Editorial: The autism problem

Editorial: The autism problem

The dispute between a mother of an autistic child and Liberal MPP Greg Sorbara is illustrative of the problem facing our society as we try to grapple with autism.

Susan Fentie-Pearce says she appealed to Sorbara for asssitance in dealing with her 14-year-old autistic son, who has become increasingly violent -- pinching, kicking, biting and pulling her hair out. She wants help before her son does any more damage to her or to himself, but he has been on a waiting list for a group home since January. Fentie-Pearce says Sorbara suggested she should have her son charged with assault so that a judge could order him moved to the front of the line. Sorbara, himself a foster parent of an autistic child, says he was misinterpreted.