Support for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Diagnosis

If you have concerns about your child's development, talk to your care provider or other trusted professional.

To access information about autism assessments in Nova Scotia, visit the IWK referrals page.

Provincial Preschool Autism Service (PPAS)

The Provincial Preschool Autism Service (PPAS) is a partnership between IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health, Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia and Autism Nova Scotia providing services and support for preschool-age children and families across Nova Scotia.

Preschool autism services in Nova Scotia are evolving to support children with autism and their families. The focus is on providing needs-based services, which means that the support offered will be customized to fit the unique strengths, needs and priorities of each child and family.

Children and families are at the center of what we do, ensuring that the supports provided meet each child's needs and their family's priorities. Parents and caregivers know their child best.

Visit the IWK PPAS page for more information.

Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS)

Programming is individualized to address the needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some specialized programming offered at junior and senior high school includes PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills), a social skills program for older students with ASD.

Community child and adolescent clinics

Nova Scotia Health's community child and adolescent clinics offer diagnostic assessment and treatment for children with ASD and concurrant mental health disorders, including significant behavioural disorders. These multidisciplinary teams work to meet the functional and mental health needs of children and adolescents and their families.

Direct Family Support Program for Children (DFSC)

The Direct Family Support Program for Children (DFSC) provides up to $2,200 per month to qualifying families caring for children with disabilities at home to access respite services.

For families with children with higher needs, the Enhanced Family Support for Children program is also available, with up to $1,600 per month to purchase additional, specialized support.

There is no waitlist for these supports.

School transitions

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receive support to transition into and out of the public school system. School teams collaborate with families and preschool service providers to develop transition plans into school. Transition planning is also conducted to support students graduating from high school to develop a plan to take the next step in their lives.

Public school and transition supports

Children in the public school system have access to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) specialists, school psychologists, speech language pathologists, classroom/ resource/learning centre teachers, teacher assistants, student services coordinators and/or facilitators.

School program planning teams develop and implement programs and services. An annual grant to school boards supports staff education in ASD.

The APSEA Autism in Education Partnership website offers research, and information to educators, families, and other service providers.

In addition to support provided within public schools, children with ASD receive support to transition into and out of the public school system.

Tuition support

The Tuition Support Program gives eligible students an option to access specialized programming and services at one of three designated special education private schools. In 2018-19, students may receive up to a maximum of $8,500. Families may be eligible to apply for supplemental funding based on their income.

Summer respite

The summer respite program provides funding so that children in the Direct Family Support for Children program who have autism and other disabilities can participate in out-of-home activities:

• $500/year for children under 12;
• $1,000/year for ages 12-19.

Small option homes

Small options homes provide a home for people with disabilities, including autism. Residents are supported by qualified staff.

Flex Program

Provides up to $2,200 per month to participants who live at home with their families, or who live independently with support from their families or personal networks. There is no waitlist and no maximum on the number of participants.

For people in the Flex Program with higher needs, the Flex Enhanced program is also available, with up to $1,600 per month in support.

Emerald Hall and the Community Outreach Assessment Support and Treatment (COAST) team

Two components of NSHA’s Dual Diagnosis Program, which provides support for adults living with an intellectual or developmental disability and a complex mental illness or behavioral difficulties. People can access community-based services through the COAST team and acute, inpatient services at Emerald Hall.

Day programming

Day programming helps persons with disabilities, including autism, participate in community-based day activities such as employment support, skills building, and recreational and leisure activities.

Employment supports

The Ability Works and Workplace Supports programs provide persons with disabilities, including autism, with employability skills and work experience to help them get, and keep, a job

Through Nova Scotia Works, Community-based service providers have agreements with the province to provide employment services and coaching to clients who need significant case management.

Job coaching

This program is available to help people with autism better transition into the workforce and remain there. Coaching helps address the unique needs of people with autism, some of whom have university degrees but are unable to secure employment.

Support for Post-Secondary Education

Students enrolled in university and college programs may be eligible for access grants, funding for disability supports, loan forgiveness programs, and loan repayment assistance through the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.

NSCC Achieve

NSCC Achieve is a one-year college inclusive education program for 18-21-year-olds that prepares students for independent living, transitioning to the community, and/or further education.

MountAbility

MountAbility is an inclusive post-secondary education program that welcomes students with diverse abilities to explore academic interests, engage in lifelong learning, and make meaningful connections within the Mount community.

Axcess Acadia

Axcess Acadia is for students who self-identify as having a disability (intellectual, developmental, or learning) and who would not meet the current admission criteria set by the university. Students graduate with a certificate of completion in: Arts, Science, Professional Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies.