MCMORRIS ANNOUNCES ENHANCED SUPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR PEOPLE DEALING WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Saskatchewan people with autism spectrum disorders and their families will soon benefit from a $2.5 million increase in funding that was announced in the 2010-11 provincial budget.

The funds will support a three-year pilot project to enhance frontline services for children and youth, respite care, seasonal programming and the development of a training program for individuals working with the autism spectrum disorder population. The new money is in addition to $3 million base annualized funding provided in the 2008-09 budget, and is in addition to the supports that already exist for autism services in the health, education, and social services system.

"Our government recognizes that autism is a growing concern for many families across the province," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "We are committed to working with health regions, service providers, families and communities to enhance supports and services in order to provide those with autism the best quality of life possible."

The Ministry of Health asked the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region (RQHR) and the Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) to submit proposals for how they would enhance frontline therapy and respite services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder in urban and rural areas. RQHR will receive $1.1 million in annualized funding to provide services in southern health regions, and SHR will receive $1.3 million to provide services in central and northern health regions.

"This new funding is important in helping us serve children and their families from across southern Saskatchewan," Manager of Child and Health Services for RQHR JoAnne Phillips said. "Our plan is to improve and expand services for children and to provide stronger support to families."

"This funding announcement is exciting news," Vice President of Community Services for the SHR Shan Landry said. "This pilot project will support persons and families affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder across the northern half of our province, many of whom visit and access our Region's services on a regular basis. This is a real opportunity to better link our services and to deliver care on the ground, where it will make the most difference."

In addition, $100,000 was earmarked for the development of a certification program. The Ministry of Health is leading the development of this program in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, health regions, the Autism Resource Centre and Autism Services. A pilot certification program will begin in January 2011.

Provincial human service ministries are currently reviewing programs and services related to autism in order to identify what supports may be required in addition to these current initiatives.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Mark Torjusen
Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region
Regina
Phone: 306-766-5332

James Winkel
Saskatoon Health Region
Regina
Phone: 306-655-6222