MPP Taylor calls for support after London boy’s autism funding slashed by $56,000

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Monique Taylor (Hamilton Mountain), NDP critic for Children, Community, and Social Services, is demanding an explanation after a London mom was told her son’s autism funding would drop from $65,000 a year to just $8,900.

“Lisa lives in London with her 10-year-old son, Jaxon, who has spent years gaining essential skills with the help of a network of autism services and supports,” said Taylor. “Last year Lisa received $65,000 a year to help cover these essential costs. She just had her funding slashed to $8,900 with no explanation. How does this happen?”

Under Ford’s watch, the waitlist for autism services has ballooned to over 60 thousand kids in Ontario. Children and their families often find themselves waiting years for funding to cover essential therapies.

“Lisa has been told to file a dispute, but that process also has a long wait period, and any delay would have a real impact on his learning,” said Taylor. “Lisa and her son have been completely left behind by this government. They need immediate support to make sure Jaxon is able to continue the therapy he needs, without Lisa being forced to bear the costs.”

“The families of children with autism have been demanding better for years, and yet, nothing seems to move the Conservatives to action,” said Taylor. “A $56,000 cut in autism funding is absolutely unacceptable in Ontario. It’s clearly time for change, because heartbreaking stories like this happen all too often in Ford’s Ontario.”