The following statement was read today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education:

Minister Marks World Autism Awareness Day

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this House to recognize today, April 2, as World Autism Awareness Day, and to assure individuals and families affected by this disorder that our government has heard their concerns, and we are making the necessary investments to address timely diagnosis, and improved services.

My colleague in the Department of Health and Community Services announced last week that Budget 2014 makes provision to increase capacity for autism assessment and treatment and to reduce wait times for children with autism and other developmental conditions. An investment of $2 million this year, annualizing to almost $4 million in 2015-16, will allow for the addition of 22 positions in the regional health authorities this year, increasing to 30 positions next year. These new positions include a developmental pediatrician at the Janeway, child management specialists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.

In addition to these investments, Mr. Speaker, Health and Community Services has been working with Eastern Health to develop an action plan. The intent is to make more efficient use of resources already in place to ensure that wait times are reduced and that children receive the care they need as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, in terms of the K-12 education system, a comprehensive review of services in recent years has resulted in the creation of six positions for autism itinerants at regional offices, autism resource kits for each school, and the development of a Provincial Professional Development Plan, which to date has seen more than $1.2 million invested in specialized training for teachers and student assistants.

And our work continues Mr. Speaker. In January, I announced our involvement in an Atlantic partnership called “Autism in Education” through the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Council. This partnership will see more online autism training delivered to teachers, administrators, and other educational personnel to help implement teaching strategies for students with autism and other developmental disabilities.

In short, Mr. Speaker, we have been working very hard to address the growing need for autism services, both for children and adults. We will continue to work with the Newfoundland and Labrador Autism Society, and with health and education professionals, to address issues as they arise.

2014 04 02                                    2:25 p.m.