Released on March 13, 2008
The Regina Region Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) is receiving $50,000 from the Government of Saskatchewan to provide intensive, home-based support to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
"As awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder increases, we are seeing earlier diagnoses, resulting in a need for intensive supports for families of children who have not yet started school," Education Minister Ken Krawetz said. "This new funding will help ensure that children diagnosed with ASD reach their best potential."
"The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the need to provide high quality services to our province's children and their families, " Health Minister Don McMorris said. "We are pleased to support programs and services that help children and their families live with Autism Spectrum Disorder."
These new funds will allow the Regina Region ECIP's Autism Early Childhood Consultant to work with five to seven children from birth to age five who are diagnosed with ASD, or who are awaiting diagnosis, and the children's families. The consultant will help both the child and family meet goals such as increasing communication skills, improving cognitive skills and improving fine and gross motor skills.
The government is providing $322,300 to ECIPs in North Battleford, Saskatoon and Regina. This investment includes $150,000 in ongoing funding to ECIPs for increasing services for up to 21 children and their families. A one-time grant of $172,300 will also be provided to the Saskatoon Region ECIP to develop, co-ordinate and deliver two professional learning conferences on ASD for the pre K-12 and Early Learning and Child Care sectors.
ECIPs are a province-wide network of community-based supports for families of children who experience or are at risk for developmental delays.
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For more information, contact:
Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jmclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca
Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca