TORONTO, Canada: The provincial government of Ernie Eves is delivering on its promise to help older children with autism, making Ontario the first Canadian province to develop a programme aimed at meeting the unique needs of these children.

"We are following through on our promise to parents of children with autism to provide a new programme and services so that elementary school-age children with autism can continue to grow and learn," said Brenda Elliott, Ontario's Minister of Community, Family and Children's Services.

Elliott announced on August 11 that the new programme, called BRIDGES, would be introduced this autumn with a demonstration site in London, Ontario. The Ministry is inviting prospective service providers in the Southwest region to submit a proposal to provide the new programme. The demonstration site is expected to be operational by early October 2003 so that delivery and implementation can be evaluated and refined before expanding to other parts of the province.

The new programme, designed with the input of a panel of experts, will help older children build the social, communication and behavioural skills that they need at home, school and in their communities.

BRIDGES will provide children with a two-hour per week, group-based programme that is intended to support and complement other community services or activities with which the child and family are involved. BRIDGES will be offered in two 16-week sessions per year, in the autumn and the spring, to mirror the school year.

By 2006-2007, Ontario will spend almost Canadian$100 million on new programmes and services for children with autism, making it a leader in developing innovative initiatives designed to improve the lives of these children and help parents raise their children with hope and dignity.