The Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased with the passage of Bill S-203—enabling legislation toward the development of a federal strategy for autism service delivery in Canada.

Autism Society CEO Paul Walsh says the bill has been in the works for several years, starting with an inclusive assessment of what’s needed across Canada for autistic people.

Dr. Jonathan Lai with the Autism Alliance of Canada has been working closely with the federal government in helping to draft a national autism strategy.

Walsh calls the passage of the enabling legislation a good first step.

A summit is being held in Ottawa next month to outline progress on the strategy, while Dr. Lai will address an Embracing Neurodiversity Conference in St. John’s in May with further updates.