Nova Scotia’s first autism action plan, which aims to improve services and supports for people on the autism spectrum, is expected to be released within the first half of 2026 following about a year of community consultation.
The plan, which has been touted as the first of its kind in Canada, was first announced in May 2024. The goal was for it to be ready in 2025, but Autism Nova Scotia and the provincial government agreed to spend more time to ensure the plan will be properly implemented upon its release.
“We really wanted to make sure that we were not leaving any stones unturned,” said Amanda Alexander, Autism Nova Scotia’s CEO, in a recent interview.
Alexander said the organization has been working to identify what supports are now available to people of all ages with autism spectrum disorder, and make recommendations to fill any gaps in services.
They’ve been gathering information through virtual consultations, surveys and a number of working groups made up of caregivers, service providers, experts and people on the spectrum.
“One of the most important things that we heard repeatedly … was that in order to best serve the autistic community, autistic voices and their lived experience have to be central to the work and really be the driving force behind decisions,” Alexander said.
Brian Comer, minister of addictions and mental health, told CBC in a recent interview that the prevalence of autism, particularly among youth in Nova Scotia, is concerning. He said significant work on the action plan has been done so far, with even more to be completed.
The Nova Scotia government gave Autism Nova Scotia $200,000 to develop the plan, and about 10 provincial departments are involved — including Addictions and Mental Health, Health and Wellness, and Education.
Comer said one of the most prominent gaps that’s been identified through the development of the plan to date is the need for more programming across the province, particularly in rural areas.
“I think ultimately it’s really about accessing services in your community, right? Closer to home, quicker access to services and really supporting families and their children,” he said.
He was reluctant to say exactly what would be in the final action plan, but he said he hopes it will include strategies to help families navigate the resources that are available.
Alexander said the two pieces of feedback Autism Nova Scotia has heard most “loudly and boisterously” have been the need for more autistic individuals to be involved in creating the policies that impact them, as well as the need for more education about neurodiversity.
“Those are demands of the community that the community is waiting to have met,” she said.
