A growing number of individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder are contacting Autism Society Alberta and our regional partners to express worry and concern regarding our province’s current political climate. The pending 2020 budget has our community in a heightened state of anxiety.

Needless to say, individuals and families are fearing for the vulnerability of government programs that are critical to supporting themselves or their family members to lead more independent lives. Of particular concern are Program Unit Funding, Special Education, Family Support for Children with Disabilities, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, and the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program. There is also serious concern that the known gaps in Alberta`s systems of support may grow, such as the known problem with PDD IQ cutoff. There is fear that some programs may introduce more restrictive eligibility criteria, and that the number of Albertans experiencing hardship may increase.

We are also hearing issues regarding some recent policy changes and system challenges. Families in some regions are reporting a wait of 9 months for FSCD intake. Individuals are expressing hardship associated with the deindexing of AISH, and the pending shift of AISH payments to the first of each month. Also, local autism community groups are investigating some denied PDD applications from families with clear and immediate need.