Quebec's $3M plan to help adults with autism not enough, critics say
Days after the province unveiled its long-awaited autism action plan, those on the front lines say the amount of money earmarked for adults living with autism is insufficient.
"It's just not enough," said Liam O'Rourke, co-founder of Spectrum Productions, a non-profit organization that provides day camps and media production opportunities for adults living with autism.
On Tuesday, the government announced it will invest an extra $29 million a year over the next five years for services and programs for people with autism.
After the announcement, Public Health Minister Lucie Charlebois told Radio-Canada that an extra $11 million dollars would also be invested for the first year.
But the amount focused just on people with autism who are 18 years and older is $3 million a year.
"When we developed this project, we developed this project because there was a lack of services for young adults," O'Rourke said.
For many on the front lines, the organization is seen as a gem because it offers adults living with autism a sense of belonging and employment skills.
Peter Papaioannou has been trying to get his online cooking shows, Eats with Pete, off the ground.
The 23-year-old lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He loves to bake and said his work at Spectrum Productions has been his recipe to a good life.
"They (co-founders of Spectrum) are very impressed with all the work." said Papaioannou. "They are very impressed that I am also living on my own right now."
Since 2013, people like Papaioannou have been learning a variety of skills, such as learning to edit and work a camera.
"I have about 62 cooking episodes so far. Pretty soon, I will have 63 and 64."
O'Rourke wonders whether the government's strategy will be enough for the growing number of adults living with autism.
On top of the $3 million, the province's plan includes added cash for respite for families, more community support and a home for adults.
The government said partnerships to make all this happen are in the works.
