Autism Society New Brunswick AGM

Another Autism Society New Brunswick AGM has come and gone. Turnout was low this year. But those who attended were very interested in autism in New Brunswick, asked good questions and offered valuable insights. The afternoon sped by quickly.

Some scenes from the day:

ASNB VP Lana Thomson (L) and President Tamara Downey (R)
greeting people at the entrance. Tamara is also a nurse who
was ready to report to duty at the Chalmers Hospital
near the end of the meeing.

ASNB veterans Albert & Dawn Bowie enjoy the day.

Harold Doherty - showing off my new tie and
offering my two cents worth.

ASNB VP Lana Thomson and NB NDP Leader Roger Duguay
who honored us with a visit and showed real interest in
autism issues in New Brunswick.

autism

Adult Autism Care In New Brunswick

The Autism Society New Brunswick AGM was held yesterday at the Crowne Plaza in Fredericton. We had a great turnout. I was the featured speaker with lots of questions, discussion, and debate. We had guests from many parts of the province. Amongst those in attendance was Andy Scott MP for Fredericton who has been a powerful advocate for a National Autism Strategy and Barb Whitenect, one of the most autism knowledgeable public servants in our province.



Photo: Harold Doherty Speaking, A Good Turnout
Photo by Charles LeBlanc



Photo : Andy Scott Speaking, Harold Doherty Listening
Photo Courtesy of Charles LeBlanc

The subject of discussion was youth and adult residential care and treatment - a very big subject in New Brunswick. We have made great strides in pre-school intervention, education and pediatric tertiary care services but our youth and adult residential care and treatment services are abysmal. There is a need for improved services for supported living for those autistic persons who can, and choose to, live in their home environment and for a complete overhaul of the group homes. And we are totally lacking in proper care here in New Brunswick for the most serious adult autism challenges.

Photo: Tamara Downey, New ASNB President, Meets the Media
Photo by Charles LeBlanc

We also got some organizational work done with the election of a new Board of Directors led by new ASNB President Tamara Downey above.

Photo Left to Right: Nancy Blanchette, Outgoing ASNB Vice President, Dr. Theresa McKenzie (Psychologist) and Lila Barry, Outgoing ASNB President