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Mom not convinced all children will get the help they need continued from p.10 smart to come out. Otherwise he is trapped," said Ridley. Although Ewan, who will begin ABA in August for an hour a week for eight weeks, before going back onto another wait list, Ridley added it just isn't enough support. She said her family is paying $12,000, at some financial challenge, for Ewan to receive IBI services for two months this summer. Ridley admitted people who have children with autism are fighting daily to get the support they need and many are desperate because about 80 per cent of children living with autism have sleep disorders. "You're dealing with parents that, on a dayto-day basis are exhausted and desperate for the help. They've been on years'-long waiting lists -- as long as their kids' lives -- and there was this hope that, at the end of this, their kids, no matter how long they were going to wait, would get IBI and that has just been taken away from them. That's where that desperation comes from," said Ridley. Parents have also seen IBI help children with autism find their place. Ridley said a cousin of hers didn't speak until he was six years old, but through IBI is now thriving. He's attending University of Glasgow studying languages. In an interview with the Oakville Beaver Friday, Wynne said she knows the transition period will be challenging for some time for parents with children who have autism, but that the government is working with providers to make sure there's a plan for every child and "they actually get a tailor-made service they need." Wynne said experts have said IBI and ABA is more effective for children under the age of five. The new autism program is tackling a waitlist of children who aren't getting services -- which to her, is "unacceptable." "What we are doing is we're going to move those kids from that waiting list into services right away," said Wynne. While some older kids may need less intensive services, she added she knows there are some who will need more intensive service. There will be a program designed for each child that is "the right level of intensity." The Premier said part of the $333 million investment is for early identification of ASD. "Early intervention is critical because the sooner you can get the right therapy, the right services for children, the more likely the chance of success," she said, citing advice from parents, experts and academics. Flynn admitted he's heard from numerous parents concerned about the changes. He said the government needs to work with parents of children with autism, who are four and five years old, to let them know they aren't being ignored and that they are, in fact, being heard. Both Flynn and the Premier said the $8,000 is transitional funding and that an individualized plan is coming. But Ridley isn't convinced. She said she and other parents hope the government will consider a direct funding option to allow all kids on the waitlist for IBI services to be immediately seen. She said it isn't hard to implement since the government already gives direct funding to programs, such as respite care and that will ensure funds go to where they're most-needed and not lost in administration costs. Ridley said she's also concerned about the immediate repercussions of the change. She said some five year olds, who may be receiving IBI services three times a week and spending two days in the school system, may be sent to school for the whole week, unsupported, which can put a strain on the education system. -- with files from Michael Gregory 15 | Thursday, May 5, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Queens Avenue Retirement Residence · Assisted Living · 24 Hr Medic Alert · Roomy Modern Suites · Recreation Activities · Utilities & Basic Cable Included · Full Kitchens in Suites · 2 Wholesome Meals + Snacks Permanently "lock In"your rent plus receIve a $2,000 rebate....aSk uS HoW" Book a Tour... Enjoy Lunch on us! 1056 Queens Avenue, Oakville | 905.815.0862 www.queensavenueretirement.com | E:admin@queensavenueretirement.com Cooking for one is a lot of work. Now I can easily order balanced meals with free delivery! Get delicious, frozen meals, soups and desserts delivered directly to your home. FEELS GREAT $ Made for Seniors Request your FREE Menu Catalogue Today! 1-844-409-0050 HeartToHomeMeals.ca HEARING BETTER HEARING AIDS* 2,000 OFF Try out and learn about the latest technology that helps with speech clarity and noisy environments. to celebrate May Speech & Hearing Month Call today to book your free hearing test. 289.856.9933 John Moon Free Delivery*. No Obligation. Delicious Choices. *some conditions may apply. #230-2525 Old Bronte Rd · Oakville www.choruscare.ca M.Sc., Aud(C), Reg CASLPO, Chief Audiologist *On a pair of selected hearing aids while quantities last. Expires 5/31/16.