Gathered outside MPP Joe Tascona’s downtown Barrie constituency office, the group included parents, siblings, friends and neighbours of families affected by autism, a complex neurological disorder that affects language, behaviour and social skills. Its incidence continues to rise, with one in every 150 children affected; a decade ago, incidence was pegged at one in 1,000.

“Every individual with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder has the right to shine,” said Tanya Stephenson, whose five-year-old son, Tyler, has autism.

“Each of you is making a difference. We are beginning to be seen. We’re being heard and we’re making sure those we love with autism will be seen and heard.”

Joining in the sunset vigil was Lynne Watt, a neighbour and friend of the DeCarlo family. Cindy and Sergio DeCarlo have a son, Mitchell, who has autism.

“There’s a gap that needs to be filled for care and services for these children,” said Watt.

“With the efforts of the DeCarlos, change has happened.”

On the provincial campaign trail, and even locally, candidates have sparred over the treatment of how both the Progressive Conservative and Liberal governments have treated children with autism. For years, access to an intensive behaviour program was limited to children ages six and under.

After court challenges, the government finally opened access to the therapy – which costs about $50,000 per year per child – to those over age six.

The specialized therapy has been shown to assist children with autism learn to talk and to gain social skills, regardless of their chronological age. The success of therapy most often relates to mental age, and many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders have mental ages lower than six years, although they may be chronologically older.