Smith calls the new OAP the Gold Standard

The Needs Based Ontario Autism Program was the focus for a Wednesday morning media conference with Minister of Community, Children, and Social Services Todd Smith.

The Bay of Quinte MPP discussed the overhaul of the Ontario Autism Program, to become a needs based model.

Before going into details, he discussed the COVID lock down and the challenges on those with special needs.

“COVID-19 has put unbearable challenges on our families across the province, across the country, and indeed around the world. Throughout these difficult times we have had to make many sacrifices to keep one another safe. The pandemic and the lock down have been particularly hard on individuals with special needs and their families. I have spoken with concerned parents, advocates, service providers and community partners, who have told me about the struggles they are facing. I can assure you that we have heard you. Your questions and concerns have guided and continue to guide our work as we move forward with the new needs based Ontario Autism Program.”

He says over the next several weeks, the program will be working with 600 families across the province to ensure the assessment of children with autism, is working correctly.

“We want to make sure that we have a good number of kids, younger ages, some from the older ages, some in between, with different levels of need, and making sure they are coming from different parts of the province as well. Working with a number that we can continue to communicate with those individuals, their families, and the clinicians that are helping to provide the services to make sure that it is going to work and we can proceed from there.”

Smith says it is a critical step forward in autism services in Ontario.

” …behavioural therapy, speech language pathology, occupational therapy and mental health support, based on individuals’ needs.”

Smith says they are looking for the program to work with 8,000 families by year’s end, with the goal of helping as many families as possible.

He added that for those who are not at the front of the intake line, they will continue to receive money, with the family overseeing therapy and assistance for children with autism.

Smith says he believes the Ontario Autism Program will be the “gold standard” other jurisdictions will look to.

You can listen to Wednesday morning’s media conference below