News Release: MEDICARE FOR AUTISM NOW!

News Release: March 5, 2018:  MEDICARE FOR AUTISM NOW SOCIETY (MFAN) responds to Government of Canada budget funding for autism.

“$20 million of taxpayers’ money spread over five years to do what? Create a data base and programs to reduce the “stigma” of those living with autism spectrum disorder? REALLY?”, says Jean Lewis, Vancouver parent-advocate, co-founder and director of MFAN.

Eighteen years ago, our courts found that science-based treatment, ABA (applied behaviour analysis) was “medically necessary” and “there were no competing effective therapies”. This remains true today.

Eleven years ago, the Canadian Senate, after extensive study, found that “families living with autism were in crisis”.

This crisis continues to grow exponentially.

Today, according to Autism Speaks, autism spectrum disorder is the fastest growing and most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in our country. An estimated one in 68 children in Canada are affected.

Two years ago, over 2000 delegates to the Liberal Party of Canada national convention overwhelmingly and enthusiastically passed a priority policy resolution instructing the Government of Canada to work with all provincial and territorial governments to ensure inclusion of ABA treatment for autism spectrum disorder within their respective Medical Services Plans, and, further, to provide funding to each province and territory to fully cover the costs associated with the provision of ABA treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

“Science-based, medically necessary autism treatment has existed but been financially inaccessible in Canada for more than 20 years,” says Harold Doherty, Fredericton parent -advocate and MFAN director, “What will it take for the Government of Canada to deal seriously with this national epidemic of staggering proportions?”

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For further information, contact Jean Lewis 604-290-5737 jean.lewis@telus.net