1. The OAC has been very busy in the last few months preparing for this year’s provincial election, which will be held on October 6th, 2011. We’ve incorporated as a “not-for-profit,” assembled a board of directors, mapped out our pre-election strategy, and made plans to launch a major fundraising campaign. Each of these steps will help to bring us closer to our goal of putting autism front and centre as an important issue in the election campaign. A word of explanation: as a member of the OAC, we thought you’d want to know why we’ve incorporated as a not-for-profit instead of as a registered charity. Under the Canada Revenue Act, registered charities (such as Autism Ontario and Autism Speaks) are only allowed to spend 10% of their budget on political advocacy. At the OAC, however, we spend about 90% of our time on that, and once we start raising money, we want to continue to do so. Being a not-for-profit will mean that we will not be able to issue tax receipts, but it will allow us to manage our money responsibly while continuing to engage in the kind of the kind of political activism we’re known for.

2. Andrea Horvath, leader of the provincial NDP, recently published the numbers she received from the government in response to her most recent Freedom of Information request regarding the Autism Intervention Program. The numbers are troubling: there are still more children waiting than there are receiving IBI, and children are being discharged at alarming rates. You can view the numbers on our website, (www.ontarioautismcoalition.com) or on hers: http://ontariondp.com/en/latest-autism-stats-show-disturbing-trend-horwath/

3. We were disturbed to see the following article in the Ottawa Sun, which talks about a child who was discharged from the IBI program in Ottawa without a proper discharge assessment. The parents challenged the discharge and took their story to the media. We’d love to say that this story is an exception, rather than the rule, but we know from our members that that is just not the case. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2011/03/15/17631736.html

4. According to the Provincial Guidelines for the IBI program, all children who are discharged from the IBI program must receive a proper discharge assessment. At the OAC, we know this not happening with any kind of consistency. (The above story from the Ottawa Sun is proof!) If your child has been discharged without an assessment, we urge you to contact Andrea Horvath’s office. Her staff is gathering data on this problem, and plans to raise the issue in the legislature.

5. CAMH is conducting a survey about the experiences of teens and adults living with autism and their experiences trying to access health care. From visits to emergency to trips to dentist, we know that those with autism face extra challenges when dealing with the health care system. If you can find the time to complete the CAMH survey, the data they collect may help to inform policy makers of the kinds of changes that are needed. Here’s a quote from Maggie Slusarczyk, who contacted the OAC about this important reseach:
“This project will ask you questions about your recent contact with health professionals regarding your adolescent (12+) or adult son or daughter with ASD. The first set of questions takes about 30 minutes, and follow‐ups over the next year take 10 minutes or less. We want to know if your son or daughter is getting the health care he or she needs, what types of health services he or she is using and your satisfaction with these services. Also, if you are not using any services, we would like to know why and whether you are satisfied with your situation. Your voice is important and we need to hear from you!
Parents will receive an honorarium for their time. If you would like to participate, click on the following link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Family_Study_Consent or call Maggie Slusarczyk at Tel: 416‐535‐8501 Ext 7806.

6. Five questions you can ask your federal election candidate about autism. While the OAC focuses its political advocacy on the provincial government, we recognize that this campaign represents and important opportunity to push forward on issues that affect us as a community.
a. Will your party introduce changes to the Income Tax act to allow deductions for ABA?
b. Will your party create a National Autism Strategy?
c. Does your party support and HST exemption for ABA services?
d. Will your party allow income splitting for families who have one parent staying home in order to care for an autistic child?
7. We want to hear from you! If you get a response to these questions (or any other questions related to autism,) we want to know. Please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

8. On Monday (April 4th) there will be an important event in downtown Toronto for those who are concerned about IBI discharges and the use of the Benchmarks system. A parent is appealing not only the decision to cease IBI funding, but is also claiming unethical conduct by the person responsible for making that decision. The father of the child in question here has filed a complaint with the Health Professionals Appeal and Review Board against the clinical director of Erinoak in Mississauga. The OAC will be watching this event closely, as we believe it may be the first of many such complaints. Here is the formal Notice of Review:

a. NOTICE OF REVIEW
This Review, which is open to the public unless the Board directs otherwise, will be conducted from:
10:00 AM to l2:30 PM, on Monday, April 4, 2011 at the Board’s offices located at 151 Bloor Street
West 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario.

REGARDING A request from Huan Tran to review a decision of the Inquiries, Complaints and
Reports Committee of the College of Psychologists of Ontario concerning the
complaint filed by Huan Tran Against Janis Williams, pursuant to the Regulated
Health Professions Act. 1991.