Curious and worried, I emailed Glenn Thibeault:
Hi, I would like to have more information on the autism spectrum disorder bills, especially on what the national strategy would entail and the reasoning for ABA/IBI, especially when there is very little good evidence that demonstrates that it is effective and beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In fact, many adults with ASD strongly disagree with ABA methods and traditional philosophy. It would be beneficial for all people, children, teens and adults, if autistic people are included in the creation of legislation that ultimately affect them. (my signature)
And he responded:
Corina,
I can assure you that I spent a great deal of time liaising with autism groups before bringing these bills forward, and I have personal experience working with individuals with autism as prior to being elected to Parliament, I graduated from the Developmental Service Workers program at Cambrian College in Sudbury and I worked as a behavioural consultation in Vancouver.
Neither of these bills would force individuals to use ABA/IBI; they would simply ensure that no individual who wished to have access to the treatments could be refused by their provincial health service.
The two bills can be found online at:
1) http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=5091810
2) http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=5092022
All the best,
Glenn
Now, as I'm not at home right now and am using my iPod, and it takes me a while to sort through and process what I'm reading on a bigger screen, I was wondering whether anyone had any more information on this? Or even thoughts and feelings about these two bills?
