Dr. Shamalack

The applicant, who had pre-existing autism, was involved in a motor vehicle accident while riding her bike.

She sought a determination of catastrophic impairment and various statutory accident benefits.

The respondent denied the benefits, arguing her impairments were solely related to her pre-existing autism.

The Tribunal found that the accident was a necessary cause of her worsened psychological condition, leading to an extreme impairment in adaptation.

The applicant was deemed catastrophically impaired and awarded ongoing attendant care benefits and partial occupational therapy costs, but denied past attendant care benefits and other treatment plans.