Nova Scotia premier says extreme autism cases merit additional support
HALIFAX — Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says a “national conversation” on autism is needed, but the province must examine existing programs to provide additional support for families who need help.
McNeil reacted Thursday to questions about Carly and John Sutherland, a Halifax-area couple who say there is a lack of supports and programs to help with their nine-year-old son Callum, who struggles with a type of autism that results in violent outbursts.
While not directly addressing the Sutherlands’ concerns, McNeil said the government needs to respond in “acute” situations. As an example, he said it may not be appropriate in some cases to have a means test for programs such as respite care.
“Potentially the issue is about how do we provide the supports to make sure there is respite care available for them with a support network. If it is about money then we have to look at how we do that, so that will be an ongoing conversation that will take place.”