A not-for-profit that provides summer respite for families with autistic children needs help.
For the past 30 years, Autism Services Incorporated has offered the Bruce Awad Summer Program, a six-week respite service for families with autistic children aged six to 21.
President Michelle Helou says while the cost of the program is $6,800 per child, families are charged $2,000. The Ministry of Child and Youth Services covers the difference for kids up to 18, but after that, Autism Services Incorporated has to find the money. She says charging the families more just isn't an option.
"They can't pay any more," says Helou. "I try fundraising and advocating to try and get more money."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AWcxo60Nb4&feature=youtu.be
She says the trouble is, after a child turns 18, they don't qualify for provincial subsidies, and they can't apply for adult funding until they are 21. That leaves families in a financial limbo while they wait for so-called "passport funding."
Helou also says turning those families away isn't an option.
"The parents are getting older," she says. "They need that break."
She says most of the clients in the program are high needs on the spectrum and benefit from a program that keeps them active during the summer when schools are closed. Even those over 18 benefit since they can attend school up to the age of 21.
Helou hopes by going public; she'll be able to raise money for the program. She's also calling on the province to provide subsidies to those families who have autistic children over 18.