MFAN Applauds Autism Canada Rejection of Canadian Autism Partnership Project

Medicare for Autism Now! has applauded Autism Canada for its rejection of the Canadian Autism Partnership Project which was defined succinctly by long time autism advocate Andrew Kavchak as a bureaucracy which has already spent considerable funds with no  autism service accomplishments. 

Autism Canada also indicates its support for evidence-based treatments of autism as it did when it supported the National Liberal policy resolution calling for funding of ABA treatment for autism under Medicare legislation OR by discussion with the provinces.  

MFAN also asks  Autism Canada to join MFAN in pushing for the Liberal Medicare for Autism Policy passed in Winnipeg 13 months ago to become law.

David Marley MFAN to Autism Canada	4:12 PM (14 hours ago)

Very good to see your comments in the accompanying News Release concerning the lack of proper financial disclosure, etc. respecting CAPP. The federal Liberals were absolutely right not to provide any further funding to this disgraceful exercise in wasting scarce tax-dollars and valuable time.

As another "autism advocacy organization with a national perspective on the issues facing those living with ASD and their families", the Medicare for autism Now! Society ("MFAN") encourages Autism  Canada, as part of seeking an effective national autism strategy, to make a priority of advocating for implementation by the Government of Canada of the Liberal Party of Canada ("LPC") policy resolution passed by delegates to its national convention held in Winnipeg thirteen months ago. 

MFAN continues its advocacy efforts respecting implementation of the LPC policy resolution in question, one which, as you know, we helped draft and drive through the LPC policy-making process. Your organization's letter of support at a crucial moment was very helpful and much appreciated. We will be pleased to have you join us in pushing for the resolution to become law.

David Marley

Director, MFAN 

www.medicareforautismnow.org

http://autismcanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/PressRelease_2017-06-27.pdf

Autism Canada rejects Canadian Autism Partnership Project

National advocacy organization calls for an actionable plan that provides equitable access to evidence-based treatments for all Canadians. 

June 27, 2017 – BOTHWELL, Ontario – Autism Canada has withdrawn its membership in the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) and its support of the Canadian Autism Partnership Project (CAPP). “As presented in its final form, CAPP is not a good plan. Moving forward, we will focus our efforts on working with our partners in the autism community and with the federal government to create an effective national autism strategy for all Canadians, to ensure equal opportunity and support for individuals with autism throughout their lifespan, regardless of where they reside in Canada.” said Dermot Cleary, Chair of Autism Canada's board of directors. “Our reasons for our withdrawal of support are threefold; a lack of financial disclosure, lack of transparency and lack of concrete, measurable deliverables.” "To the best of our knowledge, full disclosure of the CAPP financial documents have yet to be made public,” said Cleary. “Based on the financial statements that were provided to us, we don’t see justification for the stated fees and costs associated with the project." "In our view and opinion, there are several important gaps in project governance and reporting mechanisms that would allow for full transparency of the spending of public funds, and this is clearly not in keeping current with best practices.” added Cleary. "As the only autism advocacy organization with a national perspective on the issues currently facing those with ASD, their families and other stakeholders, Autism Canada believes it is incumbent upon us to provide a strong voice for those affected by autism and to make our concerns known to all Canadians," said Cleary. “We look forward to working with government to share our expertise, build consensus and help inform public health policy as it regards access to evidence-based treatments of autism.” “On behalf of our stakeholders, we will act as the catalyst to align and galvanize our provincial and territorial partners to ensure a synergized and equitable approach to the provision and delivery of evidence-based treatments is available to all Canadians.” 

-30- 

About Autism Canada Autism Canada is the only autism advocacy organization with a national perspective on the issues currently facing those with ASD, their families and other stakeholders. Together with our provincial and territorial counterparts, Autism Canada collaboratively works to share expertise, build consensus and help inform public health policy as it regards access to evidence-based treatments of autism. In addition to encouraging the sharing of best practices across provincial boundaries, Autism Canada actively promotes national dialogue on the most effective strategies for building equitable access to funding and services. To learn more, please visit www.autismcanada.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dermot Cleary Chair, Autism Canada dcleary@autismcanada.org

NB and Canada Must Wake Up and Confront the Autism Premature Mortality Crisis

"Autistic people die on average 16 years earlier than the general population. For those with autism and learning disabilities, the outlook is even more appalling, with this group dying more than 30 years before their time."

 Autistica: Personal tragedies, public crisis, page 3, executive summary.

As set out in the Autistica Report  the recent very large Swedish study adds to a well documentef but largely ignored reality: There is a shocking health crisis which society must address: the early deaths of persons with autism disorders.

NB and Canada have given no indications that they are aware of this crisis let alone how to deal with it.  It is time we all woke up in this country and come to grips with this shocking reality.

Autistica is a leading UK autism research charity which both funds and campaigns for medical research to understand the causes of autism, improve diagnosis, and develop new treatments and interventions.

From the Executive Summary, Page 3:

Many families and autistic individuals have raised concerns over early deaths in autistic people. Ground-breaking new research now confirms the true scale of the mortality crisis in autism: autistic people die on average 16 years earlier than the general population. For those with autism and learning disabilities, the outlook is even more appalling, with this group dying more than 30 years before their time. 

Research studies across the world have confirmed that autistic people are at an increased risk of early death. A large study from Sweden in late 2015 made this case stronger than ever by analysing a very large, high quality dataset to compare the general population, autistic people, and people with both autism and a learning disability. 

Two findings relative to the general population are particularly striking: 

Yet there is still very limited awareness and understanding of the scale of premature mortality for the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and hence very little action to date to reduce it. This hidden crisis demands a national response. 

The large Swedish study as reported by Autistica points out that there are a number of reasons for the shocking early mortality rates of autistic adults but indicates two factors which are particularly significant causes of early death: epilepsy among persons with autism and learning disabilities and suicide among those with autism without a learning disability as stated in the image above:

Epilepsy in autism 

Between 20% and 40% of autistic people also have epilepsy and this rate increases steadily with age – in contrast to a one percent prevalence rate in the general population. 10 In the typical population, the risk of epilepsy is greatest in a child’s first year, decreasing in risk through childhood, then remaining stable and not increasing again until old age. 11,12,13 In the majority of autistic people who develop epilepsy, their seizures do not appear until their teenage years, much later than average.5,14 This suggests that the underlying triggers of epilepsy may be different in autism.

 Autistic adults who also have a learning disability have been found to be almost 40 times more likely to die from a neurological disorder relative to the general population – with the leading cause being epilepsy.3 Despite the very high prevalence of seizures in autistic people and the high death rate from epilepsy, there has been virtually no research to establish whether treatments used for epilepsy are safe or effective in the autistic population. More research is urgently needed into the relationship between epilepsy and autism and the impact of epilepsy over the lifespan in autistic adults.

Suicide in autism 

After heart disease, suicide is now the leading cause of early death in adults with autism and no learning disability. Indeed, the recent Swedish study found that adults with autism and no additional learning disability are over 9 times more likely (relative to a general population) to commit suicide.3

The recent report from the Mental Health Taskforce identified autistic people as at higher risk of mental health problems.15 Indeed, research indicates that 70% of autistic individuals have one mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression, and 40% have at least two mental health problems.4 When these issues appear alongside autism, mental health difficulties can go undiagnosed and untreated. 

Multiple studies suggest that between 30% and 50% of autistic people have considered committing suicide.16,17, 18 One study found that 14% of autistic children experience suicidal thoughts compared to 0.5% of typically developing children.19 Another recent study of adults with Asperger syndrome found that two-thirds of participants had lifetime experience of suicidal thoughts and a third of participants had planned or attempted suicide.20 

While there are certainly examples of good practice in some locations, the comparative statistics indicate that the majority of mental health and related services are not sufficiently skilled to meet the needs of autistic people with an additional mental health problem, including suicidal thoughts. Numerous personal accounts illustrate how this impacts on the lives of autistic individuals and those who love them. 21

Adult Autism Progress In New Brunswick? STALLED for the Last 2 Years

Two years ago I was mildly optimistic about the possibility of real adult autism progress in New Brunswick as expressed in my comments in the July 15 FANB article "A Positive Adult Autism Meeting with then Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers" which follows.  As stated therein I met with another parent advocate Cynthia Bartlett and Professor Emeritus (Psychology) and Clinical Psychologist Paul McDonnell and reviewed with Minister Rogers and some advisers and discussed the need for an adult autism network as articulated by Paul McDonnell, with a centre based in Fredericton where out autism expertise has been developing with autism specific group homes with properly trained staff in locations in communities around the province. 

Unfortunately Minister Rogers was moved by the Gallant Government which then brought in Stephen Horsman to head the newly, ironically named Department of Families and Children.  Since then there has been NO progress and it seems clear that the Gallant government will continue to send adults with severe autism to the Psychiatric Hospital in Campbellton, a shrinking community on our Northern border, far, far from the bulk of NBs population and from families who love and provide support for their autistic adult loved ones at no cost to the NB government. 

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

A Positive Adult Autism Meeting with Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers

Minister of Social Development Cathy Rogers

Photo Source: NB Liberal Site 

July 14, 2015 Meeting with Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers
at 551 King Street, Photo by Harold L Doherty

On July 14, together with autism advocate Cynthia Bartlett and Clinical Psychologist and Professor Emeritus (Psychology) Paul McDonnell I met with Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers and 3 of her advisers.  The meeting had been requested by Minister Rogers when it became clear in the Legislature gallery that I, and presumably some others in the gallery, were unhappy with the government’s response to opposition MLA Ernie Steeves motion on adult autism care.  Bathurst MLA Brian Kenny, with whom I had spoken during our small demonstration outside the Legislature earlier that day was talking to Minister Rogers and pointing up at me.  A short time later Mr. Kenny came up to the visitors’ gallery and asked me to come out to the hall where Minister Rogers asked me if we could schedule a meeting to which I agreed.  I was thankful for the opportunity to address the adult autism care issues which have never been addressed in any coherent, systematic and well informed manner.  I was very pleased that Cynthia and Paul were available to attend at the meeting and share their experience and expertise.

The principle around which our discussion took place was the same principle on which those of us who advocated as parents for early autism intervention in NB  relied on in our successful advocacy efforts – the need for an evidence based approach. Fortunately the Minister and her advisers seemed to be in agreement with this principle at outset and needed no convincing.  That may not sound like much today but it was not always an easy sell in our early advocacy efforts in a province where clichés about community and inclusion are often sold as solutions to the most challenging disorders and deficits.

The evidence with respect to adult autism care in NB is clear: we do not have a plan to address in a humane, professional, reliant manner the needs of autistic adults, particularly those at the severe end of the spectrum, in New Brunswick.  We have housed New Brunswick ‘s autistic adults in a variety of hospital settings from general hospital wards to the Restigouche  Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Campbellton far from the bulk of NB’s population, far from most families.  We have housed a NB autistic youth on the grounds of the Miramichi Correctional Facility only because no other location had the resources to provide proper care and safety.  That youth and at least one young man were sent to the Spurwink facility in Maine for several years at a cost to the Province of approximately $300,000 per year per person.

What we discussed was the proposal developed largely by Paul McDonnell with input from parent advocates including Dawn Bowie, Lila Barry, Cynthia Bartlett and me and enunciated in principle in his 2010 CBC internet interview and analysis:

September 2010, CBC, N.B. can be a leader in autism services (Analysis, Paul McDonnell)

"Our greatest need at present is to develop services for adolescents and adults.

What is needed is a range of residential and non-residential services and these services need to be staffed with behaviorally trained supervisors and therapists.Some jurisdictions in the United States have outstanding facilities that are in part funded by the state and provide a range of opportunities for supervised and independent living for individuals with various disabilities. The costs of not providing such services can be high financially and in terms of human costs. As a psychologist in private practice I know there are large numbers of older individuals who are diagnosed later in life with Asperger's Syndrome that have no access to professional services of any kind.

In the past we have had the sad spectacle of individuals with autism being sent off to institutional settings such as the Campbellton psychiatric hospital, hospital wards, prisons, and even out of the country at enormous expense and without any gains to the individual, the family, or the community.

We can do much, much better.

We need an enhanced group home system throughout the province in which homes would be linked directly to a major centre that could provide ongoing training, leadership and supervision. That major centre could also provide services for those who are mildly affected as well as permanent resident care and treatment for the most severely affected. Such a secure centre would not be based on a traditional "hospital" model but should, itself, be integrated into the community in a dynamic manner, possibly as part of a private residential development. The focus must be on education, positive living experiences, and individualized curricula. The key to success is properly trained professionals and staff."

There was also discussion of some of the serious issues that often accompany autism including intellectual disability, seizures, self injury, wandering and the need for surveillance of some autistic adults to ensure their safety.

The Minister did not make any clear commitments, at least as far as I understood our discussion.  She did say that other departments would have to included in the discussion, a point on which we agreed.

My assessment is that the meeting was positive and that the Minister sees autism care as a need that really has to be addressed in New Brunswick.

 It is up to parents though, as it always has been, to keep these needs in the forefront if we want decent places for our children to live as adult; places where they can live  happy lives, according to their level of need,  with proper health care, education and security.

Autism Advocacy New Brunswick

June 19 2017. Harold L Doherty: 

The need for serious autism advocacy in NB is particularly critical at the level of adult autism residential care and treatment. Many of us advocated for the early autism intervention services in place today, for autism trained Education Aides and for reversal of the decision to close the Stan Cassidy Autism team. 

Now we need EVERYONE with a serious interest in adult autism to come together and advocate for an adult autism residential care and treatment network with a center in Fredericton, the home of NB's autism expertise, with autism group homes around the province as described by Paul McDonnell in his 2010 CBC comments pinned to this FB page. I have posted an email AutismAdvocacyNB@gmail.com and plan to incorporate AANB as a non profit and begin action in Mid July. You can receive updates here. I will also set up an Autism Advocacy NB group site on gmail for advocacy discussions as well. 

Feel free to email me at AutismAdvocacyNB@gmail.com

It Appears Inclusive Community New Brunswick Will Continue to Exile Adults with Severe Autism Far From Families and Autism Expertise

Photo of my son Conor submitted to the Aquinian for an article by 

then Aquinian journalism student Karissa Donkin in 2011. No progress in residential care and treatment for severely autistic adults in New Brunswick has been made since that article or since Conor's autism diagnosis 19 years ago at age 2. 

One of the people interviewed by Karissa Donkin was Mark Barbour who was then the a spokeslperson for the Department of Social Development as it was then called. He gave a specific acknowledgement of the lack of adequate long term care and treatment for adults severely restricted by autism disorders. He also  stated that the PNB wanted to build an autism specific  facility to address these needs:

New Brunswick provides care both in a patient’s home and in residential facilities for more than 6,250 adults under 65 with disabilities, including autism, says Department of Social Development spokesman Mark Barbour.

But Barbour admits the province needs to do more to help autistic adults.

“There is a need for more specialized services for autistic youth and adults, whose behaviours or conditions are severely impaired.

“These individuals require services and supports designed to specifically meet their high care needs.”

The province wants to build an autism residential facility, which would provide permanent care for severely autistic adults who can’t live on their own, Barbour said.

Not only is the current system not comprehensive enough for adults with varying degrees of autism, but it’s also expensive, says child psychologist and autism expert Dr. Paul McDonnell.

Autistic adults are often sent to privately run group homes or in extreme cases, sent to psychiatric care in Campbellton or out of province."

Today despite NB's, in particular Fredericton's, success in establishing an internationally recognized early autism intervention program, the province has not lifted a finger to address the needs of severely autistic adults in need of long term residential care and treatment.  Adults with autism are still exiled to the Restigouche Psychiatric Hospital in Campbellton, on NB's Northern Border 4-6 hours drive from family members in central and south NB and 4 hours drive from the autism expertise that has been developing in Fredericton during the last 2 decades. 

In an October 6 2016 interview by Jeremey Keefe of Global news the PNB released a statement which makes it appear they are planning to address the needs of adults with autism including adults severely affected by autism requiring long term residential care and treatment:

Advocate says services for adults with autism lacking in N.B.

"Due to the severity of his son’s condition, Harold has to look after Connor around the clock, save for the time he spends in school.

For now it’s manageable, but Harold says knows it isn’t sustainable in the long-term and eventually Connor will require assisted care.

But the lack of a facility where he and his son can call home could make that phase of his life more difficult than need be, and he doesn’t think they’re the only ones.

“If I were to keel over as we speak, they would be sending him to the Restigouche psychiatric hospital in Cambellton, which is obviously a fair distance away,” Harold said.

“And it’s far away from most of the population and most of the families in New Brunswick and it also doesn’t have the expertise we have right here in Fredericton.”

“What we’d like is a rational and humane adult care treatment centre and network … based right here in Fredericton,” explained Doherty.

In a statement, the provincial government said that they recognize “the need to provide high quality services to our province’s families and individuals living with autism.”

The statement also mentioned that the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the Department of Health and in consultation with families of adults on the high end of the autism spectrum are currently developing a diverse approach to autism that would meet the needs of all those affected by the disorder; from those on the lower end of the spectrum to those at the higher end as well as parents and caregivers.

The Global news story makes it clear that the information from the Department of Social Development was provided in a statement and was presumably carefully considered before release. The  Department expressly states that it is consulting  with families of adults on the high end of the spectrum with no mention of  families with adults on the low or severe end of the spectrum.  It appears that adults with severe autism requiring the autism expertise in Fredericton and the long term residential care and treatment of an adult autism centre will continue to be exiled to Campbellton far, far from their families. 

An Open Letter to Autism Canada from Medicare for Autism Now! Society

Autism Canada provided valuable support for the Liberal Medicare Coverage for the Treatment of Autism Resolution at Winnipeg in 2016.  It is now time for Autism Canada to step away completely from the failed CAPP bureaucracy and push hard for Medicare coverage for science based treatment for autism; to directly and effectively help Canadians with Autism and their Families.

Medicare for autism Now! Society

Suite No. 425, 1489 Marine Drive

West Vancouver, BC

V7T 1B8

June 15, 2017

Got questions about CAPP? Follow the money ... $$$

Dear Mr. Cleary:

Re: Defeat of parliamentary motion respecting CAPP proposal: What now?

On May 30th last, an Opposition motion calling upon the Government of Canada to provide $19 million in taxpayers’ money to fund the Canadian Autism Partnership Project (“CAPP”) for a further five years was defeated by the Liberal Party majority in the House of Commons. Good on them! 

As has been the case to date, the continuation of the CAPP would have done absolutely nothing for Canadians living with autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) and their struggling, often emotionally and financially desperate, families. Rather, it would mean little more than another five years of a thinly-veiled make work project for under-employed NGO bureaucrats.

It is the time for Canadians to know what specifically the CAPP has done since its inception in 2015 with its initial $2 million in taxpayer funding. As AUTISM CANADA has been a participant in the CAPP, will you now make available to the public the financial statements respecting the CAPP activities? If not, why not?

In April, 2016, AUTISM CANADA released a letter that provided valuable support for a policy resolution to be debated by delegates to the Liberal Party of Canada (“LPC”) national convention, held in Winnipeg the following month. This resolution called upon the Government of Canada, inter alia, to work with the provinces and territories to ensure that science-based treatment, Applied Behavioural Analysis, for ASD was included within their respective medical services plan and, further, to provide the funding necessary to cover the cost of providing this medically necessary treatment.

It is time  for AUTISM CANADA to step completely away from the CAPP and, instead, put your efforts and resources fully behind encouraging implementation by the Government of Canada of the policy resolution which was enthusiastically and overwhelmingly passed by LPC national convention delegates just over one year ago. Will you now take the morally-right and fiscally-responsible step of joining with our organization and others in pushing for MEDICARE coverage for the science-based treatment, Applied Behavioural Analysis, for Canadians living with ASD?

Lastly, we would ask that you distribute this letter to members of AUTISM CANADA’s Provincial and Territorial Council.

Yours sincerely,

Jean Lewis, David Marley,
Director, MFAN Director, MFAN
Jean.lewis@telus.net domarley52@gmail.com
www.medicareforautismnow.org

cc. Lawrie Mawlam

An Open Letter to PM Justin Trudeau from Medicare For Autism Now!

Photo by Harold L Doherty

From: David Marley [mailto:domarley52@gmail.com]
Sent: June 13, 2017 11:23 PM
To: Justin Trudeau (pm@pm.gc.ca)
Subject: MEDICARE for Canadians living with autism spectrum disorder

Medicare for autism Now! Society

Suite No. 425, 1489 Marine Drive

West Vancouver, BC

V7T 1B8

June 13, 2017

Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, PC, MP                                                                         

House of Commons,

Ottawa, ONT.

K1A 0A9                                                                                                               

Dear Prime Minister:

Re: MEDICARE coverage for Canadians living with autism spectrum disorder.

Further to our letter, of April 2nd last (Autism Awareness Day), we write to congratulate the Government of Canada on recently having done the right thing in defeating an Opposition motion calling for the provision of $19 million in taxpayers’ money to the Canadian Autism Partnership Project (“CAPP”).

Further funding of the CAPP would have meant little more than allowing the continuation of a thinly-veiled make work project for under-employed NGO bureaucrats.  The CAPP is an exercise in the waste of money and time, something which has done and would have continued to do absolutely nothing of value for the thousands of Canadians living with autism spectrum disorder and their struggling, often emotionally and financially desperate, families.

We again urge the Government of Canada to take action now to ensure the provision of MEDICARE coverage for the science-based treatment, Applied Behavioural Analysis, of autism spectrum disorder by implementing the priority health-care policy resolution (copy attached for reference) that was passed enthusiastically and overwhelmingly by delegates to the Liberal Party of Canada’s national convention, held in Winnipeg just over one year ago.

Our organization has been actively involved with advocacy respecting this matter for more than a decade. We are ready and willing to participate in the effort to implement this resolution.

Yours sincerely,

Jean Lewis,                                        David Marley,

Director, MFAN                                  Director, MFAN

Jean.lewis@telus.net                        domarley52@gmail.com

www.medicareforautismnow.org

Deadly Discrimination Against Adults With Autism Disorders Continues In Ontario (and New Brunswick)

People with autism tend to die decades younger than the rest of the population, and more needs doing to understand the problem’s causes and to find potential solutions, says a new report from the charity Autistica.

Autistica’s report,1 drawing on recently published research in Sweden, said that people with autism die 16 years sooner on average than they otherwise would, and those whose autism is combined with intellectual disability die 30 years sooner.

Death comes earlier to autistic people, whatever the proximate cause. But epilepsy, which is diagnosed in 20-40% of autistic people, is a major cause of death, especially in those whose autism is severe and combined with learning difficulties.

People with autism die 16 years earlier on average, says charity BMJ 2016;352:i1615

Deadly Discrimination against adults with autism continues in Ontario  despite a new declaration of full coverage for autism for children and youth to 18.   Discrimination against adults with autism is done by governments pushing 2 misrepresentations that are also advanced in the public media by some specific interest groups:

1. By pretending that autism is NOT a life shortening medical disorder.

2. By pretending that autism is a childhood condition that does not extend into adulthood.

With these 2 falsehoods already entrenched in the public imagination it is very easy for governments to ignore the realities that autism is in fact a debilitating medical disorder that shortens life expectancy by 16-30 years for those with high functioning autism (16 years) and those at the lower end of the autism spectrum (30 years).  Policies aimed at providing the adult care required for so many with autism are simply non existent in Ontario, New Brunswick and most of Canada.

Deadly Discrimination against autistic adults also continues  in NB.  NB has been recognized internationally as a leader in early autism intervention.  We have also seen education aides specifically trained in autism.  But, as in Ontario autistic adults are simply ignored by our provincial governments. As in Ontario autistic adults can expect shortened life expectancy shortened by 16 to 30 years.   Discrimination against autistic adults in NB is deadly.

It is impossible to say whether those with shortened life expectancy could be restored to the general average with proper care, education and treatment throughout adulthood.  What is certain is that shortened life expectancy will continue if nothing is done to address the challenges of adults with autism.

At the high functioning end of the autism spectrum depression and resulting suicides are a primary cause of the reduced life expectancy.  At the lower end the epilepsy and seizures that are present in a large percentage of those with autism and cognitive disability are a primary cause.

What could make a difference in either case? Access to counselling and support and intensive residential care and treatment of autism and epilepsy would certainly improve if not totally restore to general population levels the life expectancy of persons with autism disorders in NB, in Ontario, and elsewhere in Canada.

Conor Hits The 21 Wall This Friday, June 9 When School Days End

Conor Doherty September 6 2010 the Day Before His Full Transition to High School. 

Conor has loved his school time and we thank everyone who has contributed to his 

school experience as June 9, his last day in school, approaches

Transitions are challenging to our severely autistic son Conor.  Conor has been suffering from serious  anxiety attacks including earlier this morning at 5:45 am. The source of his anxiety has been present for most of the school year once Conor knew this would be his last year in the school system.  He loves school and his last day will be this Friday, June 9 and Conor knows it.

That does not mean that the challenges can not be overcome with planning, effort and time.  The picture above was taken September 6, 2010 the day before Conor began school at Leo Hayes High School.  Planning for his transition form Nashwaaksis Middle School to Leo Hayes High School actually began during his last year of middle school meeting with education aides who would be working with him and visiting Leo Hayes HS as we did in this "day before" picture.

Conor had difficulty in Grade school when he was in one of NB's "inclusive" classrooms where he was expected to learn while most of the kids were being instructed at a different learning level and without sensory challenges experienced by Conor.  Once we were able to convince education officials to remove Conor to a quieter learning location outside the mainstream classroom he was happy, and has been happy, ever since.  His disability challenges were accommodated outside the regular classroom thus allowing his inclusion in grade, middle and high school.

Conor has also shared many events especially swimming and including gym, daily lunch and end of day time at the LHHS resource center.  In an environment where his needs have been accommodated outside the mainstream classroom Conor has prospered and has absolutely loved his time in school, to the extent that he is not looking forward at all to June 9, next Friday when he ages out.

We are hopeful that Conor will adjust.  We have had meetings with Jobs Unlimited in Fredericton and are impressed by what we have learned.  It is hoped that Conor will start with Jobs Unlimited on June 12 2017 or as soon thereafter as possible.  We are optimistic. In the mean time though I would like to post a few  of the many  moments which Conor has enjoyed  throughout his school years: