Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month
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Pictou’s Late Discovered Peer Support Group Success
Since launching in January 2024, the Pictou County Regional Autism Centre’s (Chapter’s) Late Discovered Peer Support Group has seen tremendous success.
The program was created after identifying a gap in the community. It is a mutual support group for autistic-identifying and diagnosed adults who missed the window of support often available to those diagnosed in childhood.
Led by a first-voice advocate for the Autistic community, it provides a safe and welcoming environment to share experiences. Over the past year, six to seven group members have been meeting at the Chapter office monthly to discuss a broad range of topics. Plans are in place to host guest speakers for a 2025 workshop series on important topics such as self-advocacy in the workplace.
Recently, the Pictou Chapter received increased funding from United Way, which has enabled the group to increase hours for our Program facilitator. Our hope is that we can move towards peer mentoring programs for youth.
Interest in the program continues to grow, leading to the creation of a second cohort. Registration is now open, with sessions beginning on March 9. Each cohort can accommodate up to seven participants until all spots are filled.
To inquire about the program or register, contact pictouprograms@autismns.ca or visit: Late Discovered Peer Support Group (Pictou County) – Autism Nova Scotia
Testimonials from program participants:
“The Pictou County Chapter Late Discovered Peer Support Group has been so beneficial to me as a late-diagnosed autistic adult. I’m still in a relatively early phase of my discovery journey; I self-diagnosed in 2022 and was formally diagnosed in 2023 at age 48. After almost five decades of feeling I didn’t fit anywhere, finding a community of other late-diagnosed autists who understand my experiences has been healing and validating. The Late Discovered Peer Support Group has given me a safe, supportive space to learn to unmask and be myself without fear of judgment or rejection. This has been invaluable for my recovery from chronic autistic burnout.”
– Lana MacEachern, program participant
“I am a participant of the Late Diagnosed Peer Support Group and I wish such a program was available years ago. Connecting with other neurodivergent people who have experienced similar challenges is both validating and healing. This essential program fosters personal growth and builds community among autistic people of various ages and backgrounds.”
– Ashlyn Godsong, program participant
