An Autism Question For Green Party Leader Elizabeth May

Ms. Elizabeth May
Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Dear Ms May

Re: Autism and the Green Party

I am the father of a 12 year old boy diagnosed with autistic disorder. The Center for Disease Control in the United States estimates that 1 in 150 children have, or will be diagnosed with, an autism spectrum disorder. This neurological disorder seriously restricts the lives of those who bear its burden. While there is no cure for autism at present there is an evidence based effective treatment, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) which has been recognized by many credible reviewing agencies as significantly improving learning, social and communication skills of autistic children receiving treatment. The gains have also been found to persist.

The most well known, and credible, of many studies, those of the American Academy of Pediatrics (2007), the New York State Department of Health (2005 rev ed), the MADSEC (Maine) Autism Task Force Report (2000 rev. ed) and the Office of the US Surgeon General (1997), all document the hundreds of studies over several decades that confirm the effectiveness of ABA as a treatment for autism. Families across Canada have sued, rallied and advocated, to obtain government funded ABA treatment for their autistic children. And yet across Canada we have a patchwork of provision of government funded ABA treatment. In many cases where treatment is funded the intensity of treatment required to provide effective treatment is not fully funded.

Shawn Murphy, the Liberal MP for Charlottetown introduced a private members motion Bill C-304 which called for a National Autism Strategy that included an amendement to the Canada Health Act to require provincial funding of ABA treatment for autism. The motion was defeated on a second reading vote by the combined opposition of the Conservative and Bloc Quebecois parties. The Liberal and NDP party members almost all voted in favour of the motion.

Ms May will the Green Party of Canada follow up on the Shawn Muphy autism motion by also seeking amendement of the Canada Health Act to require ABA treatment for autism?

Respectfully,


Harold L Doherty
Fredericton, New Brunswick

autism

Autism and the NDP

Hon. Jack Layton
221 Broadview Avenue , Suite 100 (Main Office)
Toronto, Ontario

Dear Mr. Layton

When my son was diagnosed with an autism disorder 10 years ago the
Center for Disease Control in the United States estimated that 1 in 500 persons would be diagnosed with an autism disorder. For the past two years the CDC has estimated that 1 in 150 people are on the autism
spectrum of disorders.

During those ten years, like many other parents, I have advocated for a serious national response to Canada's autism crisis. While some argue academically whether there is a crisis most parents do not. We see the realities of autism every single day. We find great joy in our children but we know that unless a serious national strategy is forged our children's chances for a fulfilling life will be at risk.

To date the federal government response to the autism crisis has been either non-existent or contemptuous of the challenges facing autistic Canadians and those who love and care for them. Charlottetown MP Shawn Murphy proposed a serious national autism strategy, one which would include amendment of the Canada Health Act to require funding of ABA treatment for autism. Peter Stoffer of the NDP was an important supporter of Mr. Murphy's motion. Mr.Stoffer has been a strong advocate for the cause of autistic people in Canada for many years and his hard work is much appreciated.

I ask you Mr. Layton whether the NDP, whatever the outcome of the impending vote, will seek amendment of the Canada Health Act to include coverage of ABA treatment for autism. I would appreciate your informed response. My autistic son would appreciate your response.

Respectfully,


Harold L Doherty
Fredericton NB

cc. Facing Autism in New Brunswick

autism