Autistic Toddler Removed from Daycare, Mother Speaks Out

A Canadian mother’s account after her autistic toddler was dismissed from daycare has raised concerns about inclusive childcare support.

A Canadian mother is speaking out after her 2½-year-old daughter with autism was dismissed from a daycare in Nova Scotia, saying the experience highlights the challenges many families face in accessing inclusive early childhood education. The incident has sparked renewed discussion about whether childcare centers have adequate resources to support children with developmental disabilities (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Mother speaks out after child with autism dismissed from daycare

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The child’s mother said repeated biting incidents led to the daycare ending her daughter’s enrolment, but she believes additional support and collaboration could have helped her remain in care. The daycare maintains that the decision was based on safety concerns rather than the child’s autism diagnosis, emphasizing that it was not related to her disability.

Why Was the Autistic Toddler Removed From Daycare?

The child’s mother, Jasmine Matthews, said her daughter Sophie was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in December 2024 and had been attending King’s Kids Preschool in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. According to Matthews, she received a call from the daycare in June informing her that Sophie’s enrolment was ending because the center could no longer meet her needs.

Matthews said Sophie had experienced communication challenges and occasional biting incidents, which she believes are common among young children with autism. She said the daycare initially appeared supportive but later informed the family that the child’s needs exceeded what staff could provide.

Daycare Says Decision Was Based on Safety Concerns

The daycare said Sophie’s dismissal was not because of her autism diagnosis, developmental delay or communication differences, but because of repeated behavioural incidents that affected the safety of other children. The center said it could not discuss individual circumstances publicly because of privacy obligations.

Growing Calls for Better Autism Support in Daycare

Matthews said families of children with disabilities often face barriers when seeking appropriate childcare and hopes sharing her daughter’s experience encourages greater awareness and better support for inclusive care. Advocacy groups have also highlighted that many childcare providers require additional funding, staffing and specialized training to effectively support children with developmental disabilities.

Reference:

1. Mother speaks out after child with autism dismissed from daycare
   – (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mother-speaks-out-child-with-autism-dismissed-from-daycare-9.7266263)

Source-Medindia