About one in every 44 Nova Scotians is on the autism spectrum, according to MLA Lisa Lachance.
The Houston government announced the creation of the Autism Action Plan for the province in 2024, stating that it would improve services and supports, identify existing initiatives and gaps, and outline changes to improve access to services and resources for autistic individuals and their families.
During Question Period on Sept. 15, Lachance said that although there has been an enormous amount of work done since the plan was announced, the target start date was set for some time in 2026 and, so far, there have been no updates on its future.
Minister of Addictions and Mental Health Brian Comer assured the House that “this is a very important file that falls across many government departments” and that it remains something the government is very focused on.
“There was a request from the organization to engage in some more consultation with Nova Scotians, so I think that is underway, and we’re certainly happy to continue to support that work,” Comer explained.
Lachance said that right now, “autistic Nova Scotian’s are not receiving the support they have a right to,” pointing out that there are more than 1,000 children waiting to be assessed every year, which is “necessary for critical early childhood intervention.”
Hundreds of children start school without an assessment, meaning they do not have a proper support plan for their needs and are removed from childcare and classrooms on a regular basis, according to Lachance.
They said the action plan is important because, for students with diverse needs, it “will provide a roadmap from birth through education, employment, housing, and other supports,” giving them a better chance at success.
Minister of Education Brendan Maguire said the department does have support models and that he is proud of the work being done around autism.
He said that this year the department introduced the Behaviour Intervention Support Plan (BISP), which was developed by professionals from the IWK, Autism Nova Scotia, teachers and parents.
According to the Nova Scotia Public Education System, the Behaviour Intervention Support Plan includes two streams, Moderate Form A and Severe Form B, designed to help identify and address students’ social-emotional, communication and behavioural needs through evidence-based interventions.
While the BISP may support some autistic students, it is separate from the Autism Action Plan, and there is no word on when that plan will be released.
