Sask. government announces increased funding for children on autism spectrum
Saskatchewan families caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder will soon see an increase in funding.
In a press conference on Tuesdayy, Health minister Paul Merriman announced an extension of annual funding for children between the ages of six and 11 to provide them with more opportunities to seek therapeutic interventions and family supports.
“Parents wanted the ability to make sure they can customize their services for their individual child,” said Merriman.
Children in this age group will receive 6,000 annually while those zero to six will receive 8,000.
Merriman said the government wanted to make the process as possible.
“We wanted to make it simple for us on the government but we also wanted to make it very simple for the parents to be able to access those services so we started with that dollar amount and that dollar amount can be accessed every year," said Merriman.
Shannon Hill, who works as a behavioural analyst and whose son is on the spectrum said the increase in age means the children who need it will continue using services.
“This will help to be able to extend those services for some of those kids that are beyond six that are still needing services which most of the kids with autism still need services beyond that age,” said Hill.
Merriman said that in this year's provincial budget, the government invested more than 19.1 million to support autism services and of this amount, 10.3 goes to individualized funding.
Hill believes that while the funding is helpful, the problem lies elsewhere.
“The problem is that there's not enough service providers doing the work that needs to be done and especially for those folks in the rural areas.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.