FRAMEWORK AND ACTION PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Saskatchewan children with autism will soon have access to enhanced services and supports. Health Minister Don McMorris unveiled the "Framework and Action Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Services" in Saskatchewan today.

Under the plan, 15 ASD consultants will be located throughout the province, acting as one of the first points of contact for families seeking ASD services. The consultants will design individualized intervention programs for children and act as case managers. An additional 18 ASD support workers will provide direct supports to children with ASD.

"The new plan does two things," McMorris said. "First, it makes the most efficient use possible of the available funding dollars. Second, and even more important, it recognizes that each child with autism is unique and needs individualized programming and evidence-supported intervention options."

As part of the plan, the Ministry of Health will also work with health regions to increase access to summer programming and respite support for the families of children with ASD.

Training opportunities in a variety of ASD intervention strategies will also be made available for parents, professionals and paraprofessionals on an ongoing, province-wide basis.

The framework and action plan resulted from the work of the Provincial Autism Advisory Committee. The committee was formed in May 2008 to make recommendations on how the province should spend the $3 million of annual funding allocated for ASD services.

Approximately one in every 166 children born in Saskatchewan will eventually be diagnosed with ASD. The neurological disorder can impact communication, social interaction and behaviour.

October is Canadian Autism Awareness Month.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: khill@health.gov.sk.ca