Member for west vancouver capilano. Thank you, mr speaker. This saturday marks world autism day and today I'm honored to speak about the work of wendy, lissa, garcoquia and sergio coccia, who dedicate much of their energy supporting families and autistic people as opposition critic for ministry of children and family development. I have learned a great deal about autism spectrum disorder, particularly in recent months since government announced the change to autism funding model. Autism spectrum disorder or asd is a developmental condition that impacts typical brain growth affecting individuals very differently.

Common characteristics include difficulties with communication, social interactions and repetitive patterns of behavior. The word spectrum refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity. Each child is unique and intensive treatments can have positive impact on autistic. Children enter visionaries, wendy and sergio who, as parents of an autistic child founded the pacific autism family network, their first location called good life. Fitness family autism hub opened its 60 000 square foot facility in 2016, with a mandate to serve the lifespan, needs of individuals and families affected by asd.

When a diagnosis of families of autism is made, families often need help navigating therapies and supports to determine what is best for their own unique child. The pacific autism family network provides a reliable, one-stop shop source of information and help. This includes assessment therapy, education and support services and programs. There are clinics, classrooms, spaces for autism organizations, video conferencing and so much more.

In closing, mr speaker, I would like to thank and to celebrate that celebrate my constituents wendy and sergio for their dedication to the autism community, their philanthropy and for creating such a meaningful organization to help those with autism have a happy, meaningful and rich life. Thank you, mr speaker.