Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Gallant: Autism Is a Complex Health Issue For Consideration in Your Negotiations

NB Premier Brian Gallant Campaigning with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau During the 2014 NB Election;  Photo by Harold L Doherty

 Dear Prime Minister Trudeau and NB Premier Gallant:

Autism Is a Complex Health Issue For  Consideration in Your Negotiations

Media reports indicate that the Province of NB and the Government of Canada are "going it alone" on negotiation of health care funding. I have been advocating in NB, along with other parents and concerned academics and professionals,  for evidence based autism treatment and services for persons with autism disorders and I urge you to specifically consider negotiating both funding of medicare for evidence based autism services and an adult group home network with a center in Fredericton for permanent care of those with severe autism disorders so that they can live near their families in facilities with autism and related disorders expertise. 

 Here in NB the government has responded well, to parent advocacy,  at the early intervention level with its internationally recognized early program established by former Premiers Lord and Graham. Premiers Lord and Graham also initiated the training of education aides and resource teachers. Consultation for evidence based applied behaviour analysis has also been provided up to age 16. Given that autism disorders are complex life long neurological disorders often accompanied by intellectual disability and epilepsy it is very unfortunate that in NB the Department of Health has not worked with Child and Family/Social Development to establish a group home  network around the province, close to families and specific to autism with a center in Fredericton to provide training, oversight to the group homes and for those severely affected by autism and related disorders, including my son, a permanent residence.  

Provision of medicare funding of ABA coverage for autism should be a component of the autism group home network and center and should be considered in your negotiations.  The Liberal Party of Canada passed a resolution supporting full funding for medicare coverage of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for autism spectrum disorders by amendment of the Canada Health Act at its Winnipeg Convention 2016. It is my understanding that support for the resolution was very strong including prominent Liberal Bob Rae who I know first hand from discussions in the kitchen of the late Andy Scott and in a Toronto meeting with Medicare for Autism Representatives, has long had a strong interest in autism issues.

Image from Bob Rae, MP! 

@BobRaeMP on Twitter

Please negotiate full funding for applied behaviour analysis for autism in NB for autistic persons throughout the lifespan.  The availability of ABA training at the adult level would be a major component of a serious, humane attempt to address the life time challenges facing adults with complex autism disorders.

Respectfully,

Harold L Doherty

Conor's Dad

Queen Elizabeth II  Diamond  Jubilee Medal Recipient (Autism Advocacy)

Member of the Board of Directors of Medicare for Autism NOW!