Health and Community Services
April 2, 2014
Recognizing World Autism Day
Budget 2014 Addresses Wait Times and Access for Children with Autism
Through Budget 2014, Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, the Provincial Government is increasing capacity for autism assessment and treatment and reducing wait times for children with autism and other developmental conditions.
“Our government recognizes and supports World Autism Day, celebrated nationally and internationally on April 2. The intent of this day is to raise awareness and understanding of autism and encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. Our government shares this commitment and through Budget 2014 has provided an additional $2 million, annualizing to $3.9 million next year, to add 30 new positions over two years which will help address wait times for children waiting for assessments and follow-up therapies. This builds on previous investments including extending the Applied Behavior Analysis Program to Grade 3 and annual support to the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services
Through Budget 2014, 22 new positions will be added to the regional health authorities, increasing to 30 positions next year, which include:
- One Developmental Pediatrician at the Janeway in St. John’s;
- 21 Child Management Specialists, including a Clinical Lead;
- One Social Worker;
- Three Occupational Therapists; and,
- Four Speech Language Pathologists.
The Department of Health and Community Services has also been working with Eastern Health to develop an action plan 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.
“Our commitment to increasing access to services and support to families and children with autism and developmental disabilities is strong. Evidence of that commitment can be found in our total investment this year of approximately $12.5 million to provide programs and services."
- Minister Sullivan
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
- Budget 2014 includes $2 million, annualizing to $3.9 million next year, to help address wait times for children waiting for assessments and follow-up therapies.
- Through Budget 2014, 22 new positions will be added to the regional health authorities, increasing to 30 positions next year.
- The total investment in 2014-15 to provide programs and services to children with autism and developmental disabilities is approximately $12.5 million.
- The Department of Health and Community Services has been working with Eastern Health to develop an action plan to make more efficient use of autism resources to benefit children and families.
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Media contact:Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-4104
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca
2014 04 02 11:15 a.m.