N.L. Election: Autism 'is a crisis,' says Elaine Dobbin

Autism has become anissuein theNewfoundland and Labrador election, and philanthropist Elaine Dobbinsays more needs to be done to help those living with the disorder.

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"It's like an epidemic, this is a crisis," said Dobbin told the St. John's Morning Show, during it's#fixitnl.segment.

Not equipped

Dobbinis anhonorary board member with the Autism Society in Newfoundland and Labrador(ASNL)and helping those affected by the disorder has been a big part of her life.

She said stories like KristaHancock-Hillier's13-year-oldsonBraedenand the lack of supportare ones she hears of too often.

ASNL emerged as a service provider simply because the governmentwas not doing what they should be doing.- Elaine Dobbin

She said schools in the province are not equipped to teach children with autism.

"Teachers in inclusive classroomscannothelp because they don't know how and children with autism in a lot of places need one on ones," saidDobbin.

• 'I'm the only voice that Braeden has': Mother says province is failing autistic son

St John's Morning Show8:51Election issue: Autism Support

Krista Hancock-Hillier of St. Anthony says her teenage son, who has autism, needs more support in school and his community.

Dobbin said while the lackof training for teachers is one of the biggest problems, occupational therapists in theschools area must.

Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Canada without them.

"I do know that not having them in the school system is costing the governmentmuch, much more in the long run,"Dobbinsaid.

"Teachers just don't know enough about autism and the strategies that workit's special training,"

She added that government should providemandatory autism (ASD)training for current teachers and foruniversity graduates before they are able toenter the educational system.

'We're filling the gap'

Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the highest rates of autism in the countryand Dobbin said that early intervention is key.

She said the need forservices is great and government needs to strengthenthembefore it creates bigger problems.

She fearsas children grow older their aging parents will be unable to care for them. There are already cases like this in the province.

"These young children are going to grow as adults and they're going to end up on the doorsteps of theprovincialgovernment," said Dobbin.

Dobbin said theAutism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador has an annualbudget of around $1.6million andthe government only provides 45 percent of that.

The rest is acquired through fundraising and generous supporters in the community.

"ASNL emerged as a service provider simply because the governmentwas not doing what they should be doing and we're filling the gap," said Dobbin.

"We have improvedtheirlives, but the governmenthas to cometo the party on this."

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