MPP Smith hears concerns about autism file changes

Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith has been in charge of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services for three weeks now and he took a few hours Tuesday to talk to people about the autism file.

Tara Bischof, a mother of two sons with autism, says she came down to Zwick’s Park to talk about how life changing the Intensive Behavioural Intervention program has been for her youngest, Colby.

Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith speaks to Tara Bischof and her sons David (background) and Colby who both have autism at an event at Zwick’s Park for Minister Smith to hear people’s comments and concerns regarding the changes to the autism file. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)

Many of those who spoke to Smith regarding the changes announced said the new funding of “everyone gets something” actually does nothing.

One parent summed it up by telling Quinte News that autism care is healthcare, it’s no different than when a child is ill.

Virgina Mazzone-Ahou, a member of The Durham Crew, who came down to Belleville to speak to Minister Smith says she had one thing to talk to him about.

Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith spoke to parents, caregivers and others at Zwick’s Park about the funding changes the provincial government has made to autism programs and support. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)

Minister Smith spoke to the crowd in attendance and said he wanted to hear people’s stories first hand.

Changes made by the current provincial government see children under the age of four receive $20,000 a year and those over the age of five receive $5,000 a year for their needs.

Minister Smith said he has given the autism panel and new mandate and they are to consider more options.