07/29/2025
Launch of Provincial Centralized Waitlist
For Autism Diagnostic Assessments
From: Leadership of the Provincial Preschool Autism Service,
IWK Health and Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Addictions,
Nova Scotia Health
Re: Provincial Centralized Waitlist for Autism Diagnostic Assessments Now Live
Key messages
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Assessments and reporting will continue as usual for IWK and NSH diagnosticians.
4. Preschool (before Grade Primary) referral forms can now be sent directly to PPAS Clinical Intake by fax: 902-428-9931 or email referrals-preschoolautism@iwk.nshealth.ca.
5. School-age (Grade Primary and above) referral forms can now be sent directly to IWK Health by fax: 902-428-9931 or email SchoolAgeAutism.Referral@iwk.nshealth.ca.
