Health Professional/Community Partner PPAS Referrals
Referrals for Preschool-Age Autism Diagnostic Assessment
Nova Scotia has launched a centralized waitlist for preschool and school-age autism diagnostic assessments, managed by the Provincial Preschool Autism Service (PPAS), IWK Health. This change aims to streamline access and ensure consistent coordination across the province. Assessments will continue to be provided by health care professionals at both Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health and families will continue to have access points for assessments in all four health zones.
- Use the Autism Diagnostic Assessment Referral Form
- Email the referral to referrals-preschoolautism@iwk.nshealth.ca or fax to 902-428-9931
If you submit this form, the child will also be considered for supports and services. A separate PPAS Intake Request Form is not required.
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Referrals for supports/services for a preschool age child and their family:
- Use the PPAS Intake Request Form
- The PPAS Intake Request Form provides preliminary information that is augmented by conversations with parents/caregivers to identify strengths, needs and family priorities. This comprehensive information is then used to customize the support offered. The support considered is inclusive of the following:
- Foundational Education
- QuickStart Nova Scotia provided by Autism Nova Scotia (children 12-31 months at program start; confirm, provisional or suspected autism).
- Communication Services provided by Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia (for children with a confirmed autism diagnosis, if not confirmed, refer to Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia directly).
- Focused Intervention
- ESDM-Informed Service
- Intensive Service
Email the referral to referrals-preschoolautism@iwk.nshealth.ca or fax to 902-428-9931
About the Waitlist for Preschool Age Children
All services have wait times. Referrals are prioritized based on date received and certain criteria, such as a child’s age and when they are starting Grade Primary as two examples. While you wait, please speak with the PPAS Clinical Intake and Care Coordination Team to learn what services and supports may be available for your child.
For more information, please take a look at our General FAQ.