Autism Society 'delighted' government promises to eliminate IQ 70 standard

After years of advocating against IQ testing as a means to determine what services a person with autism should receive, Scott Crocker says he's delighted government has vowed to move to more progressive testing.

Currently, the Newfoundland and Labrador government, as well as other provinces across Canada, will deny certain services to people with autism who have intelligence quotient scores over 70.

Crocker said it meant some people with autism weren't able to avail of recreational supports, special child welfare allowances and respite care, despite there being no relation between autism and intelligence.

Wisdom has prevailed. Goodwill has prevailed.- Scott Crocker

"The result is that we've seen people with IQ scores above 70 and sometimes well about 70 who are just totally denied any services at all," Crocker, executive director of the Autism Society Newfoundland and Labrador,told CBC News Monday.

"The family are deniedrespitecare and in many of those cases there's a significant need."

Crocker suggested government look at using alternative tests to determine how well a person can function independently.

Implementation will take time

Health Minister Steve Kent said the provincial government is committed to eliminating the IQ70 standard and will move to a more progressive means of testing individuals with autism.

"We need to figure what our new eligibility criteria will be, and that will take a little time," Kent said in an email, adding it will take several months to implement the changes.

Kent said the department is seeking input from stakeholders, and will need to train staff and find an appropriate assessment tool to replace IQ70.

After three years of advocating on the issue, Crocker said the society is looking forward to the change.

"We were thinking about court challenges and so on," Crocker said. "We had even approached several people from the point of view of being involved and witnesses and talking about their own cases. This means none of that is necessary.

"Wisdom has prevailed. Goodwill has prevailed."

Both the provincial NDP and Liberal parties have also shown their support for eliminating the IQ70 standard.