QUEEN'S PARK – During Question Period today, NDP critic for children services, Monique Taylor, demanded Premier Wynne immediately remove the age limit for essential IBI therapy for children with autism.
“Opposition members have risen day after day begging the Premier not to leave children with autism behind. Experts didn’t recommend an age cap for therapy and they didn’t say that children on waitlists should just be kicked off. Liberal MPPs know they are wrong,” Taylor said.
“They have been avoiding speaking to parents by calling the police. They manufacture reasons to avoid them, such as telling parents who have called the Human Rights Tribunal that they can’t meet with them to discuss government policy.”
“It’s time to do the right thing. Will the Premier admit she’s hurting families and children with autism by imposing an age cap on autism therapy?” Taylor said.
Today is the last day of the legislative session, and question period, before the house rises for the summer.
“The government keeps saying something is coming soon. But parents and families are devastated and deeply confused by mixed signals and a lack of information. Implementation of this rush job PR announcement has gone off the rails, putting children with autism at risk,” Taylor said.
“Again, autism doesn’t end at five. IBI treatment shouldn’t either. Please, Premier, do something for these families. Please make vulnerable children a priority.”
“Will the Premier immediately remove the imposed age cap on IBI therapy and ensure no child is left behind?” Taylor said.