While government did not support the original private member’s motion calling for autism services currently offered to children below six years of age be extended to all children, Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones is cautiously optimistic that a motion was passed that still recognizes more needs to be done to help those living with autism.

Autism impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It impacts normal brain development leaving most individuals with communication problems, difficulty with typical social interactions and a tendency to repeat specific patterns of behaviour. Autism spectrum disorders change the way the brain processes information and can affect all aspects of development.

“We proposed our motion today to bring awareness to the lack of services available to children with autism, not to condemn government for what they are currently doing, but encourage them to do more and I think we have accomplished that goal,” said Ms. Jones. “While children have access to specialized services below the age of six, the school system is supposed to step forward after that age. Unfortunately, many in the education system do not receive the appropriate levels of training to deal with children with autism and specifically deal with each individual case.

“It is more beneficial to treat children at an early age than it would be to treat adults later in life who did not receive extensive treatment as children. This is an issue that must be dealt with at an early age especially within our school system. Government must recognize this fact and the benefit of early intervention on behalf of these children and their families.