MPP Gretzky presents thousands of petitions calling for an end to wait lists for supports that help children living with autism spectrum disorder when they turn 18

Today, Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky presented petitions calling on the government to end waitlists for supports that help children living with autism spectrum disorder when they turn 18. The petitions were signed by nearly 3 000 residents from Windsor and Essex County. MPP Gretzky delivered the following statement before presenting the petitions:

“Michelle Helou and her son Noah are exemplary citizens in my riding of Windsor West. Noah lives with autism spectrum disorder and for sixteen years, he received behavioural support, services at the Windsor Regional Children’s Centre, respite services, and out-of-home respite services. However, when Noah turned eighteen last September, all the services he enjoyed as a child were suddenly cut off.

Noah was then put on a wait list for Passport funding, the program that is meant to help ease the transition for families as their children enter adulthood. When he faced an endless waitlist for services, Michelle took matters into her own hands.

Michelle and parents living throughout Windsor and Essex County organized a petition drive calling on the government to act to eliminate wait times for ALL families waiting for passport funding. Not in the same manner they eliminated the wait list for IBI & ABA services.

Speaker, I’m thrilled to announce that on the week following World Autism Awareness Day, I have received over two thousand signatures on a petition calling on this government to support families by eliminating waiting lists for ALL adult children on the waiting list for Passport funding. Michelle Helou and my constituents of Windsor West did their part—now it’s time for the government to act.”

Video of MPP Lisa Gretzky delivering statement before presenting petitions.