Parents and Caregivers
A Family’s Autism Journey
Autism Nova Scotia supports parents and caregivers while recognizing that every situation is unique after receiving that new diagnosis for their child, and it is natural for families to be full of questions. Every autism journey is different and the best advice to tell parents/caregivers is to educate themselves with proper resources and evidence-based information, so that you can be the best advocate for your child. With open communication and understanding of the needs of your child and your family, you can experience your journey in variety of different paths creating positivity and fun along the way. Autism Nova Scotia is here to support you and walk alongside that journey across the lifespan.
Through our Family Support Team, Autism Nova Scotia is here to help by providing resources to individuals and their families, information on understanding the diagnosis process, social and community programs, funding, school information and as they transition into adulthood and provide 1:1 meetings with family members who may have questions. We can also help with advocacy through schools, funding options and accessing supports they need within their local community.
Respite Services: Autism Nova Scotia operates a Respite Database in the HRM where families with children and adults of all diverse needs can connect create a registration form and connect with trained respite providers and other respite options.
Our QuickStart team provides a 19-week parent coaching program free of charge to families of children with a suspected, provisional of confirmed diagnosis of autism. Our team also offers the ESDM program for children aging out of our QuickStart program.
Learn more about advocacy by watching the Advocacy Journey: A Caregiver’s Perspective webinar.
For children, youth and family inquiries, please contact our Inclusion and Family Support Coordinator, Jill Cormier at 1 902-706-1493 or email jcormier@autismns.ca.
For any adult (19+) inquiries, please contact our Inclusion & Adult Support Coordinator, Katie Harp at 902-812-5454 or email kharp@autismns.ca.