« Autiste, bientôt majeur » une réalité qui mérite d’être étudiée - Jennifer Maccarone
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Press release
18 September 2019

“Autistic, Soon to Be An Adult”, A Reality That Merits Further Study

« Autiste, bientôt majeur » une réalité qui mérite d’être étudiée - Jennifer Maccarone

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The MNA representing Westmount–Saint-Louis and Liberal Critic for Families and for People Living with a Handicap or on the Autism Spectrum, Ms. Jennifer Maccarone, has suggested that the members of the Health and Social Services Committee undertake an initiative mandate on the services offered to people on the autism spectrum, in particular once they have reached adulthood.

As a mother of two autistic children, one of whom just celebrated their 18th birthday, Ms. Maccarone is concerned about the numerous challenges facing young people who are on the spectrum, and their support systems, once they reach adulthood. Challenges such as integration within the workforce, the end of schooling and the transition from the pediatric to adult health care system, for example.

Ms. Maccarone has observed that services offered to families with autistic children change when the child reaches adulthood, even if the child’s situation has not changed. The docu-reality series “Autiste, bientôt majeur” (Autistic and Soon to Be an Adult) is a testament to that reality.

The committee would allow parliamentarians to hear from different groups and find potential solutions to broaden services offered to people on the autism spectrum.

I’m fortunate to have two wonderful children who are on the autism spectrum, and it was their difference that motivated my decision to enter active politics. My eldest becoming an adult made me aware of all of the constraints surrounding the transition from being an adolescent with autism to being an adult with autism. I am asking my fellow committee members to support my proposal and make this a non-partisan effort to help the thousands of families who face the numerous challenges that this transition presents.

–Jennifer Maccarone, MNA representing Westmount–Saint-Louis and Liberal Critic for Families and for People Living with a Handicap or on the Autism Spectrum