Support Malcolm's ABA Therapy
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Hello Family & Friends,
I am reaching out on behalf of our family to once again to ask for support for my nephew's treatment and therapy.
For 2 years Malcolm* (pseudonym used for privacy) has attended ABA/IBI therapy, received one-to-one support in his home and has attended day-camps during the summer months which require one-to-one support. This was made possible through the efforts of our family, your generous donations, an agency involved in his care as well as a smaller fund from the Ontario Autism Program that is no longer available.
We are faced with the reality of how much these services cost, and how all evidence-based research illustrates how crucial early intervention is for my nephew's future. Children on the Spectrum who obtain early intervention ABA have far greater chances of attaining life skills and curbing behavioural issues that make it difficult for them to function in daily life. These services are vital and needed now, but the harsh reality of Autism in Ontario* is that the current wait times for the new Ontario Autism Program (OAP) roll-out are 5-7 years. Malcolm has been on this wait-list since 2020, and our family must continue to fill this gap until he gets his extensive needs funding through OAP.
*There are dozens of articles illustrating the problem with the new system and the inhumane state of Autism in Ontario. It is estimated 70,000 children and families are waiting for funding:
His service cost totalled over $100,000 per year for these past two years:
→ ABA/IBI therapy is $90 per hour. A child with Malcolm’s level of need is to receive as much of this therapy as a family can afford. Cost runs at $4,320 per 4 weeks for 2 days/6 hours per day, $6,480 per 4 weeks for 3 days/6 hours per day.
→ Speech Therapy Services cost $130/per hour.
→ Day camps require one-to-on support costing $1,000 per week. Registration in day-camps during the summer is essential for the development of divergent children. This is due to the social nature of Autism, the continued practice of ABA principles and exposure to the outside world and activities.
→In-home Respite Services cost between $35-40 per hour.
These figures are exorbitant and are sadly the norm for children with Level 2 and 3 Autism who have extensive/complex needs and dual-diagnoses. Spending can range up to $130,000 per year for services and up to $80,000 per year for ABA/IBI therapy.
When Malcolm came to our home he was assessed by his ABA therapist at an 18-month old level of cognitive function, though his social skills fell far below. He had no independent skills, limited words and ability to interact.
Malcolm can now dress himself, brush his own teeth and use the washroom independently. He could not sit for 30 seconds; he can now sit for meals, “table time” (e.g., school and ABA activities) and he understands what it means to “wait” (though like most young children he doesn't like it!). He goes through his after school routine - taking off shoes, hanging coat and bag before going to wash his hands - without a need for prompts. His language has exploded, though not necessarily conversational he is working on stringing 3 and 4 words together. Malcolm used to have daily outbursts because he could not communicate and didn’t understand the necessity or process for doing so. He now knows how to ask for help, how to express when he has hurt himself and how to say “no”. He can count to 100, by 10s. He is spelling words, and though two years ago he could not hold a pen and refused to hold a utensil, he is starting to write. We were told he may never be able to pronounce his name. He not only says it, he can spell it. All of these skills are a direct result of the therapy he has received and our family implementing these practices, to the best of our ability, in his home. An interruption to his ABA therapy would be extremely detrimental, and he would lose his place at his center (he was on the waitlist for 4 years).
Our family is doing all we can to keep my nephew in therapy, though we are now out of funds and have all been stretched financially since my sister's death. We are committed to my nephews future, and so here I am humbly asking for your support.
All donations will go directly to Malcolm's ABA/IBI therapy costs for this 6 month term and if anything remains this will help support an additional term. We appreciate any support you may offer and the contributions you have made to his little life and future.
If you could please share this story we greatly appreciate it.
We ride at dawn for our Prince. XO.
- With love,
His Auntie xo.
Organizer
Miranda Craig
Organizer
East Hawkesbury, ON