Nova Scotia hikes funding for intensive treatment for autistic pre-schoolers

HALIFAX – An additional 30 to 40 pre-school children with autism spectrum disorder will receive intensive treatment each year as a result of $3.6 million included in Nova Scotia’s spring budget.

The additional funding means a total of 180 children per year will get treatment under the Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention treatment program (EIBI). The province now spends $14 million a year on the initiative.

Health Minister Leo Glavine said Thursday the goal is to assist every child who needs help before they start school.

“EIBI helps pre-school children improve their social skills, their ability to communicate and learn from others,” said Glavine. “It can mean the difference between a successful school experience and a very frustrating one.”

Under the program children get up to 18 hours a week of treatment offered by psychologists, speech language pathologists and autism support workers.

Training is also given to parents so they can work with their children.

Carol French of Halifax said the program has been important in the lives of her two boys.

French said her oldest son Jaden, now 15, was among the first 50 children included in the program when it was launched in 2004-05.

“EIBI taught him how to speak in sentences, and taught him many things to get him ready for school such as sitting at a desk, turn taking and socializing with peers — which for most children comes completely naturally,” she said.

French said her five-year-old Zachary, who is non-verbal and has social anxiety, took part in the program last year and is ready to start school in September.

“With EIBI’s daily intervention he now plays with toys, sits at a table and feeds himself with support . . and most importantly has developed social skills.”

Cynthia Carroll, executive director of Autism Nova Scotia, said the extra funding should clear the waiting list for pre-school treatment.

Carroll said it’s critical to get access to early intervention.

“That’s something that we are really pleased about and applaud the government for,” said Carroll.

However, she said more work needs to be done to shore up support as children progress through the school system and into adulthood.

The Health Department said 150 people administer the early autism program across the province and the funding would see up to 40 new workers hired.