THREE-YEAR-OLD JAIDEN ASCHAIEK is the subject of a new documentary, Jaiden’s Story: The Struggle for ABA Therapy in Ontario. The Thornhiller is just one of 1,500 children with autism who is being wait-listed for provincially subsidized autism therapy. The list outnumbers the 1,300 kids who are currently receiving applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy, the most effective form of treatment.
Some of the challenges that Jaiden and his mother, Sharon Aschaiek, face are outlined in the short film.
“I’m a single mother, and I was fortunate that I was able to move my son and I into my parents’ home. Every penny I make now goes toward my son’s therapy,” she says. “Most families are not in my situation. Most families can’t afford even a fraction and are watching their children regress.” Aschaiek currently spends $25,000 a year for nine hours of weekly treatment for Jaiden.
Watch the documentary at autismresolutionontario.com.
