Continuing to guard the safety net for families with autism

I hope National Autism Acceptance Month in April was an opportunity for Quebecers to show appreciation to all the parents, family members, educators, healthcare workers and community organizers who make a positive difference every day in the lives of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is also an occasion to celebrate our children and shine a light on what they can accomplish to the best of their capacities. 

 It was my honour to sponsor a motion at the Quebec National Assembly that month, to bring more awareness to the issue and to the realities of our children and families. Our children may be different, but they are not less. 

 With a projected deficit over $13 billion, we are already seeing the CAQ government making cuts to social services that many constituents rely on. For instance, many families have been informed that the hours allotted to them through the Service Employment Paycheque Program have been cut without warning. The services provided through this program bring some relief to parents who act as full-time caregivers for a child with a disability or with special needs. It also provides services to adults with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. I have twice questioned the Minister Responsible for Seniors (who oversees this program) regarding these cuts, and each time she denies that she approved them, but meanwhile Santé Québec continues to slash hours. I will continue to put pressure on the CAQ government to reestablish the cut hours. 

 Late last year, the CAQ government finally tabled its updated guidelines for the use of seclusion rooms for special needs students in public schools. While it is a first step in the right direction, without mandatory training and more availability of special educators who understand the realities of our children, it leaves a lot to be desired. Our children can have meltdowns – that’s the reality. These rooms are meant to be a place to find calm for the child and not a place of punishment as we have seen in certain schools. 

 After having sponsored a petition on behalf of the Fédération québécoise de l’autisme at the National Assembly to have autism restored on the list of clear diagnoses granting accelerated access to the Social Solidarity Program that was deposited in September 2024, I was so glad when in December, the Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action announced that she was creating a fast track for those diagnosed with ASD levels 2 and 3 to reestablish their access to this funding program. It was cruel to remove them from the list in the first place, and we hope that the mobilization that took place around this issue will work as a deterrent in the future when the government makes cuts without understanding the impact of those who will be directly affected. 

 I promise to continue to fight for families like ours and to advocate for them. 

 Elisabeth Prass is member of the National Assembly of Quebec for D’Arcy-McGee and is official opposition critic for Social Services, Mental Health, Persons Living with a Disability or with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and for the Fight Against Homelessness. She is mom to a wonderful little boy living with ASD.