Autism services Nova Scotia Guide

<p>If your child has just been diagnosed with autism — or you're still waiting on an assessment — the number of programs, acronyms, and phone numbers can feel like a second full-time job. This guide covers what Nova Scotia offers from early childhood through adulthood: what exists, who qualifies, how to apply, and where the gaps are.</p><p>The good news: Nova Scotia has consolidated a lot of this. For preschool-age children in particular, there's now one phone number that opens the door to nearly everything.</p><h2>Step one: getting an assessment</h2><h3>If your child hasn't started Grade Primary</h3><p>Nova Scotia's preschool autism services all run through a single point of contact — and <strong>you can refer your own child.</strong> You don't need a doctor to start the process.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Phone (toll-free):</strong> 1-833-200-7817</p></li><li><p><strong>Email:</strong> intake-preschoolautism@iwk.nshealth.ca</p></li><li><p><strong>Hours:</strong> Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays)</p></li></ul><p>This one line handles both assessment <em>and</em> ongoing supports, so a single call puts your family in the system for everything available before school age. Referral forms — including the parent and caregiver self-referral — are on the <a target="blank" rel="noopener" href="https://iwkhealth.ca/provincial-preschool-autism-service/referrals">IWK referrals page</a>, along with a general FAQ in English and French.</p><p>If you have concerns earlier, you can also raise them with your care provider at your child's 18-month or two-year well-baby visits, or at any point after.</p><h3>If your child is school-aged</h3><p>School-age assessment doesn't go through the preschool intake line. It requires a referral from a health professional or community partner using the IWK school-age diagnostics referral form. Start with your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or your child's school team.</p><p>If your child also has mental health or behavioural concerns alongside autism, Nova Scotia Health's <strong>Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake</strong> is the entry point for publicly funded services. <strong>Anyone can self-refer.</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Provincial Intake (non-urgent):</strong> 1-855-922-1122. Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8:00 p.m. Children and youth services are for those under 19; adult services 19 and over. Same number for both.</p></li></ul>