Not enough funding for children with
April was Autism Awareness Month in Quebec, a moment to recognize people on the autism spectrum, their families and the communities that support them.
For me, the month is important both professionally and personally. I am the Member of the National Assembly for D’Arcy-McGee and the Quebec Liberal Party’s critic for people on the autism spectrum. I am also the mother of a son on the autism spectrum. Like many parents, I didn’t learn about autism from government plans or policy frameworks. I learned about it by navigating schools, services, waiting lists and transitions.
This is a provincial election year, and as the Quebec Liberal Party develops our electoral platform, know that I will be working with my party to include policies and pro-grams that promote inclusion and provide increased services for our special needs children.
If the Quebec Liberal Party were to be elected in October, our new leader Charles Milliard has committed to holding a Summit on Education, bringing together the many actors concerned to review the way that the government approaches education. Of course, the issue of special needs students will be an important part of the discussion. The last time such an exercise was done by the Quebec government is over 30 years ago. Our education system deserves more than the status quo; it is time for a real conversation about where we are and where we need to go.
As a parent, I know that autism is not something to be “fixed.” My son is not defined by a diagnosis. He is defined by who he is – his personality, his strengths, his challenges, his future. Public policies should start from that same place: respect, dignity and opportunity.
Autism is a spectrum, and public policy must reflect that reality. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work, and that’s where English school boards excel in customizing their approaches. In classrooms across the Greater Montreal area, teachers, support staff, professionals and administrators are doing extraordinary work – often quietly, always with care to ensure that students with autism and other special needs can learn, grow to their potential and belong.
Stable funding, access to specialized, professional, timely assessments and ongoing training for educators are not luxuries; they are essential tools that allow schools to build on the excellent work they are already doing.
Progress is possible. Community organizations, educators, clinicians, and families do remarkable work everyday often despite limited resources. The government must be a reliable partner, not another obstacle.
While the 2026-2027 Quebec budget includes investments in education infrastructure and initiatives to support student success, it does not provide dedicated funding for children with autism or targeted measures to reduce waitlists and expand respite services. Families and advocates continue to wait for concrete support, and schools still need the resources to fully meet the needs of students with special needs. The government must ensure that every child can thrive, not just in general education, but with the specific services they require.
Elisabeth Prass is member of the National Assembly of Quebec for D’Arcy-McGee and is Official Opposition Critic for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, as well as for Social Services, Mental Health, Persons Living with a Disability or with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and for the Fight Against Homelessness. She is mom to a wonderful boy living with ASD.
