Province provides additional support for autistic children
Saskatchewan families with autistic children have received some extra support from the provincial government.
The 2018-2019 provincial budget fulfilled a promise made in last year’s throne speech, providing children under the age of six with autism spectrum disorder $4,000 each year for support services. Prince Albert’s Amy Braaten has twin five-year-old boys with autism. She said the money will help her get the stuff she needs as most things her boys need can get quite expensive.
“I’ve looked online for special sensory toys and they can be like $2,500,” she said.
Liam and Lane are now in pre-Kindergarten but once they start full time school they will no longer qualify for therapy at the hospital, which means additional costs for Braaten if she wants to pursue further help. Braaten has other costs, too. Compression vests or weighted vests, which are used to calm the child, can be $100 a-piece.