Autism Society hit by series of resignations

A half-dozen board members and the executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Autism Society have all resigned.

But the society’s acting board chair, Mark LaCosta, says the recent departures will not impact services.

"We have a very dedicated staff, we have a great volunteer base, great community support, and that's what has contributed to all our success over the years, and will continue to do so," LaCosta said in an interview from Corner Brook.

He says the series of resignations were not the result of tension on the board.

"Not to my knowledge. Not in the board meetings that I was in. There were some issues. We were trying to deal with those issues, and we just talked through them, and hopefully they were worked through."

LaCosta didn't say what those issues were, but it seems as if they weren't worked through.

One former board member tells CBC News there were differing views on the future direction of the Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism, such as the age range it should cater to.

It's been about six years since the official opening of the centre.

The facility, run by the Autism Society, is the only one of its kind in the province.

It offers support for roughly 200 people per week.

The society is now looking for new board members. Those elections will take place at the annual general meeting in November.