Statement on World Autism Day

April 2, 2026

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens deputy leader and MPP for Kitchener Centre Aislinn Clancy released the following statement marking World Autism Day.

“Today, I join the autism community, allies and advocates around the world in marking World Autism Day.

This year, the theme is Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value. This highlights how critical it is to recognize the contributions of autistic people to our communities, and affirm their inherent dignity and worth.

Today and everyday, I celebrate the creativity, resilience and innovation we gain in our communities when we prioritize inclusion and equity.

Unfortunately, in Ontario, this government is making it harder for children with autism to access the support and resources they need to thrive. By continuing to starve the Ontario Autism Program, this government is forcing 67,500 children with autism to sit on a waitlist to receive life-changing services, sometimes for five years or more. This is unacceptable. Early intervention is key in setting kids diagnosed with autism up for success socially, at school and at home.

On World Autism Day, Ontario Greens call on the Ford government to act now and increase funding to OAP and public education funding to hire and retain more teachers and educational assistants so that every child in Ontario can feel safe, supported, and able to thrive at school.”

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