Time to act on provincial autism strategy

I was in attendance in the gallery of the Manitoba legislature on March 19 when Bill 232, The Autism Strategy Act, introduced by Liberal MLA Cindy Lamoureux, passed second reading and moved to the committee stage.

The following week, March 24, the provincial budget included an increase in funding to St.Amant of $5 million for a total of $30 million annually, to reduce wait-lists for autism assessments and case management services provided to children and youth with autism and their families throughout Manitoba.

While this is welcome news for some families who will benefit from this support, much more needs to be done to truly address the issues and barriers that people with autism, of all ages, and their families experience in their daily lives.

We know from research that the rate of autism is increasing in Manitoba. Deepa Singal published a research study in 2025 that cited the prevalence and incidence of autism in children and adults in Manitoba. It went from 0.79/1,000 in 2011 to 3.06/1,000 in 2022. This study only included diagnosed children and youth, therefore, we know it is an underestimate of the actual number of autistic Manitobans. Many go undiagnosed until adulthood, or are not diagnosed at all.

Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. Their needs continue into adulthood and in some cases may increase. They still require support.

Despite significant investments in funding for Community Living Disability Services, Children’s Disability Services and St.Amant, there are still children, youth and adults with autism across Manitoba who don’t receive any services and supports, including respite.

Many are falling through the cracks and are being left behind.

In my role as executive director of Continuity Care for the past 20 years, I hear firsthand from parents, family members, as well as autistic youth and adults, about what life is like for them, what their goals are for the future and the challenges that prevent them from moving forward.

The increasing trend we see is young adults (and adults) who don’t meet the eligibility criteria for Community Living Disability Services because their IQ is too high.

With autism, there are often challenges with executive functioning, independent living skills and co-occurring mental health conditions. Many are unable to access affordable options for assessments, counselling and clinicians who have an expertise in autism. There is an overall lack of adult services, supports and provincial funding available in Manitoba, which is holding many people back from achieving their goals, dreams and reaching their full potential.

There is also a lack of focus on parents and family caregivers of children and adults with autism.

Many families are not eligible for respite, or their hours are being reduced. Many experience financial pressures as single parents or in cases where one parent must leave the workforce to be a full-time caregiver for their child.

The incidence of marital and family breakdown is also much higher for these families. Many autistic adults continue to live at home with their aging parents who have fears about the future and what will happen to their child after they die.

As an organization, Continuity Care has been doing what it can to assist families as they navigate through the system, and to provide resources, support and advocacy. Together, we have written letters to ministers and have met with government representatives.

Although they have listened to the families’ powerful stories, there has been no action or follow-through.

The NDP says it is a government for all Manitobans, but still we see people with autism and their families excluded and left behind.

Bill 232 — The Autism Strategy Act is a beacon of hope and an opportunity for change in Manitoba. Currently, we see Manitoba falling behind other provinces.

Bill 232 will provide a legislative framework requiring all government departments to work collaboratively to ensure that Manitobans with autism and their families have access to the services and supports they require across their lifespan, not just during childhood. This legislation will also ensure that their human rights are protected and upheld. To be effective, the bill will require all-party support, a commitment of funding and accountability.

April is Autism Awareness month, and I can’t think of a better time to shine a light on these important issues. Bill 232 can make a difference, but without a strong push from the community, there is risk that Manitobans with autism and their families will continue to be forgotten and left behind by our provincial government.

Contact your MLA and ask for their support in passing this important legislation. You can also make a submission to the committee (in person or in writing) expressing why Bill 232 is important to you. Your voice matters!

It’s time to act and move Bill 232 one step closer to a proclaimed provincial autism strategy for Manitoba and a brighter and stronger future for all Manitobans.

Suzanne Swanton is the executive director for Continuity Care Inc.