Our family faces daily challenges as we navigate the complex journey of raising an autistic child with high needs. My 6-year-old daughter is autistic and, like many children in British Columbia, she struggles to thrive in a system that doesn't provide adequate support. From the moment she turned six, the funding for her necessary supports drastically decreased from $22,000 a year to just $6,000, leaving many of her essential needs unmet.

We've sought help from various specialists, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, behavioral interventions, and school supports, yet after years of intervention, her self-harming behavior continues unabated. Referral to BC Children's Hospital sadly resulted in her needs being undermined and overlooked.

The immediate reduction in funding at such a crucial age means she and many other children with autism in BC are left without the aid they desperately need. This funding cut is not just a number on a paper for us; it's a barrier that limits her access to critical therapies and services that could alleviate her struggles and help her develop essential life skills.

Statistics show that autism affects 1 in 66 children in Canada, yet resources and support systems lag far behind what is needed. It’s crucial to bridge the gap in funding and allocate sufficient resources across BC to ensure every child with autism receives the support necessary for their development and well-being.

Our children deserve more. They deserve to be understood and supported through every stage of their development, and it is the responsibility of our government to ensure this is possible. By investing in fair and adequate funding for autism services, we can prevent crises and enhance the quality of life for countless families in our province.

I urge the government of British Columbia to review and reform the current funding model to better support autistic children. This involves ensuring a seamless transition of funds through different age brackets, increasing funding allocations, and improving access to specialized care and resources.

Please sign this petition to urge the BC government to commit to improving the Autism Funding Unit and enhancing care support for children with autism. Together, we can make a difference and provide these children with the chance to lead happier, healthier lives.