Host Chapter: Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton Region, Cumberland County, Pictou County, Central Office, South West, South Shore, Strait Area, Truro • Categories: Adults, Parents and Caregivers • Province Wide
Post Secondary Support
The Post-Secondary Team supports Autistic students as they navigate their post-secondary education experience and work toward greater academic success, independence, and personal growth.
Description
Post Secondary Coaching (previously known as PASS) uses a person-directed approach to help students develop essential skills in areas such as executive functioning. (e.g., study strategies, time management, and organization), social communication, as well as interactions and building supportive connections within their post-secondary community. The Post Secondary Preparedness Program is designed for those preparing to begin college or university.
Post-Secondary Coaching was previously known as Post-Secondary Autism Support Services (PASS). To protect the integrity of the participant testimony, the program’s name has not been altered.
Post-Secondary Coaching supports Autistic students through evidence-based practices that promote independence, strengthen key skills, and foster success in all areas connected to post-secondary life. Using a person-directed approach, the program collaborates with each student to develop individualized plans that reflect their goals, strengths, and support needs—helping to create a post-secondary experience that feels right for them.
In addition to direct student support, the program engages with post-secondary staff, faculty, and accessibility services to share strategies, build understanding, and advocate for more inclusive and supportive learning environments. The Post-Secondary Coaching team works alongside students to promote greater acceptance of autism and meaningful inclusion across the post-secondary landscape.
Are You Eligible for Post-Secondary Coaching?
Students can self-refer to Post-Secondary Coaching. To access funding through the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE), students must first meet with their Accessibility Advisor. Whether you’re an incoming, potential, or current post-secondary student, you are welcome to reach out with any questions about the program.
Email: alowry@autismns.ca
Registration Criteria for Post-Secondary Coaching
To be eligible for funded support through Post-Secondary Coaching, students must:
- Have a diagnosis of autism (see below if you do not have a formal diagnosis)
- Be accepted, enrolled, and actively attending an academic post-secondary program in Nova Scotia
- Be a Canadian citizen, a Landed Immigrant, or a Protected Person
- Be motivated and provide consent to receive support
- Have access to the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (CSG-DSE), available through the Nova Scotia Student Loan portal (myPATH) once the student loan application and diagnosis documentation are submitted
Don’t have a formal diagnosis or access to the CSG-DSE grant?
You still have the option to participate in the program by paying out of pocket. Please connect with us to explore this option.
How to Register for Post-Secondary Coaching?
- Complete the registration form: Post Secondary Registration Form
- Once your form is submitted, the Post-Secondary Manager will contact you to follow up.
For questions or more information, email us at alowry@autismns.ca
What Can You Do in the Meantime?
- Explore Career Quest – Post Secondary Stream
This stream is designed for individuals preparing to enter or re-enter post-secondary education in the upcoming academic year. It includes weekly virtual group sessions focused on preparing for post-secondary.
Find out more and apply here: Career Quest
2. We want to hear from students, caregivers, and community stateholders to ensure programming reflects needs and priorities.
Complete the survey here: Post Secondary Support Survey
Thank you for your continued support as we work to enhance our programs and create inclusive, empowering pathways into, within, and out of post-secondary education.
"My experience with the PASS program has been extremely transformative in assisting me in my academic life. I have worked with a couple of eager and well-informed coordinators who went head-over-heels to find different options to approach university life challenges as well as daily improvements to my personal well-being. The program has opened my eyes to new attitudes and means of improving my mental state and I couldn’t be more thankful. I look forward to reconnecting with the program in the Fall."
- Alex, PASS Participant
"I really like the PASS program, all the people I have worked with as part of the program are very friendly and understand me well. It has been a great experience so far and can't wait to work with these people again! They were even able to modify the strategies they taught me to fit me, my personality, as well as my challenges, and helped me to be successful. I could not have done this without their support, encouragement, and expertise!"
- PASS Participant
"PASS has been a constant source of support, encouragement and good advice over the past couple of years."
- Parent of PASS Participant
