Autism Awareness Month Proclaimed in Newfoundland and Labrador

The importance of community partnerships and awareness was highlighted by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, this week as she signed a proclamation declaring October Autism Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Autism Awareness Month is an important time to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder and to recognize the impact it has on individuals, families and caregivers,” said Minister Sullivan. “Through our significant annual investments, our government remains committed to working with our partners, including the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, to ensure the appropriate supports and services are in place to assist those affected by autism.”

In signing the proclamation, Minister Sullivan was joined by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, and, the Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Environment and Conservation, as well as members of the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our understanding of this complex disorder and the utilization of effective teaching practices, has grown by leaps and bounds—and our work continues,” said Minister Jackman. “Students who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder have access to a wide range of resources within the education system, including autism itinerants, speech-language pathologists, educational psychologists, guidance counsellors, special education teachers, classroom teachers and, where necessary, student assistants. Since 2009, we have invested more than $1.2 million in an Autism Spectrum Disorder Professional Development Plan for teachers and student assistants, and we are currently exploring new partnerships with our counterparts in Atlantic Canada to develop more training opportunities for educators.”

The Provincial Government has expanded the Applied Behavioural Analysis program in recent years for children with autism up to Grade 3. This program, which began as a pilot for preschool age children, provides intensive intervention for children who have been diagnosed with autism by a qualified professional.

“Autism Awareness Month provides an opportunity for each of us to reflect on important gains made in the autism community, but more importantly to highlight issues still challenging individuals with autism and their families,” said Scott Crocker, Executive Director, Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador. “The Provincial Government is a critical partner of ours and is helping increase access to funding for supports to assist individuals and families affected by autism.”

Since 2005, the Provincial Government has added 60 full-time positions throughout the regional health authorities to increase the capacity for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology and audiology services, all of which strengthen the services available for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

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2013 10 09                                     3:10 p.m.