Executive Council
Health and Community Services
Education and Early Childhood Development
October 22, 2015

Supporting Healthy Communities

Partners Promote Awareness During Autism Month

October is being recognized as Autism Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. In signing the proclamation, the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, were joined by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, as well as members of the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The need has grown for autism programs over recent years, and we have been there to ensure that the necessary investments are made in order to address timely diagnoses and improved services. Our government and The Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador have worked together and along with health and education professionals, I believe we continue to facilitate positive changes in the lives of those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Budget 2014 allocated funding of $2 million, annualizing to $3.9 million in 2015-16, to increase capacity for assessment and to reduce wait times for children with developmental conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Our government has focused on dedicating significant investments over the past several years to increase support and resources for individuals with autism and their families. Under the leadership of Premier Davis, we continue to strengthen our valuable partnerships with community groups to raise awareness and to assist those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

The Provincial Government provides support to the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (ASNL) with an annual grant of approximately $507,000. ASNL is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting the development of individual, lifelong and community-based supports and services for people with autism spectrum disorder and their support networks. In addition, approximately $143,000 is provided for ASNL’s Transitions Program, which identifies strengths and interests of participants and provides a full year of community volunteer and learning experiences.

“As a government, we are proud of the work that has been done to provide the resources and supports needed to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The recent addition of the online training program allows all educators and student assistants the opportunity to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and its impact on learning, communication and social skills development. We look forward to finding new ways to continue supporting all students with disabilities.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

This past April, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development implemented a new online training program for educators called Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioral Intervention. This 40-hour program is being offered twice a year. By the end of this calendar year, over 400 educators and student assistants will have participated.

“We fully support the implementation of new training opportunities for educators that improve awareness and understanding of ASD in the classroom. Further, we are pleased with government’s success at significantly reducing wait times for a diagnosis of ASD at the Janeway’s Development and Rehabilitation Unit. Research clearly shows, access to services at a young age is critical to improving outcomes for individuals with autism. We look forward to continuing to work with government to improve the lives of individuals affected by ASD in our province.”
- Scott Crocker, Executive Director, Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to enhancing access to services for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Approximately $14.8 million is being invested in 2015-16 in intervention services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has proclaimed October as Autism Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Budget 2014 allocated funding of $2 million, annualizing to $3.9 million in 2015-16, to increase capacity for assessment and to reduce wait times for children with developmental conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• The Provincial Government provides support to the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (ASNL) with an annual grant of approximately $507,000, as well as approximately $143,000 for ASNL’s Transitions Program.
• The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development provides a wide range of resources and services within the education system to students who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Approximately $14.8 million is being invested in 2015-16 in intervention services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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2015 10 22                              1:25 p.m.