First Provincial Autism Action Plan
From left, Joan Craig, founder of Autism Nova Scotia; Ethan Rekunyk, who has autism and is an advocate; Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health; Cynthia Carroll, Executive Director, Autism Nova Scotia; and Brendan Maguire, Minister of Community Services, at the Autism Nova Scotia office in Bedford, where the development of a provincial autism action plan was announced today, May 15. (Communications Nova Scotia)
Nova Scotians with autism and their families will see improved services and supports with the development of a new provincial autism action plan.
“People with autism and their families deserve to be supported in this province – whether they are under five and just getting a diagnosis, or adults who need support at home or in the workplace,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “A provincial autism action plan will give us a clear picture of what supports are out there today so we can identify the gaps and work with our partners to fill them.”
The action plan will:
- describe and identify the current services, supports, interventions and programs for children, youth and adults on the autism spectrum and their families in Nova Scotia
- identify current government strategies, action plans and initiatives that could be used to better support the current needs of Nova Scotians with autism and their families
- identify gaps and make recommendations for supports and services within the public, private and community sectors.
The work will be led by the government in partnership with Autism Nova Scotia and will include input from people with autism and their families, educators, healthcare professionals and representatives from community organizations.
Community engagement will begin this fall and the action plan is expected to be released next spring.
Details about the development of the plan and how to get involved will be available in the coming weeks at: https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/
Quotes:
“This announcement marks a historic milestone for autistic individuals and families in the province who have, and continue to, advocate tirelessly for more integrated services and supports to better meet their needs. An autism action plan will focus on filling the gaps and creating equitable services that the autistic community deserves, across the lifespan and across the province.”
— Cynthia Carroll, Executive Director, Autism Nova Scotia
“I hope this action plan addresses a lot of the issues currently faced by people with autism, like me, and it helps to bring inclusivity and recognizes the potential and skills of people with autism.”
— Ethan Rekunyk, advocate, Dartmouth
Quick Facts:
- on average, one in 31 five-year-old children in the province has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
- the Province is investing $200,000 in the development of the action plan
- the Office of Addictions and Mental Health and multiple government departments, including Community Services; Education and Early Childhood Development; Labour, Skills and Immigration; and Municipal Affairs and Housing, will be working together on the plan
Additional Resources:
News release – More Help for Families of Children with Autism https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/01/22/more-help-families-children-autism
News release – Province Unveils New Preschool Autism Services: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220414001
News release – Pilot Program to Address Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder Wait Lists: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20230911001
Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/
Mandate letter for the Minister of Addictions and Mental Health: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-CNS-AMH-Youth.pdf