Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Asperger's Corner

Just a quick post here. My computer is in the shop for god knows how long, but have to share an important bit of information and outrage.

"Talk about discrimination. Immigration Canada turns down an application for permanent residency for a 20-year-old because he has Asperger Syndrome. They figure that he will be a $7,000 annual burden to the healthcare system. I encourage you to comment on this story.


www.thestar.com
Chris Reynolds wants to stay in Canada with his dad and brother. But the only way his family’s application for permanent residency will be approved is if he’s not on it."
 
This sucks because they are refusing a family entry to Canada based on a young adult's mild disability. It's unlikely that a 20 year old with Asperger's is ready to live on his own, without family support. The reason given is that Immigration sees him as a $7000/year burden on the healthcare system. I would call this an investment. If these kids get adequate support and resources to help them through the school years, they can often become very productive members of society due to their intelligence, unique perspective, and intense focus on work that they are passionate about.
 
As well, the father is a university professor who has been living, working, and paying taxes in Canada for some time now. If this young man can't get residency on his family's application now, he will not be able to get it on his own after age 22, which will leave the family no option but to move back to the states. The pragmatic and ideological implications of this decision are both completely offensive to me, as a mother raising a child with Asperger's Syndrome.
June 14 at 10:05pm · · ·

2 comments:

  1. That is disgusting. My nephew has Asperger's and the trauma he has been through because of society and it's issues with his diagnosis has been a continual source of stress and sadness for my family. Shame on anyone who cannot, or will not, accept people for who they are.

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  2. Not my country, not my family's particular affliction: That said, it is abhorrent that a modern nation could practice such a policy, if the article reflects sound journalism. Such faceless bureaucratic practices are the bane of government. I've experienced the same kind of absurdity in my country, generally in regard to my own child's disease.
    I hope the check of free speech in your government works in this case.

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