NB Autism Advocate Lila Barry Comments on Paul McDonnell's Adult Autism Village

Lila Barry, above, is a former Autism Society New Brunswick president 

and long time autism advocate. 

Below is a picture of Lila Barry, or the cast on her leg being signed by

Shawn Graham, who would  become Premier in the 2010 election, 

the last NB premier to take serious steps to address the needs of persons on the 

autism spectrum.  No gains have been made in adult autism residential 

care and treatment unfortunately. After Shawn Graham neither David Alward 

nor Brian Gallant took any steps to establish the badly needed

 adult autism residential care and treatment network.

Lila Barry: 

Paul McDonnell's proposal addresses the needs of all adults living with ASD. It is a well prepared, comprehensive action plan, which addresses the needs of all, from the adult with severe autism, living with seizure disorder and other co-morbid conditions that is life-threatening. This population will need 24 hour autism supports and care. Some of those supports will require highly skilled autism trained Autism Support Workers and clinical supervisors. On the opposite end of the spectrum, his proposal also addresses the needs of the high functioning adults. Professionals and people in general do not truly understand this hidden disability. The supports are equally important, the needs are just different. Organizing, planning and executing daily plans are very difficult. Supports are needed in this areas to increase opportunities for success, independence, and personal growth. Examples will include supports in skill development self-help and life-skills, social skills, supports in higher education, specialized work supports, and most important mental health supports.This portion of the population is sooooo aware of their social isolation, and low social skills which is determ entail to building family, work and community relationships. This group is at risk for chronic depression. However, effective treatment is not readily available across the province. They are also at a much higher risk to commit suicide, than the general population. Sad and disheartening.. 10 years ago, the first proposal was submitted to the government of the day. As governments changed, the proposal was re-submitted, only to sit on a shelf and collect dust. The current government continuous to brush off, and has shown no movement to support the needs of ASD adults. If change is to come, parents, family, community and self advocates need to take action now! It is election time! This is how change is made, protests, letters to the editors, feature stories in the provincial papers, talking to media, talking and writing to Premier Gallant, membes of the legislative assembly, all candidates in all parties, go to rallie and voice your concerns, organizing parent groups and self advocates across the province to develop an action plan to make change. Let us be the voice for the adult population! Who is ready to fight for for our adult children. We want to hear from you and get organized. We need all parents to get involved including parents with young children, teens, adults. Your young children and teens will grow up so fast and suddenly they will have grown into adulthood, and the supports will not be there. I will guarantee, this will give you regret and grief as you enter mid-life and beyond.

Fed up with in-action.