Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to talk again about the difficulties that northern families have in accessing services for children who are diagnosed with autism. As I stated on June 3, 2008, I can relate to the frustration as I’ve now been waiting since May 11 – that is, five and a half weeks – for information from the Department of Health and Social Services on just exactly what they offer as services.
Mr. Speaker, as I stated before, if I as an MLA cannot readily get this type of information, what hope does the average Northerner have? I’m trying to do my job as an MLA and act as the conduit between the constituent and the government, but if the department or the Minister is unwilling to meet me halfway or at the very least tell me why it’s taking them so long to provide this information, it causes me to wonder. It’s starting to look like they’re more interested in the ministerial privileges than doing the work. How long does it take to say nothing because there aren’t any programs? I’ll type the response myself.
Everyone knows that early intervention is extremely important in making sure that a child diagnosed with autism has the best possible outcome and is able to function to their full potential. This requires support from the Department of Health and Social Services and, of course, the health care professionals for the family and the child. That is where I want to start with my inquiries. What intervention do we have?
As there is with everything, I understand that there is a fine line we walk regarding quality and affordability, but right now we have nothing offered up as facts. With no policy framework in place, what are we doing to offer anything to these constituents? Does it really come down to who you know, the squeaky wheel or even where you live?
Now, if you can get into a program run by the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities, you get to receive between four and five hours a week of support, but, Mr. Speaker, that’s what a province like an Alberta offers per day for children with autism, not to mention that the Alberta expert panel points to getting these children into intervention programs as soon as possible. This will allow these kids to have the best chance to sustain the reasonable quality of life that every other child enjoys. So we don’t have to look too far for examples of what exists.
Later today I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services about where the non-existent policy framework is to deal with children with autism. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.
