Mental Health Care: ASD Supports - Question Period

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Autism is not a mental-health disorder or issue in and of itself. However, just like everyone else, people on the autism spectrum suffer from mood disorders and experience psychological distress, and they deserve access to supportive services and treatment.

Our caucus was recently informed by an advocacy group that people with an autism diagnosis are being screened out of eligibility for community-based mental health counselling services. These individuals are being referred to mental health services by their family physicians, showing up at their choice appointments months later, and upon disclosing their ASD status, being informed that they are not eligible for counselling services because of it.

Can the minister offer any explanation as to why people with ASD are being discriminated against when it comes to accessing mental health care?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : I thank the member for bringing this concern to the floor of the Legislature. As she noted, that was information that was brought to her attention by an advocacy group, I'm not aware of that information. If she would like to forward it on to me, I'll certainly look into it.