Confirmation of receipt will be provided. PPAS Parent/Caregiver Self Referrals (Before Grade Primary)
You only need to contact one place to get started for all PPAS services. To see available services please see PPAS Overview handout.
One team will listen, learn about your child and family, and help connect you with the right services and supports. You don’t need to contact multiple organizations to figure out where to start. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Reach out
Contact PPAS's Clinical Intake and Care Coordination team by phone or email.
Call Toll-free: 1-833-200-2817 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding weekends and holidays)
OR
Email: intake-preschoolautism@iwk.nshealth.ca
OR
Complete a referral form
Choose the referral form that matches your situation:
- Looking for a diagnosis AND for supports/services please use Autism Diagnostic Assessment Referral Form
- Looking for supports and services ONLY, please use PPAS Intake Request Form
Email the complete form to referrals-preschoolautism@iwk.nshealth.ca or fax to 902-428-9931.
Confirmation of receipt will be provided.
Step 2: Share your story
Looking for an autism diagnostic assessment? A Resource Coordinator will start by asking a few short questions. This will inform us if your child will be placed on the autism diagnostic assessment waitlist.
If your child is suspected of having autism, a Resource Coordinator will connect you to appropriate services and supports.
If your child has a confirmed diagnosis of autism, a Resource Coordinator will connect with you to understand your child’s strengths, needs and your family’s priorities. This will help PPAS understand what matters most to your family, so your child can receive the services that best meet their needs within the available options.
Step 3: Share your Story: Ongoing Support Throughout the Preschool Years
Families can reach out to the Clinical Intake and Care Coordination team at any time throughout the preschool years for:
- Navigation Support
- Information on Learning Sessions
- Community Resources and more
*Where possible the above services are available in English and French. A Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Resource Coordinator is available by request.
** Most services have wait times. We will let you know about this as part of our conversation. The Foundational Education service is available before, during and after participation in other PPAS services. Right now, the services we offer are designed for children who are at least 12 months of age.
For more information, please take a look at our General FAQ.