News & Events
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Easier Access for Families with New Autism Centre December 7, 2011 Families can now access autism services more easily with the opening of the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) Autism Centre. The new centre, which opened October 3 at 2166 Broad Street, is a satellite of RQHR’s Children and Youth Services. It amalgamates services previously offered by two RQHR facilities and the Autism Resource Centre, a community-based organization. “Families have told us a centralized location will better meet their needs,” said Lorri Carlson, Executive Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “This centre provides staff exclusively dedicated to autism care for children up to the age of 18.” The new centre provides assessment, treatment, case management, skill development, respite, individualized treatment and parenting education and support. The centre also provides group programs, which address issues such as building social skills, managing anxiety, regulating emotions and developing life skills. “Over the last few years, our government has made significant investments to address the needs of those affected by the disability,” said Health Minister Don McMorris. “Opening of this integrated facility will provide enhanced intervention services and supports to improve the quality of life for children and youth with Autism.” In 2007, an RQHR-commissioned review of autism services recommended a single point of entry for intervention services within the region. In 2008, the Ministry of Health formed a Provincial Autism Advisory Committee to provide it with information about current Autism Spectrum Disorder Services (ASDS). This work provided the foundation for the Ministry’s Framework and Action Plan for ASDS in Saskatchewan. The Region has received from the province $450,000 in start-up funds for the centre and $1.47 million annually to support the centre’s operating costs. The centre supports the Patient First philosophy and client-centred service provision. Families who would like more information about the autism centre or would like to request services can call Child and Youth Services at 766-6700. -30-
For more information, contact: Corynn Hubick |
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