More Support for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The provincial government today announced an additional $2 million to help enhance supports for children with autism spectrum disorders. The funding will be used to strengthen access to early identification and early intervention services.
Health Minister Jamie Muir, who made the announcement on behalf of the ministers involved in the Children and Youth Action Committee, said the funding fulfills a government commitment. Identification and intervention of these conditions have often not occurred until children enter school, when the most critical opportunity for early intervention has been missed. The investment will address the need for age-appropriate screening, assessment, diagnosis and interventions, in addition to professional development opportunities.
"This government places priority on the delivery of quality services to all Nova Scotians. This initiative is an excellent example of how government departments, working together with communities, can develop meaningful provincial and local solutions," said Mr. Muir. "These efforts support the moves that this government overall, and the Department of Health in particular, is making toward more community involvement in service delivery decisions."
Joan Bagnell of the Cape Breton chapter of the Autism Society of Nova Scotia welcomed the news.
"As a parent of a young child with an autism spectrum disorder, I am only too aware of the significance that such a diagnosis carries. Knowing that there will be increased co-ordination and more localized service delivery gives me greater hope for my child and other children who need extra supports," said Ms. Bagnell.
A new service delivery model will be used to identify and deliver community-based services according to local priorities. The model focuses on improving co-ordination among service providers and allows for greater family involvement. About five per cent of Nova Scotia children under age six have special needs requiring multi-service supports. More than 3,000 children could benefit from the new approach.
A subcommittee of the Children and Youth Action Committee developed the model with input from parents and service delivery professionals. The action committee was established by government in 1995 to address interdepartmental issues related to children. The committee involves the ministers, deputy ministers and staff of the departments of Community Services, Education, Health and Justice, as well as the Sport and Recreation Commission and the Youth Secretariat.