Nova Scotia is funding a play-based program for children with autism and their parents.
The province announced $2 million on Wednesday towards the QuickStart program at a news conference held at the Autism Nova Scotia centre in Halifax.
READ MORE: Special education teacher gives student with autism ‘Most Annoying’ trophy
The program – adopted from a model developed in Ottawa by autism groups – helps parents develop their child’s communication and social skills through play before the children begin school.
The IWK Health Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres, and Nova Scotia Early Childhood Development Intervention Services are participating in the pilot project.
READ MORE: Calgary teen with autism needs stolen device returned: ‘Imagine if someone took your voice’
QuickStart will initially be delivered to up to 35 toddlers, aged 12 to 36 months, in its first year.
It will be provided to up to 50 children in each of the following three years.
- Life in the forest: How Stanley Park’s longest resident survived a changing landscape
- Bird flu risk to humans an ‘enormous concern,’ WHO says. Here’s what to know
- More youth are seeking EI amid rising unemployment rates: StatCan
- Mental health support still lacking 4 years after mass shooting: Nova Scotia mayor
Comments