Adult Autism Care In New Brunswick

The Autism Society New Brunswick AGM was held yesterday at the Crowne Plaza in Fredericton. We had a great turnout. I was the featured speaker with lots of questions, discussion, and debate. We had guests from many parts of the province. Amongst those in attendance was Andy Scott MP for Fredericton who has been a powerful advocate for a National Autism Strategy and Barb Whitenect, one of the most autism knowledgeable public servants in our province.



Photo: Harold Doherty Speaking, A Good Turnout
Photo by Charles LeBlanc



Photo : Andy Scott Speaking, Harold Doherty Listening
Photo Courtesy of Charles LeBlanc

The subject of discussion was youth and adult residential care and treatment - a very big subject in New Brunswick. We have made great strides in pre-school intervention, education and pediatric tertiary care services but our youth and adult residential care and treatment services are abysmal. There is a need for improved services for supported living for those autistic persons who can, and choose to, live in their home environment and for a complete overhaul of the group homes. And we are totally lacking in proper care here in New Brunswick for the most serious adult autism challenges.

Photo: Tamara Downey, New ASNB President, Meets the Media
Photo by Charles LeBlanc

We also got some organizational work done with the election of a new Board of Directors led by new ASNB President Tamara Downey above.

Photo Left to Right: Nancy Blanchette, Outgoing ASNB Vice President, Dr. Theresa McKenzie (Psychologist) and Lila Barry, Outgoing ASNB President