A group in Shelburne County wants better access to services for parents raising children with autism.
They’re petitioning Autism Nova Scotia in hopes of becoming an official sub-chapter.
Lana Townsand, one of the leaders of the group, says parents aren’t getting the help they need.
“If Shelburne County is not being recognized or provided for,” she says, “then how can Autism Nova Scotia be called ‘Autism Nova Scotia’? It should just be called ‘Autism Halifax.’”
Townsand says becoming officially associated with the group will give them resources they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
She hopes to make her case to Autism NS officials in an upcoming meeting.
Meanwhile, Roberta Hopkins has been raising a child with autism for 30 years.
She recently moved to the area from Halifax.
Hopkins says even in the city finding services wasn’t easy.
“I feel that it was very difficult,” she says “I look at her as a success story, but, it didn’t come without a fight ever step of the way.”
She says it’s ten times harder in Shelburne County.
Hopkins and Townsend will both be part of a group meeting with Autism NS in the next few weeks.
