What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. People living with autism experience challenges with communication, social interactions, and will display restrictive and repetitive behaviour. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a single category combining: Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (P.D.D.N.O.S.), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
There are three severity levels in relation to autism. Level 1: Asperger’s Syndrome, Level 2: High Functioning Autism, and Level 3: Complex and intensely affected Autism. All people living with autism respond to effective intervention. For more information on autism, click here.
How many people have autism?
About one in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Diagnostic criteria has been more clearly defined and broadened in recent years.
The Autism Centre of the South Shore
The Autism Centre of the South Shore was established in 2009 to advance the personal development, equal opportunity and participation of people with autism in a safe, respectful and supportive community.
As of March 2018, there is a signed partnership between Autism Nova Scotia and South Shore Regional Centre for Education. We continue to work together to provide quality professional development on autism, helping families navigate the system, and promoting programs/supports available.
The Autism Centre is supported by the SSRCE that provides space for it in Portable Classroom #1 at Hebbville Academy. The Autism Centre is staffed by dedicated staff and volunteers, which provide valuable resources, materials, support and professional development/meeting space for educators, families and community members, as well as for individuals with autism.
For more information on the Autism NS- South Shore Chapter, check out our website: http://www.autismsouthshore.ca/ or look us up on Facebook.
For more information on Autism Nova Scotia, visit the website: www.autismnovascotia.ca
For visits by appointment, please contact:
Rachel Whynot
Autism Support Coordinator South Shore
Autism NS – South Shore Chapter
Phone: 902-541-8233
Email: southshore@autismns.ca
Ann Wentzell
Consultant for Autism, Complex Cases, & Learning Centre
South Shore Regional Centre for Education
Phone: 902-521-2002
Email: awentzell@ssrce.ca
RESOURCES:
Behavioural Strategy Tracking Form – Word document
Behavioural Strategy Tracking Form – PDF format
FAMILY RESOURCES: