The Facts on Autism: NDP had no program, Conservatives cut kids off

    Only Ontario Liberals have expanded program to all children<br /><br />    TORONTO, Oct. 5 /CNW/ - John Tory is desperate, and is now trying to<br />exploit parents and children with autism for his own personal gain.<br />    There's no question these families have a struggle. And there's no<br />question services are improving.<br /><br />    Fact: The autism lawsuit began on November 24, 1999 against the<br />Conservative government. The suit finally went to court in April 2003, again,<br />against the Conservative government.<br /><br />    Fact: Ontario Liberals promised to "support extending autism treatment<br />beyond the age of six. In government, (we) will work with clinical directors,<br />parents, teachers, and school boards to devise a feasible way in which<br />autistic children in our province can get the support and treatment they need.<br />That includes children over the age of
 six."<br /><br />    Fact: Neither the NDP or Conservatives made any commitment to lift the<br />unfair age cap. The NDP never even had an autism program when they were in<br />office.<br /><br />    Fact: The discriminatory age cap was lifted by Ontario Liberals. There is<br />no age cut off for autistic children. Approximately 60% of children receiving<br />service are age six or older.<br /><br />    Fact: In 2003, 530 children received IBI services. This year, 1,400<br />children will receive IBI services.<br /><br />    Fact: As a result of a new College diploma program, 200 new therapists<br />have been trained.<br /><br />    Fact: Funding for autism services has increased from $44 million in 2003<br />to $140 million in 2007.<br /><br />    Fact: This summer, 800 autistic children enjoyed summer camp experience<br />as a result of our new investments.<br /><br />    Fact: 3,000 families with autistic children are receiving respite<br />services this year as a result of our new
 investments.<br /><br />    Fact: Our next step is to prepare schools to deliver IBI directly<br />on-site.<br /><br />    More investments have led to more services for more children and<br />families.<br /><br /><br /><br />

For further information: Ben Chin, (416) 961-3800 ext. 412,<br />
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