Annapolis Valley

Nominations are now closed. Do you know a teaching assistant, educational program assistant or educational support worker who has made a positive impact fostering inclusive learning spaces? This new initiative aims to honour the transformative contributions of educational program staff, teaching assistants and support workers who exemplify excellence in fostering inclusive learning environments for Autistic…

The Autism Action Plan for Nova Scotia is a multi-year plan that will find ways to meet the needs of Autistic people at all life stages, and make their lives, and the lives of their families, better. To develop the Action Plan, Autism Nova Scotia has been doing research and consulting with the autistic community…

In the upcoming provincial election, Autism Nova Scotia is focused on the Autism Action Plan. The provincial government plays a crucial role in ensuring the more than 32,000 Autistic Nova Scotians and their families are given the opportunity to live their lives fully. No matter what party wins the election, we will work with them…

Post-Secondary Autism Support Services (PASS) wants to share helpful tips for students getting ready for the first year of post-secondary studies. Important dates: Be aware of key registration deadlines. Registering early can improve the chances of being selected for classes.  Academic support: Academic advisors can assist in selecting courses for the semester. Accessibility services: Registering with an Accessibility…

We are honoured to announce the 2025 Joan Craig Trailblazer Award recipient, Allison Kearley. This award is presented to an outstanding individual who champions the autism community, amplifies Autistic voices, and helps trailblaze a path forward for everyone. Allison was a remarkable community leader and fierce advocate who ensured the autism community was seen, heard,…

Engaging in messy play activities can help with mealtime, bathtime, and other self-care routines. If they are sensitive to textures, these activities can help slowly make them more comfortable. Helpful tips to get started:   Following these tips helps create a supportive environment that encourages exploration and comfort with various textures. Learn more about QuickStart Nova Scotia.

Autism Nova Scotia understands and supports the provincial government’s efforts to enhance safety and respect within our schools. We share the commitment to create environments where both students and educators feel safe, secure and supported. We are just as steadfast in our commitment to protect Autistic students’ right to learn in classrooms, where their needs…

Written by Holly Nauss If I were to explain the volunteer recognition event to someone who wasn’t there, I’d tell them it was a heartwarming gathering where volunteers, families, and staff came together to celebrate the amazing people who make our community so special.   The donuts were incredible; I still can’t stop thinking about them!…

The Autism Nova Scotia flag was raised in communities across the province in early April to celebrate the start of Autism Acceptance Month!  Autism Acceptance Month takes place every April and is a time to go above-and-beyond in promoting understanding, inclusion and acceptance for all. And wow, did our community make an amazing showing at…

Egg hunts are not just about finding treats they can also be a great way to support communication, social, and motor skills in a fun and engaging way! Here are some ways to adapt an egg hunt: Communication: Support joint attention by pointing to an egg and encouraging them to follow the point. Encouraging Questions:…

Autism Acceptance Month is here! Can you feel the excitement in the air?  April is an especially important month to go above-and-beyond in promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion for everyone. Events will be held through the month dedicated to empowering and uplifting autistic voices, and supporting the programs and services provided by Autism Nova Scotia. …

Last fall, Autism Nova Scotia received an extraordinary donation of 76 e-bikes from Carson Exports. These incredible gifts have created opportunities for Autistic individuals to explore their communities, enhance their independence, and engage in active transportation.   After launching an application process, we were thrilled to have the community’s support in providing access to helmets and…

Gestures are crucial in language development, communication, and learning. Children rely on gestures to express thoughts, emotions meaning, interact with others, and intentions. Why Are Gestures Powerful? Early Communication: Use gestures like pointing, waving, or reaching before they can speak. This helps express needs and desires and interact with caregivers. Supports Bilingual Learning: In multilingual…

Happy. Exciting. Awesome.   Those are the words Holly Nauss, our 2025 Walk Ambassador, uses to describe our flagship fundraiser, Walk YOUR Way. We could not have asked for a better representative for this amazing annual event!   “I’m looking forward to being with people in our community and seeing old and new faces,” Holly said. “It’s…

Since launching in January 2024, the Pictou County Regional Autism Centre’s (Chapter’s) Late Discovered Peer Support Group has seen tremendous success.  The program was created after identifying a gap in the community. It is a mutual support group for autistic-identifying and diagnosed adults who missed the window of support often available to those diagnosed in…

Autism Nova Scotia has some big news to share! We are excited to announce that our two Central offices are moving to a new location this spring! This move will combine our Spring Garden Road and Bedford Highway (Sun Tower) locations into one space to better serve our community in an accessible new office for…

Have you ever noticed how toddlers love to climb, push, pull, or crash into things? That’s because the body craves movement and resistance. This kind of activity is called heavy work, and it helps build strength, coordination, and body awareness.  Here are some fun ways to add heavy work to the day: Outdoor Heavy Work…

Looking for one-on-one employment support? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Employment Coaching program! Q: Who is this program for? A: This program is for Autistic, working individuals who have a valid SIN card and are looking for support in the workplace.  Q: Do I need a formal Autism diagnosis? A: No, we…

What is Toy Rotation? Toy rotation is an easy and effective strategy that involves periodically swapping toys. Rather than having all toys available at once, some are stored away and reintroduced on a scheduled basis. Why Rotate Toys? 1) Reduces Clutter: Rotating toys can reduce clutter and promote organization. Children also develop a better understanding of where toys…

Last month, Autism Nova Scotia staff met with 10 Autistic youth from across Canada to talk about consent. The youth provided first voice perspective on their knowledge of consent, their experiences learning about consent, and their feelings of being able to communicate consent.   The focus group was led by Charli Miller (Employment & Community Transitions…

Mealtimes with toddlers can be a wonderful opportunity for connection and learning. Here are some simple strategies to make mealtime smoother and more enjoyable: Consistency: Establish a predictable routine with 2-hour gaps between meals and snacks. Regular hunger cues can make toddlers more open to trying new foods. Patience: Food exploration is messy but valuable!…

When it is too cold to go outside the Quickstart team has some ideas to keep moving when stuck inside.  Maze Adventures: Use blankets and pillows to create a maze on the floor. Crawl, hop, stomp, or walk through it.  Dance Party: Turn up the music and move together!  Animal Stretches: Move like animals—walk like a crab, wiggle…

Helping little ones build a positive toothbrushing routine early on can make a big difference in teeth and gum health! These caregiver-friendly tips can make toothbrushing fun: Learn more about QuickStart Nova Scotia.

The Cedar Events Centre was full of community members, donors, and families for our Holiday Open House in Halifax on Thursday, November 28, 2024. A hundred attendees mingled and learned about programming, enjoyed food catered by Rob MacIsaac, partook in a raffle, and listened to various speakers. Catherine Rahey, Board Chair, welcomed attendees saying that…

Autism Aviators was a success this year at Halifax Stanfield! The airport was full of excitement and smiles on November 23 for the fourth rendition of this important annual event, held in partnership between Autism Nova Scotia and the Halifax International Airport Authority and supported by Porter Airlines. “We are so proud of all our…

Struggling to keep a little one’s hat or mittens on? Here are some fun tips to make it easier: Start Small: Begin with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time. Small steps can lead to big progress! Try Different Styles: Experiment with various types, materials, and fits. The right style can make all the difference….

Join the conversation for the Autism Action Plan community consultations. These consultations are a vital opportunity to share your experiences, insights, and ideas on how we can create a more inclusive and accessible province for the autism community. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a professional, your voice matters. All sessions will be…

Singing is a simple but powerful way to connect, encourage learning, and spark joy. How Singing Helps: 🌟 Turn Songs into Conversations: Pause during a song to let them fill in the blanks with words or actions. It’s a fun way to boost back-and-forth communication. 🔄 Embrace Repetition: Songs like Wheels on the Bus or…

Autism Nova Scotia is cautiously optimistic about the release of Canada’s National Autism Framework that was announced today. This is inching closer to supporting the rights, inclusion, and well-being of Autistic individuals and their families across the country, but we also realize more work needs to be done. While the framework falls short of some…

Children learn best when having fun. Here are some strategies to make playtime enjoyable and motivating for toddlers: Avoid asking too many questions or quizzing, as this can create pressure and may reduce willingness to talk. Instead, focus on commenting and narrating activities to help grow vocabulary while keeping the experience playful and relaxed. If…

Keep cool this summer with these 8 Quick Tips! Hydration Station: Make drinking water fun with colourful bottles and add a splash of fruit for flavour! Chill Out with Frozen Treats: DIY popsicles with fresh fruit, yogurt, or juice are a delicious way to beat the heat. Cool Clothing: Dress kids in light, breathable fabrics…

The Post-Secondary Autism Support Services (PASS) team is thrilled to welcome 12 students to this year’s Summer Transition Program! The eight-week program is designed to ease the transition into post-secondary education by providing a supportive environment similar to the post-secondary experience. With three-hour group lectures on Brightspace, students gain skills that will help them navigate…

A transition is a change from one activity to another. This could be a task completed as part of a routine, location change, or play activity. Transitioning between activities can be challenging at times. Here are 6 strategies that can support the transition process: Give reminders: Provide countdowns like “5 minutes” or “10 more swings.”  Use…

Autism Nova Scotia is excited to welcome two extraordinary East Coast culinary talents to our 11th Best of Local gala stage on October 17th: East Coast Canadian Head Chef Gabrielle LeGuerrier has cooked for world leaders, many celebrities, and most notably, her last job before the creation of Gourmetgab Events by Pertu – was Sous…

Water play is a fantastic way to stay cool and engaged this summer! The QuickStart team wants to share tips to help make water play safe and fun. Comfort is Key: Ensure the water is at a comfortable temperature. Join the Fun: We learn by watching! Model fun actions like scooping and pouring water, splashing…

Please note: Thank you to everyone who applied for the committee. Applications are now closed. Each application will be reviewed by the Provincial Autism Action Plan Project Team who will select and notify the representative members. What is the Provincial Autism Action Plan? The Provincial Autism Action Plan is a proposed framework that represents a…

As summer approaches, sunscreen becomes a must-have for safety. However, applying sunscreen can be challenging.  Here are five tips to help make applying sunscreen easier from the QuickStart team: By incorporating these strategies, you can help make sunscreen application a positive experience. If you want to learn more about QuickStart Nova Scotia or have questions, email us at quickstart@autismns.ca or…

Meet Charli Miller, Autism Nova Scotia’s Employment and Transitions Manager, someone who is passionate about creating inclusivity in discussions around relationships and sexuality. Charli also oversees the Healthy Relationships, Sexuality and Autism Program (HRSA). The program teaches people about healthy relationships and sexuality in a way that includes everyone, including those who are or identify as…

Dressing involves multiple skills and movements within one routine, like balance, coordination, pushing, pulling and other fine motor skills. Consider the steps below to try and practice with your child to set them up for success! 1) When supporting your child in their independence with dressing, make sure they are in a comfortable position on…

It is our great honour to announce the recipient of the 2024 Joan Craig Trailblazer Award, Brandon Boyd! This award is presented to a change-maker who works to build inclusion, amplify autistic voices, and collaborates to trailblaze a path forward for everyone. Brandon uses his voice and his talents to advance autistic representation in the…

Pets can be a wonderful addition to a family and the bond that can develop between children and companion animals can be incredibly rewarding to the child, pet, and family unit as a whole. Here are 5 tips to help ensure pet interactions are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved!

Meet Stephen, a 42-year-old who sees the world through a different lens. Stephen is autistic, which means his brain works in its own special way. But here is the thing, autism is not the same for everyone. Stephen wants you to know that.  “Some people think they know how autistics should act, but they’re usually…

Autism Nova Scotia is proud to host the 11th annual Best of Local gala event presented by Stewart McKelvey on Thursday, October 17th. This incredible evening will celebrate the autistic community while featuring delectable food and beverages, entertainment, and stories from our community. The impact of our Best of Local gala stretches far beyond one…

As we enter the Spring season and the weather starts getting warmer, you can create opportunities to take your child outside to play in nature. Playing outside and in nature helps promote a child’s curiosity, creativity, and learning new experiences. It allows them to explore their senses while testing their limits. Outdoor play also gives…

In the world of sending and getting packages, there’s a special story about friendship and accepting each other at DHL. Let’s meet Myles, who is autistic and works at DHL. His journey has changed the way he sees working together and feeling like you belong.  Last year, Myles joined a team made up of his…

To help honor International Women’s Day, it’s important to highlight programs that uplift and support women from diverse backgrounds. One such initiative at Autism Nova Scotia is the Women’s Autism/Autistic Project. Founded by two autistic advocates, Patricia George-Zwicker and Danielle Griffin, the program is now available for both teens and adults to connect and find…

What does “Coaching” mean? Coaching provides a collaborative approach which focuses on the following in different roles and organizations, such as sports/fitness, business, education, and counselling. 1)Defining goals and finding out what is important to the individual person; 2)Creating plans and finding ways to achieve these goals and;  3)Working toward accomplishing them together through practice…

Relationships are the connections between people. Everyone has relationships that fall into many categories such as: sexual, romantic, friendship, family, service provider, colleague/boss, etc. Sometimes, these relationships may happen in more than one category. For example, a romantic partner may also be a best friend. Regardless of the category of relationship, it is important to…

Meet Alex and Rebecca, two remarkable individuals from our Social Group program at Autism Nova Scotia, who have blossomed from friends to compatible partners. Their journey is a testament to the fact that dating within the autism community is not only possible but can lead to beautiful connections.  Alex and Rebecca enjoy a range of…

Sensory bins can be a fun addition to add to your play routines. They can be a great way for children to explore and learn through hands-on play. Sensory bins support child’s development as they improve fine motor skills (small movements with fingers/hands), sensory exploration, play skills, language development. When starting your own sensory bin,…

As a rule, winter coats should not be worn underneath in your child’s car seat because they can leave the harness too loose to be effective in a crash. Here’s a simple way to check whether your child’s coat is too big to wear underneath a harness: 1.Put the coat on your child, sit them…

Little Bellies? Little Changes! The amount of food, and different types of food that children are willing to eat can be a stressor for many families. Here are a few tips we often provide families who are concerned about their child’s food choices! 1.) Consider the location and style of your mealtime routines. Do you…

There are so many yummy flavors during the holidays – gingerbread, peppermint, caramel, chocolate and vanilla! A fun activity that you can do with your kids is have them help out in the kitchen to make treats and snacks that everyone can enjoy! This is a fun way to practice fine motor skills, following directions,…

At Autism Nova Scotia we believe in the power of dreams and building an inclusive community for everyone. We believe in the joy we see in people’s eyes as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, that they might not have had access to without your help.  One of the ways we support our community…

Our team is thrilled to share some exciting updates on the achievements of QuickStart Nova Scotia (QS) in our recent community outreach project in the Cape Breton Region.  Community Outreach Success: QuickStart Nova Scotia has been actively engaged in a community outreach project aimed at promoting autism acceptance and support. Our dedicated team has achieved…

In the heart of Nova Scotia’s vibrant film community, a rising star is making waves and challenging stereotypes. Meet Brandon Boyd, a talented filmmaker whose passion for storytelling transcends the screen, and whose journey reflects resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to representation. When asked about his journey into filmmaking, Brandon shared, “Film connects my…

Here are 6 tips you can do throughout the day to promote good sleep habits at night. If you want to learn more about QuickStart Nova Scotia or have questions, email us at quickstart@autismns.ca or call 902-593-1015.

Here are 5 tips for college and university students gearing up for the first semester of school this fall. 1) Attend all of your classes and take notes. 2) Get to know your professors, instructors and peers. 3) Familiarize yourself with the campus, resources and services. 4) Create a study schedule that you can stick…

Playing with water has many benefits for early learning, such as hand-eye coordination, motor skills and sensory exploration. Here are 7 ideas for playing with water from the QuickStart team: If you want to learn more about QuickStart Nova Scotia or have questions, email us at quickstart@autismns.ca or call 902-593-1015.

Gardening is a great way to get outside, enjoy the nice weather, and practice building fine motor communication, joint attention, imitation skills, and more. The QuickStart team wants to share 4 tips for gardening.

We participate in Walk YOUR Way because Autism Nova Scotia was a lifeline when we first learned about Theo’s diagnosis. We have had access to resources, advice, and programs that have helped us adapt to Theo’s way of communicating and interacting with the world. Even before his diagnosis, we could participate in the Quickstart program,…

Although Walk YOUR Way looked different this year for many of us, our first in-person Walk since 2019 would not have been possible without the generosity of our incredible community, Walk YOUR Way participants, volunteers and sponsors. We cannot thank you enough for coming together across the province to celebrate the autistic community in accessible…

As the days feel warmer and you start spending more time outside, consider these 7 outdoor activity ideas to keep playing fun and engaging. Toy Car Wash: Fill a bin with soapy water, have a toy car wash and practice washing and drying the cars. Teddy Picnic: Set up an outdoor picnic with a blanket,…

Students – as you’re gearing up for your first year, the Post-Secondary Autism Support Services team wants to share 4 tips. 1) Be mindful of course selection times! It is important to register promptly. 2) Your school’s academic advisors can help you determine what courses are required in your first year. 3) Check in with…

The QuickStart team wants to share 5 tips to make reading books fun at an early age. 1) Keep Reading Interesting Pick books that align with your child’s interests or books that are funny. 2) Bring the Words to Life Bring the words to life by pointing to the words and pictures as you read….

Strong communities are filled with diverse people where we accept and celebrate our differences and learn from each other. Autism Acceptance Month encourages us to continue to build inclusive communities where everyone is accepted and has a place to belong. Here are some of the stories from our wonderful community: Autism cuts across every segment…

We were delighted to welcome two first-voice advocates to our Autism Acceptance Month flag raising event. “When you can see the world from a different perspective, you can change the world and make society better.  Thankfully, due to the work of organizations like Autism Nova Scotia and the advocacy of people living on the spectrum,…

As we reflect during National Volunteer Week, we would like to recognize and thank our many volunteers across the province for their generous gift of time and energy. As a non-profit organization, our programs could not run without the help of our wonderful volunteers.  Here are the stories from some of our incredible volunteers across…

Mealtime is an opportunity to explore, learn and build confidence with routines. Toddlers might refuse some foods, and that’s ok! It’s important to give them the time and space to move at their own pace and enjoy their “safe” foods. The QuickStart team has 3 tips for mealtime: If you want to learn more about QuickStart…

Movement is important for every stage of development and helps promote an active lifestyle. Fundamental movements can boost mood, improve cognitive ability, and support better sleep. The QuickStart team has 10 movement tips to help you break out of hibernation: If you want to learn more about QuickStart Nova Scotia or have questions, email us at quickstart@autismns.ca or call…

Chris Richards is a member of the Royal Canadian Navy and a father of three. With two autistic children, Chris has strived to advocate for the autistic community. He also brings awareness to organizations such as Autism Nova Scotia, which provides support and resources for families like his across the province.  He takes pride in…

Valentine’s Day activities can be a great way to practice fine motor skills with your child. The QuickStart team wants to share one activity you can do at home this Valentine’s Day. 1. Make Confetti Work the muscles in your child’s hand by ripping, tearing or cutting paper to create fun confetti. 2. Create a…

Active play is important for everyone, young or old! It can be tough to get outside in the cold winter months, but fresh air and movement can boost your mood. Outdoor play experiences promote learning new words, help with sleep, encourage children to take risks, and allow them more space for movement. The QuickStart team…

The holiday season is often a busy time when daily routines (i.e., mealtime, playtime, bedtime) can become disrupted. Once the season ends and we begin to re-establish those familiar routines, some children may find this shift challenging. The QuickStart team has four tips to consider while supporting your child in their return to daily routines…

Metztli Michel is a queer artist attending Dalhousie University who combines their knowledge of human psychology with their love of creativity to encapsulate peaceful moments of the world through vivid brushstrokes. Metztli is skilled in traditional acrylic paint and enjoys the freedom of digital art. They are inspired by the natural beauty around them and…

This holiday season, give your best gift to support Autism Nova Scotia’s programs and services delivered across the province to Autistic children, youth, adults and their loved ones.   Your generosity today can give Autistic youth like Payton Dicks the opportunity to discover their creative passions by participating in recreational programs like Autism Arts. You can also…

The Sheelagh Nolan Award for Excellence in Teaching is a prestigious award that honours the devotion and perseverance of the late Sheelagh Nolan. Sheelagh was an active contributor to many school and community causes. Sheelagh’s son, Patrick, is on the Autism Spectrum and was always Sheelagh’s greatest inspiration. With this award, we celebrate her legacy…

Sensory bins can be a fun addition to your playtime routine and is a wonderful way for children to explore and learn through hands-on play. When exploring the sensory bins with your child, follow their lead by copying their actions and narrating throughout play. Sensory Bins Support Development as they Improve: The QuickStart team wants…

With Halloween right around the corner. The Family Support Services team wants to share 6 tips for creating an inclusive space for Autistic trick or treaters. 1- Be Patient The anticipation of trick or treaters visiting is exciting but be patient. It might take Autistic individuals longer to approach your house. 2- “Trick or Treat”…

Halloween events and trick or treating can be challenging to navigate with toddlers. The QuickStart team wants to share six tips to help your family have a successful spooky night. 1- Consider Comfort Consider your child’s comfort level with their costume. Every child will have different needs and comfort levels when it comes to fabric…

During the isolation period of the pandemic, Gwen Issacs found a sense of community in a Facebook Group dedicated to playing spin-the-wheel games and donating proceeds to Autism Nova Scotia.

In our province today, 1 in 34 children under the age of five have a confirmed diagnosis of autism. This statistic and our commitment to the autism community inspires our work and pushes us to do what we can to enhance the lives of these children throughout their lifespans.   Walk YOUR Way is an…

Employment support programs break workplace barriers by providing personalized support to increase workplace success. “Autism cuts across every segment of society, yet not every part of that segment has equal access to the tools they should. Striving for equity by providing tools and resources within these segments is important for the success of our communities,”…

Post-Secondary Autism Support Services [PASS] is here to help you navigate the transition from high school to early adulthood and post-secondary. The program works to create plans that are unique and support you in creating the life that is right for you. PASS wants to share five tips to help you succeed as a post-secondary…

Earlier this year, Autism Nova Scotia opened our Pinwheel Wellness Centre to support Autistic adults who are experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health needs. The Pinwheel Wellness Centre will help unlock access to much needed mental health services and social coaching for Autistics adults. These necessary services will address the immediate needs of the autism community, and…

QuickStart Nova Scotia, our parent mediated coaching program that help parents and caregivers of toddlers with autism support their child’s development, expanded across the province this spring. Since the implementation of QuickStart Nova Scotia in 2018, 195 children in the Halifax Regional Municipality have been enrolled in the program. With an investment from the provincial…

This year we are celebrating 20 years at Autism Nova Scotia! Autism Nova Scotia was founded 20 years ago by Joan and Jack Craig. Joan’s vision was to make sure everyone in our community felt like they had a place to belong. The past 20 years have allowed us to grow into the organization we…

Autism Nova Scotia’s 2022 Annual General Meeting took place via Zoom on Wednesday, June 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm (AST). View our 2021-2022 AGM video here!