News release

Province Receives Autism Report

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

The province is working to provide additional support to people living with autism spectrum disorder.

Ministers of Education, Health, Community Services and Justice received a report from the Autism Management Advisory Team which makes 53 recommendations dealing with intervention, support and accommodation needs of people living with autism. The team consisted of staff from each of the departments and representatives from the Autism Society of Cape Breton, the Valley Autism Support Team, the Provincial Autism Centre, and the Autism Society of Nova Scotia.

The report is dedicated to the memory of 7-year-old James Delorey, an autistic child who died last December in Cape Breton after being lost for two days in the snow and cold.

"We are committed to helping families in all regions of the province," said Education Minister Marilyn More. "The Autism Management Advisory Team has completed a tremendous amount of work, and we appreciate their advice and dedication as we move forward, while living within our means."

The province has already committed to developing a mental health strategy and an Every Kid Counts program as priorities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2009, the current prevalence rate of autism is 1 in 110, or 1 per cent.

"It is time for action, and I am very proud of the Autism Management Advisory Team's report detailing services and supports required for persons with autism spectrum disorder," said advisory chair Kym Hume. "This collaborative effort of government and the autism community will serve as a blueprint for this, and successive governments to move forward in providing the necessary services for people with autism throughout Nova Scotia."

"I look forward to the implementation of the recommendations in this comprehensive report."

Departments will work with staff to review and analyze the recommendations and will have an initial response by the fall.

"We are pleased that the advisory team recognizes that this is a complex issue, and it will take time to address these detailed recommendations," said Ms. More. "We will work carefully to make the right decisions for Nova Scotia families."

The Lifespan Needs for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder report is available online at www.ednet.ns.ca .