A number of popular summer programs for autistic children in Regina are being scaled back or cut altogether, moves that have some parents concerned.
The changes affect a pre-school program and a number of summer activities organized by the Autism Resource Centre.
"You fight every day for services, and the summer program is the one time a year you get intensive services for five weeks, and then you really have nothing for the rest of the year," Rip Smith, whose son Max enjoyed the summer program, told CBC News.
The program, he said, made a significant difference in his son's life.
"Simple things like putting your jacket on," Smith explained. "[And] being able to communicate better."
The summer program has been reduced from five weeks to just two.
Officials with the Autism Resource Centre told CBC News there are skilled people who can run the programs, but the organization can not hire them due to policies of the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, which provides about one-third of funding for the programs.
The region does not allow agencies it funds to take the money and purchase the service from someone else.
"We prefer to contract directly with the service provider," Lorri Carlson, the executive director of mental health services for the region, explained. "It's really hard to administer through a third party."
The region is, however, in discussions to find ways to make up for the reduced summer programs.
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