Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Lake, thank you for being here with us today, this time as a witness.
Partisan lines are always very in evidence at Parliament, but here in committee meetings we meet extraordinary people who fight long and hard for wonderful causes that are truly admirable. Today, we are hearing two parliamentarians that fall into this category: Ms. Romanado and yourself, Mr. Lake. Please note that I admire the work you do greatly, and I say that sincerely.
I took the time to discuss with people who work with families who have autistic children. I don't know any such families, so it's not something I know a lot about. Two workers told me the same thing: when efforts are made to integrate autistic children so that they can function and attain their full potential and be the best they can be as human beings, the problem does not stem from the children, but from us. The problem is the way that we perceive and treat these children, and it's our own lack of adaptability.
I would like to know what you think. In concrete terms, what is it like for a family that lives with autism?