MPP Arnott Supports IBI Therapy For Children With Autism

All children with autism need our support

The Government has a responsibility to support all children with autism and provide them with the therapy they need to succeed, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.

On May 13, Mr. Arnott and Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong met in Georgetown with a number of local families who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who expressed their concerns over the Ontario Government’s decision to limit funding for Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) therapy.

Mr. Arnott took their concerns directly to the floor of the Ontario Legislature, raising their concerns directly with the Government in Question Period on May 17. He shared the story of David and Linda Galvao of Georgetown, and their sons Toby and Luke.

“David and Linda Galvao’s sons Toby and Luke both have ASD,” Mr. Arnott told the Deputy Premier. “Their older son Toby began IBI therapy at age 6, and within 30 days he went from being non-verbal, to speaking and even reciting the alphabet. Their younger son Luke has been on the IBI waitlist for 3 years, and is now 6.”

“Under the Government’s plan to ration IBI therapy, Luke would be denied the chance to reach his full potential, the same chance that IBI therapy, at age 6, gave to his brother Toby,” Mr. Arnott informed the Deputy Premier.

Under the Liberals’ plan, the Government will limit funding for IBI therapy to children between the ages of two and four. Families with children five years of age or older who are currently on the wait list for IBI therapy will have their names removed from the list and receive a one-time payment of $8,000.

“How can this Government be so heartless as to say to the Galvao family that their older son has a future, but their younger son is on his own?” Mr. Arnott asked the Deputy Premier.

Mr. Arnott’s question came on the same day Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown brought forward an opposition day motion in the Legislature calling on the Government to restore funding for IBI therapy for children over the age of five.

“Our Ontario PC Caucus has been very vocal about our opposition to the Government’s decision to limit autism funding,” Mr. Arnott said. “After all the billions of dollars they’ve wasted, how can they turn their backs on these children?” Mr. Arnott asked afterwards.

After Question Period, Mr. Arnott thanked those who attended the May 13 meeting for stepping up and making their voices heard.

“I want to thank Jennifer Hicks for initiating the meeting and helping to bring all the parents together last week,” Mr. Arnott said after Question Period. “I also want to thank everyone for coming to meet with us and sharing their stories.”

One of the attendees at the meeting was Freya Hunter, a therapist in Fergus who treats autistic children.

“Ms. Hunter raised a number of great points in our discussion,” Mr. Arnott said. “She questioned whether there were other alternatives the Government could have considered, such as requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for autism as part of their benefit plans.”

Mr. Arnott also thanked Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong for taking part in the meeting as well.

“Even though he’s extremely busy these days, I was glad that Mike took the time to join us and show his interest and concern in this important issue,” Mr. Arnott said.