familyprojects.ca 

SASKFEAT – Saskatchewan Families for Effective Autism Treatment Inc. – continuous commitment to effective autism services in Saskatchewan, is please to offer individuals wishing to attend the Autism Resource Centre ABA five day workshop access to ten grants of $500 each. These grants are to subsidize paid registrations for the workshop. To apply for the grant, please forward your name, address, email address, phone number, who you represent – family, school division, etc., your experience with autism, a short note on the need for the grant and a copy of your paid workshop registration receipt..

Grant deadline application date is June 15, 2009. All applications will be notified by June 19 via email and grants will be paid out June 29th.

SASKFEAT commends and supports ARC for coordinating this workshop June 22-26 in Regina. The importance of obtaining proper and proven training methods to effectively work with individuals with ASD cannot be stressed enough. Autism Partnership has the expertise in presenting not only important basic information on autism but also provides the unique opportunity to work hands – on to maximize the learning process of the effective methods being presented.

Grant funding was made possible by Autism Society Canada’s Run The Dream Committee and SASKFEAT.

For more information contact Tim @306-862-4768

SASKFEAT

Box 2811

Nipawin, SK S0E1E0

saskfeat@hotmail.com

www.saskfeat.com

The Saskfeat Annual General Meeting will be held on skype on June 24th at 8:30.  If you are interested contact Tim at Saskfeat@hotmail.com to be included.  A family fun day will be held in June details to be posted on this website.

The Saskfeat Annual General Meeting will be held on skype on June 24th at 8:30.  If you are interested contact Tim at Saskfeat@hotmail to be included.  A family fun day will be held in June details to be posted on this website.

Please check out the new link to Dr. Ron Leaf's workshop that was held in Regina in January 2009. 

Thanks to the Department of Education for setting up this linkage.

In preparation for World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2nd 2009, the Board of Directors of ASC is proud to propose a Canadian Charter of Rights for Persons with Autism [PDF]. Our ultimate goal is to one day adopt the Canadian Charter recognizing the inherent rights of all Canadians living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The charter is inspired by a European Charter presented at the 4th Autism-Europe Conference in 1992 which was adopted as a written declaration by European Parliament in 1996. It also references the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990) as well as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006).

ASC is proud to present a Canadian version based on the belief that individuals living with an ASD should share the same rights and privileges enjoyed by all citizens of Canada with appropriate consideration to the best interests of the person with autism.

Please take a moment to read the charter and join the Board of ASC in distributing a Canadian Charter of Rights for Persons with Autism. We value your opinion and welcome your feedback on this landmark document.  Please click on link to view charter.