Minister says cuts to autism programs a misunderstanding
Shayne Morrow, Alberni Valley Times
September 30, 2009

Children and Family Development Minister Mary Polak is on the offensive to counter what she calls "widespread misunderstanding" of recent cuts to funding for children with autism.

"The only specific change in terms of service is for those 70 children who were in the (early intensive behavioural intervention) program," Polak told the Times late Tuesday. "For all other families, they will receive a [$2,000] raise in their funding up to $22,000 by April 1.

Polak refutes the contention that the raise is hardly significant.

"It's not as much as we'd like to give them. If you look at how much it costs to support these kids, it doesn't seem like much," Polak conceded. She noted that her ministry had to strike a balance and "$2,000 a year is still $2,000 a year."

Polak said the entire field of autism has expanded by leaps and bounds. So has the cost of delivering support….