愛污传媒

Skip to main content

Will a new framework for autism spectrum disorder make a difference in Canada?

Share

A new federal framework for autism spectrum disorder is a promising step, but more needs to be done to improve access to care, an advocate suggests.

The framework announced last month is meant to guide efforts to provide co-ordinated services and supports for people with the lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, their families, supporters and caregivers, according to the government.

While Andrew Kavchak doesn't believe the framework will make a difference in the short- or medium-term, he is optimistic about the impact it will have over time.

"What's good in all of this is that after 20 years of lobbying, we finally got the federal government to acknowledge that there is problem with the autism community across the country," Kavchak, a member of the Canadian Autism Treatment for Medicare Coalition, said in an interview from Ottawa with CTV's Your Morning on Thursday.

Kavchak's 23-year-old son, Steven, was diagnosed with severe autism in 2003.

"This strategy right now as far as I can tell is merely a commitment to give us in the short-term perpetual Zoom meetings and more consultations."

Long-term, he said, autism advocates want governments to go beyond the short-term solutions and instead focus on providing access to treatment and group homes as well as universal health care.

In Ontario, where Kavchak is based, treatment for individuals with autism is offered through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, which he says is plagued with waitlists.

"They don't have resources, they don't have expertise," said Kovchak, who has written two books on autism policy. He said he believes people with autism would be able to access services more quickly if they were offered through the Ministry of Health.

In 2019, one in 50 youth, or about two per cent, under 17 years old were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Canadian government's health survey.

"What needs to change is the government's approach and start actually spending some money and doing something rather than just creating more committees," he said.

Watch the full interview above for more. More information on the framework and autism is available on Health Canada's .

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

A father and his two children who suffered severe burns in a Springfield, Ont. house fire have undergone surgery.

Police have confirmed the body of an employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax over the weekend was found in a walk-in oven.

With the B.C. election too close to call, Dr. Bonnie Henry was asked Tuesday how she feels about the possibility of a party that has repeatedly called for her firing forming government.

Local Spotlight

Residents of Ottawa's Rideauview neighbourhood say an aggressive wild turkey has become a problem.

A man who lost his life while trying to rescue people from floodwaters, and a 13-year-old boy who saved his family from a dog attack, are among the Nova Scotians who received a medal for bravery Tuesday.

A newly minted Winnipegger is hoping a world record attempt will help bring awareness for the need for more pump track facilities in the city.

A Springfield, Ont. man is being hailed a 'hero' after running into his burning home to save his two infant children.

Hortense Anglin was the oldest graduate to make her way across the platform at York University's Fall Convocation ceremony this week. At the age of 87, she graduated with an Honours degree in Religious Studies.

Looking for a scare with good intentions this Halloween season? The ghosts and ghouls of Eganville, Ont. invite families to tour the Haunted Walk at Lekbor Manor.

The image of a sleepy Saskatchewan small town with 'not a lot going on' is a well-known anecdote. However, one Saskatchewan company is hoping to change that 鈥 and allow communities both on and off the beaten path to share their stories and advertise what they have to offer.

A Moncton, N.B., home has been donated to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation and will be transformed into a resource hub for people living with cancer.

A Nova Scotia man crossing Canada on foot is passing through southwestern Ontario. Trevor Redmond is perhaps better known as the 鈥楩ellow in Yellow.鈥