Autism Group Begins Work

Autism advocates, parents and government officials have begun work on a strategy to improve government services for people affected by autism spectrum disorder.

The Autism Management Advisory Team includes representation from three government departments -- Education, Community Services and Health -- the Autism Society Nova Scotia, the Autism Society of Cape Breton and the Annapolis Valley Autism Support Team.

The team will assess current efforts to help people with autism spectrum disorder and their families. It will then recommend a comprehensive strategy to improve the services. The team expects to report by December.

"There are a number of good government programs and initiatives dedicated to helping those affected by autism spectrum disorder," said Education Minister Judy Streatch. "We need to look at co-ordinating our efforts across government to close any gaps in services. My colleagues, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Community Services, and I look forward to seeing the report's recommendations."

The six-member team will be led by Kym Hume, the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board's autism consultant.

"A vital part of our work will be gathering the public's views on the support services out there," Ms. Hume said. "We will be launching our public-input initiatives soon."

An estimated 7,500 Nova Scotians, about one in 150, have autism spectrum disorder.