Just Diagnosed with ADHD in Nova Scotia
You're not behind. There's no timeline. Start wherever you're ready and go at your own pace. Everything on this page is free.
Right Now
You're not alone. Whatever you're feeling right now is normal.
This explains a lot, doesn't it? Your child isn't lazy, defiant, or "not trying hard enough." Their brain just works differently. And now you know how to help.
Who to call today
Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada: 1-416-637-8584
They can help you understand what comes next and where to start.
There's nothing you need to do medically right now that isn't already being handled by your care team.
A note about late-night Googling
We've all done it. At 2am you'll find yourself reading something terrifying written in 1997 that doesn't reflect where things are today. If you're spiraling, close the laptop and come back here tomorrow. The information on this page is current, Canadian, and reviewed. You're going to be okay.
When You're Ready — The Important Stuff
These programs have waitlists — some are months long. Applying now means you'll be closer to the front when you need them. None of this is urgent today. But when you have the energy, start here.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Opens the door to $200/month in child benefits, $90,000 in RDSP grants, and several other tax credits.
How to apply:Ask your child's doctor to fill out form T2201. That's it.
Read the full DTC guideFederal benefits
Nova Scotia provincial programs
Direct Family Support Program
Financial support for families of children with disabilities. Covers respite, therapy, equipment, and home modifications.
Official websiteAbout waitlists
Apply for everything on this list even if you're not ready to use the services yet. You can always decline when your name comes up, but you can't get back the time you spent not on the list. Think of it as holding your place in line.
The Paperwork
Nobody tells you that a disability diagnosis comes with a mountain of paperwork. Here's what you need and where to keep it. Get a folder (physical or digital). Label it. Everything goes in there.
Documents to gather
- 1Get a copy of the diagnostic assessment (psychoeducational or psychiatric evaluation)
- 2Request documentation of how ADHD impacts daily functioning
- 3If a child, request a letter for the school to initiate an IEP or accommodation plan
- 4Keep records of all medications tried and their effects
- 5Document workplace or school accommodations needed
Always have copies of
- Child's health card
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) — apply if you don't have one
- Birth certificate
- All therapy reports and progress notes
- School records and IEP documents
- Receipts for all medical expenses, therapy, equipment, travel
Track your expenses
Starting today, keep every receipt for anything related to your child's condition: therapy sessions, medications, equipment, mileage to appointments, parking at the hospital. These are claimable on your taxes.
View Tax CalendarBuilding Your Team
Raising a child with ADHDisn't something you do alone. Here are the people and organizations who can help.
National organizations
Canada's national autism advocacy and information organization, providing resources, research updates, and connection to provincial services for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Canada's national organization for learning disabilities, providing advocacy, information, and resources through provincial associations across the country.
National organization supporting families affected by Rett Syndrome through 3 clinics, research, and a national registry.
Organizations in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's provincial autism organization providing support, programs, and advocacy for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 891950305RR0001
Registered Canadian charity providing disability-related services. CRA Registration: 134415256RR0001
Recommended therapies
Here are the therapies typically recommended for ADHD:
- Psychology (behavioral strategies)
- Occupational therapy (executive function)
- ADHD coaching
Specialists to request
- Psychiatrist for medication management
- Clinical psychologist for comprehensive assessment
- Occupational therapist for executive function strategies
- ADHD coach (for adults and teens)
- Educational psychologist (for children)
You are the expert on your child. The doctors are consultants. Don't be afraid to ask questions, disagree, or get a second opinion.
Looking Ahead
You don't need to think about any of this today. Bookmark this section and come back when you're ready — whether that's next month or next year.
RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan)
The government will give your child up to $90,000 over their lifetime — but only if you open this account. You need the DTC first. Once approved, open an RDSP even if you can't contribute. The government deposits bonds for low-income families automatically.
RDSP GuideHenson Trust
If your child will receive provincial disability support as an adult, a regular inheritance could disqualify them. A Henson Trust protects the inheritance without affecting benefits. You don't need to set this up now — but when you write your will, make sure your lawyer knows about Henson Trusts.
Education rights in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia uses Individual Program Plans (IPPs) for students with special needs. The province has a program planning process that involves parents, teachers, and support staff. School boards provide resource teachers and educational assistants.
Your Rights guideTurning 18
Children's services end at age 18 (19 in BC). Adult disability programs have separate applications and often long waitlists. This feels far away. It comes faster than you think. But you don't need to worry about it now — just know it's covered in our guide.
Turning 18 GuideTax planning
Most families of children with disabilities leave $10,000+ per year in unclaimed benefits.
You're Not Alone
Thousands of Canadian families navigate this path every year. Connecting with others who understand can make all the difference.
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Know of a service we should list?
This directory grows because people in the community help us find what we've missed. Let us know about organizations, programs, or services across Canada.