Nova Scotia

Relevant Legislation

Legislation refers to those Acts or bodies or a body of law that codifies how a law operates and is used. Below we have listed a number of acts in Nova Scotia that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.

Government of Nova Scotia Website

Disabled Persons' Commission Act (amended) Bill No. 108

Autism Working Group Act

Children and Family Services Act

Homes For Special Care Act

Relevant Policies

Policy is how legislation or a law is put into action. Social policies address issues of the health, safety, and wellbeing of the members of a particular society such as health care and education. Below we have listed a number of policies in Nova Scotia that address children and youth with a neurodevelopmental disorder and their families.

Autism Management Advisory Team Report on Lifespan Needs for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2010

Services for Persons with Disabilities Policy

Continuing Care Strategy

Case Management Services

In Nova Scotia, health services are provided across nine separate District Health Authorities (DHA). Each DHA provides its own services and supports. To learn more about the services and supports in your area, locate your nearest DHA.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention Program (EIBI)

  • This program is offered to pre-school children with a diagnosis of ASD
  • Direct EIBI service is provided for one year followed by consultation and support
  • EIBI is offered across the District Health Authorities and the IWK Health Centre. Parents and caregivers should contact their local district health authority about services.

Early Intervention Programs (EIPs)

  • Provided by the Department of Community Services
  • This program provides family-centred services to children with special needs from birth to school entry
  • Parents and caregivers may self-refer
  • Contact your local District Office of the Department of Community Services to find your local EIP
  • Visit the Early Intervention Association of Nova Scotia Website for additional information

Children's Wheelchair Recycling Program

  • This program provides wheelchairs to children

Income Support

In addition to federal income support initiatives, the Nova Scotia government offers financial assistance programs geared to low-income families and families of children with disabilities.

Nova Scotia Child Benefit (NCB)

  • Funded by the Department of Community Services
  • Provides financial assistance to low-income families with children up to age 18
  • Visit the website to review eligibility criteria

Low Income Pharmacare for Children (LIPC)

  • Provides prescription drug coverage for children of low income families
  • Eligible families pay $5/prescription regardless of the cost of the medication

Caregiver Benefit Program (previously called the Caregiver Allowance)

  • Provides $400/month to eligible caregivers

Access-A-Home Program

  • Provides financial assistance to individuals that must adapt their home for wheelchair accessibility

Respite Care Services

In Nova Scotia, respite services may be accessed through the Department of Community Services, Services for Persons with Disabilities. Respite services may also be accessed through the Department of Health and Wellness, Continuing Care Programs. Continuing Care offers a number of programs to individuals and their families who require ongoing support outside of the hospital.

Continuing Care Programs

  • Funded by the Department of Health and Wellness
  • Offers home care, facility-based respite and self-managed care programs for individuals with disabilities
  • Call 1-800-225-7225 or visit the website for further information: http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs/

Direct Family Support

The Alternative Family Support Program

It is important to consider that due to high demand, some respite services may have a waitlist. Therefore it may be helpful to call in advance to inquire about wait times and have your name placed on the waiting list if need be.

Additional Resources