The province is expanding funding for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
As of Tuesday, Autism Individualized Funding will be available for children up to age 11.  Children who were 11 on or before March 31 are eligible to apply for one final payment.
In this fiscal year, $10.3 million has been allocated to provide $6,000 annually per child with ASD from six to 11 years old and $8,000 annually per child with ASD under the age of six.
An estimated 1,000 families will benefit from the expansion.

The program gives parents funding for therapeutic interventions and family supports that best suit their child’s individual needs.  These may include respite services, therapeutic equipment, and training for parents and caregivers.

The application form and eligible services list are available at saskatchewan.ca/autism.  A registry of autism service providers is available to assist parents in locating service providers.  It includes behavioural consultants, physical therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists.
Private service providers are encouraged to sign up to be listed on the registry, and can contact autismregistry@health.gov.sk.ca for more information on how to do so.
Additional information on the program can be found at saskatchewan.ca/autism.