Nova Scotia’s first Provincial Autism Action Plan is going to be released in 2026
Nova Scotia’s first Autism Action Plan, which aims to improve services and support for people on the autism spectrum, is expected to be released after one year of community consultation within the first half of 2026.
This plan, which has been postponed as its kind in Canada, was that First announced in May 2024The target was to be ready in 2025, but the autism Nova Scotia and the provincial government agreed to spend more time to ensure that the plan would be properly implemented.
In a recent interview, Amanda Alexander, CEO of Autism Nova Scotia, said, “We really wanted to make sure that we were not leaving any stone.”
Alexander said that the organization is working to identify what supports are available for people of all ages with autism spectrum disorder, and recommendations to fill any gaps in services.
They are collecting information through virtual counseling, survey and many work groups, composed of careful, service providers, experts and people.
Alexander said, “One of the most important things that we heard repeatedly … was that the autistic community, autistic voices and their living experiences should be central for work to serve and actually have driving force behind decisions.”
Vyas and Mental Health Minister Brian Comer told the CBC in a recent interview that the prevalence of autism, especially among the youth in Nova Scotia, is subject to. He said that important work on the action plan has been done so far, even more can be completed.
The Nova Scotia government gave Autism Nova Scotia $ 200,000 to develop the plan, and about 10 provincial departments – including addictions and mental health, health and well -being and education.
Commerce said that one of the most prominent gaps is identified through the development of the plan to date, requiring more programming in the entire province, especially in rural areas.
“I think it’s finally about reaching services in your community, okay? Close to the house, quick access to services and actually supporting families and their children,” he said.
He was reluctant to say what would happen in the final action plan, but he hoped that it would include a strategy to help families to navigate the resources that are available.
Alexander said that two pieces of feedback autism Nova Scotia have heard the most “loud and sadness”, which needs to be involved in making policies for more autistic individuals that affect them that affect them, as well as need more education about neurodivarity.
“They are the demand of the community that is waiting for the community to meet,” he said.
