
Pictou County
Pictou County
Regional Autism Centre
The Pictou County Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia provides support, networking, and social learning opportunities to Autistic individuals, persons with autism, and their families and loved ones. We strive to promote education about autism, service navigation, and provide an inclusive, fun, non-judgmental atmosphere where our members can participate in rewarding programs and social activities.
The Pictou County Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia is proud to offer various programs and supports to our region:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- 1:1 Adapted swim lessons
- Board game club (age 15+)
- Neurodiverse Social Club at NNEC and NRHS
- Summer camp
- Caregiver Support Group
- Employment support
- EmploymentWorks
- Family support & resource navigation
- Family/community events
In addition to the local social programs listed above, we also offer province-wide programming at our centre including:
- Family Support & Resource Navigation
- Post-Secondary Autism Support Services
- Person-Directed Planning Program
- Pinwheel Wellness
- Employment Supports & Programming
- Healthy Relationships Sexuality & Autism

Office:
115 MacLean Street
New Glasgow NS B2H 4M5
Contact:
Liz Wilson
pictoucounty@autismns.ca
902-695-5505
Programs & Services Offering
Chapter News

Fuel the Camp Experience
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…
Read full article
QuickStart Community Outreach
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…
Read full article
Celebrating Brandon Boyd: A Trailblazing Filmmaker with Autism
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…
Read full article
Best of Local 2023
A big thank you to everyone who came out to support us at Best of Local on October 19. For the past ten years, Best of Local has been embraced by our community and has helped to raise critical funds in support of the valuable and inclusive programs we offer. This support is important, and…
Read full article
6 Good Sleep Habits
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.
Read full article
5 tips for Post-Secondary Students
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…
Read full article
7 Ideas for Playing with Water
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.
Read full article
4 Gardening Tips
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.
Read full article
Walk YOUR Way 2023 Team Spotlight
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,…
Read full article
Walk YOUR Way 2023
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…
Read full article
Ideas for Outdoor Play in the Spring
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,…
Read full article
4 Tips for Post-Secondary Students
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…
Read full article
Make Reading Books Fun
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….
Read full article
Autism Acceptance Month
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…
Read full article
Autism Acceptance Month Flag Raising
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,…
Read full article
National Volunteer Week 2023
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…
Read full article
3 Tips for Mealtime
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…
Read full article
Promoting Movement
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…
Read full article
Annual General Meeting
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!
Read full article