A mother in Laval, Quebec, says she struggles to find services for her 11-year-old on the autism spectrum.
Elena Montecalvo said she was denied access to a special psychiatric program at Riviere des Prairie Hospital based on the fact that her son Giancarlo Rodriguez attends school in English.
“Something needs to be done because my son is paying the price and we desperately need help,” Montecarvo said.
Montecarvo said Giancarlo is a sweet boy, but his situation has taken a turn for the worse in the last two months.
“Something pisses him off and once it pisses him off it’s really hard to get him back so he punches walls, pinches him, hits me… he bites himself “It’s really heartbreaking to watch.”
Montecarvo says Giancarlo’s psychiatrist recommended a special inpatient program available only at the Riviere des Prairie Hospital. There are specialized units for kids on the spectrum where he can get the right medication.
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People with Disabilities, Autism Advocates Call on Quebec Politicians to Address Lack of Public Services
However, Montecalvo says, based on his words, her request for treatment was denied by the hospital.
“I am in complete shock, almost hopeless,” she said of her reaction.
A spokesperson for local health officials told Global News in an email that specific facilities and service corridors have been designated to adequately accommodate health and social services for English-speaking people.
“Child psychiatric services for English-speaking clients of the Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal CIUSSS and Laval CISSS are provided by MUHC. They must then be referred to the Montreal Children’s Hospital for treatment,” it said. Marie-Hélène Giguert writes by e-mail.
Giancarlo’s psychiatrist said the Children’s Hospital of Montreal did not provide the kind of care the boy needed, according to MonteCarbo.
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Patient Protection Council President Paul Brunet said: “I am aware that Article 13 of the ‘Loi sur les services de santé et les services sociaux’ limits the availability of English-speaking resources. “But you’re still telling me that Laval doesn’t have English-speaking resources that can help this boy? I can’t believe it.”
Giancarlo’s educators say there is an urgent need for Giancarlo and his family to access programs at Riviere des Prairie Hospital.
“For them, it’s absolutely important, because otherwise they have no choice,” said Laurie Mitchell, a special care counselor who works with children on the spectrum.
Sophie-Jacques Balma, a spokesperson for Quebec’s Minister of Social Services, Lionel Carmant, said his office was aware of the incident, but said it was investigating the details of the situation. I have no further comments.
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