Schools across Canada are trying to keep up with the rising number of students with autism — and are bursting at the seams. Unless the federal government takes immediate steps to address the state of autism policy in Canada, we’re looking at a major crisis down the road.  

This simple yet startling reality was put front and centre by the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology in its 2007 report, Pay Now or Pay Later — Autism Families in Crisis.

The report calls for a national autism spectrum disorder strategy — at the heart of which would be a plan to broaden educational and professional training opportunities for Canadians with autism.

Many private organizations are already attempting to fill this hole. But without sufficient support from the federal government, these groups are facing a daunting task.  

Take the example of Montreal’s Giant Steps School and Resource Center for Autistic Children. The school offers a comprehensive approach, including a variety of therapies and teaching methods. Every child is followed by a highly trained child care worker.

But what if this were the only school in Quebec dedicated exclusively to autism?

In fact, it is. As might be expected, the institution has more than 600 children on its waiting list. There are more children in line than there are receiving this sort of help. 

So, while the Giant Steps School's efforts must be commended, the fact remains that we are not doing enough to support its efforts and other similar programs throughout our nation.

A good start came under former prime minister Stephen Harper, when the federal government allocated $11 million over four years to support training programs for autistic adults with the hope of assisting them into the workforce. Indeed, some corporations have also recognized that these individuals often possess talents and skill sets that are very valuable.

These efforts and more efforts like them must continue.

Whether focusing on research and early intervention, family support services or job training, the time has come to develop a government-led, committed and coherent national policy on autism.

It has been a decade since our report was released, but senators haven’t forgotten the daily struggle of these Canadians.

I’ll be showing my support for change on this World Autism Awareness Day by lighting it up blue (#LIUB), the colour associated with autism advocacy. I hope you do too.  

Leo Housakos is a senator representing the division of Wellington in Quebec. He previously served as Senate Speaker and is chair of the Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.