There was an emotional plea for government help from families of autistic children in Ontario following the release of documents pointing to a 16-fold increase in the number of kids on waiting lists for support programs.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath speaks to media at Queen's Park alongside autism support advocates. Nov. 3, 2015. (MARCO PATRONE/QP BRIEFING)

NDP leader Andrea Horwath speaks to media at Queen's Park alongside autism support advocates. Nov. 3, 2015. (MARCO PATRONE/QP BRIEFING)

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and NDP MPP Monique Taylor tabled results of a freedom of information request that found the number of autistic children waiting for support programs has skyrocketed since 2007 from less than 1,000 to over 16,000.

"That's thousands of families who worry that, with each passing day, that their kids are missing critical help. For these families, these programs represent hope and far too many families are waiting far too long for the support they need. We have to do better," Horwath said on Tuesday at Queen's Park.

The NDP said it's disturbing that the number of children receiving the Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) program has fallen by almost 1,000 children over the past two years.

The Minister of Children and Youth Services was skeptical of suggestions that fewer children are getting access to programs, but Tracy MacCharles admitted waiting lists are too long. "I understand that families caring for young people with autism face unique challenges and that wait lists for services remain a concern for parents."

MacCharles said the Ontario government has increased funding for autism services by more than $100 million since 2004.

At her news conference Tuesday morning, Horwath was flanked by members of Autism Ontario and the tearful mother of an autistic child. Kara Onofrio spoke of the $40,000 financial burden on her family every year as a result paying out of pocket for autism programs.

"When will someone make a change? The system isn't filled with cracks - it's broken. Who will save my life, my son's life, and everyone in the autism community's life. Who is going to step up and stop hiding behind more research? I thought Ontario was supposed to be a leader in the country. It's time to step it up," said Onofrio, who has launched a support group for families of autistic kids.

Onofrio said her seven-year-old son Justin has been on the waiting list for an autism program for three year and may have to wait another two. She said her son will be nine years old by the time he gets the support he needs and will outgrow the early intervention benefits he would've received had he been given help sooner.

"How can our government turn a blind eye? The more they ignore it, the more they will pay down the road," Onofrio said.

Families of autistic kids criticize government for long wait lists

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