What is Autism?
Having autism (formally called Autism Spectrum Disorder) means that a person’s brain processes information, including information about their environment, in another way. The Autistic person’s brain has physically developed differently than a neurotypical brain. Autism can give a person both strengths and challenges. Autism is considered an example of neurodiversity.
Once you meet one person with autism you have met ONE person with autism. This means that each Autistic person is an individual, and their autism gives that person characteristics and qualities that are unique to them. A person’s autism shapes their experiences of life and the world.
There are two primary characteristics that require various levels of support needs:
- Social communication and social interaction, and
- Restrictive and repetitive behaviours activities or interests
Autism is lifelong, and exists on a spectrum over time. At different times a person with autism may require minimal supports, or more supports, in specific areas of their life.
For Autistic people, autism is a way of living that one develops over one’s lifespan.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Receiving a formal autism diagnosis can mean accessing additional support for the individual or your child. These are completed by qualified health care professionals who have undergone specific training. Here in Nova Scotia, these are completed by both Developmental Pediatricians or Psychologists. This page explains the diagnostic process for Nova Scotians who are looking to get a formal autism assessment.
Autism Assessments for Children
Option one: IWK
The only public access point for getting a childhood autism assessment in Nova Scotia is through the IWK or Nova Scotia Health, Mental Health & Addictions Department. The autism assessments are completed for children up to the age of 18 years old. To access this option, make an appointment with your family doctor or a physician/pediatrician that is familiar with your child, and based on their recommendations, they can make a referral to the IWK/Mental Health & Addictions for an autism assessment. Currently, the IWK has autism teams for both preschool and school-age with a waitlist and this option is publicly funded and is a free service through MSI. You may also self-refer through the non-urgent NS Health central intake line in your region Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions (nshealth.ca)
Option two: Private
The second option for accessing an autism diagnosis in childhood is through private practice psychological services that offer autism assessments. This option is paid for out of pocket or through your private insurance provider. Check with your insurance provider to see if psychological assessments are covered under your plan. If you would like a list of private practice psychological service providers that do childhood autism assessments in Nova Scotia, please contact your local coordinator.
Autism Assessments in Adulthood
At this time, there is no public access point for getting an adult autism diagnosis in Nova Scotia. The only way to receive an adult autism diagnosis in Nova Scotia is through private practice psychological services. This option is paid for out of pocket or through your private insurance provider. Check with your insurance provider to see if psychological assessments are covered under your plan. If you would like a list of private practice psychological service providers that do adult autism assessments in Nova Scotia, please contact your local Chapter Coordinator.
Note: Out of pocket expenses for an Autism Assessment can be claimed on your annual personal income tax as a medical expense.
Glossary of Terms
This glossary includes frequent terms used in the autistic community.
Acceptance:
Treating people with disabilities with dignity and respect and recognizing that they have rights to the same opportunities as everyone else.
Accessible:
Able to reach or get into a physical space, able to access and understand information.
Accommodations:
Adapting or removing barriers (both physical-i.e. stairs and social-i.e. belief that someone who does not learn the same way as others does not fit in ‘regular’ society) that prevent someone with a disability to participate fully at work, school or in community.
Autism Alert Cards:
A card designed to assist autistic individuals in communicating their need for support in public (and sometimes challenging) situations. Examples of these cards can be found online. Aspect Australia’s program is autistic-led.
Clinical Guidelines:
Recommendations for medical professionals (i.e. doctors, nurses) about the individualized care of their patients with specific conditions.
Cognitive Disabilities:
Differences in a person's ability to think, learn, remember, use judgement, and make decisions.
Represented by a wide range of programs, spaces and active experiences found in local community, providing people with the opportunity to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, and to become more connected to each other and their community.
Discrimination:
The unfair treatment of people, especially on the grounds of heritage, skin colour, age, sex, or disability.
Equity/Equitable:
Fairness and justice, recognizing that that not everyone starts from the same place and there need to be adjustments to correct imbalances.
Financial Literacy:
The ability to understand money and how to manage it, such as how to make and follow a budget, how to work with a bank or use credit, and how to save.
Financial Planning:
Having a plan to make sure you have money for your needs in the future. This includes saving for future goals (e.g., a trip), retirement planning (for when you stop working – for many people this is when you are 60 – 65 years old) or other goals (e.g., saving for a car).
Guidelines:
In health care, guidelines provide recommendations for how, when, and where to care for patients. They help to guide the decisions and actions of health care providers.
Inclusion/ Inclusive:
Including people with disabilities in everyday activities and encouraging them to have the same or similar roles as people without disabilities.
Leisure Programs:
Activities offered by community groups or agencies (such as a recreation or community centre) for people to enjoy in their free time.
Occupational Therapy:
Helps to solve problems that affect a person’s ability to do activities they need or want to do (e.g., getting dressed, going to work or school, social activities).
Physical Disabilities:
Any physical limitations (i.e. damage or loss) or disabilities that prevent the physical function of one or more limbs of a person.
Physical Therapy (also known as physiotherapy):
Addresses physical illnesses or injuries that limit a person's ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. May include exercise, massage, and other physical treatments.
Respite:
A short break which allows a time to rest and relax for a caregiver while their family member receives support from a qualified worker.
Self-Advocacy:
Being able to share your wants and needs with others, to represent yourself to improve your life.
Speech-language Therapy:
Helps people talk or learn to use other language/communication skills.
Standards:
An idea or thing used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations. A level of quality or attainment.
Standardized:
Things are the same/similar/consistent.
Stigma:
Negative and unfair beliefs about something such as an experience or event that might happen to someone or about a group of people with the same characteristics.
Universal Design:
The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, without the need to adapt (change to suit a small group) or to make a specialized design (create a new version of an item or tool so it works for a special group).
Universal Design for Learning:
A method for developing learning content to support all students, including students with disabilities. A framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people, and aims to change the design of the environment rather than to change the learner.
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