Autism Services B.C.

Who are we?

v Autism Information Services British Columbia (AIS BC) is part of the Ministry of
Children and Family Development( MCFD).
v AIS BC is a provincial information centre for autism and related disorders. Our experienced staff provide
information on best practice treatments, supports and training to families, service providers and
community professionals across the province.
v When children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), families often have many questions.
Autism Information Services British Columbia (AIS BC) is here to help families along every step of their
journey.

Quick Start Guides for Parents:

Ø After your child’s diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Ages 0-5
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/managing-your-health/autism/autism_quick_start_guide_ages_0-5.pdf
Ø After your child’s diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Ages 6-12
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/managing-your-health/autism/autism_quick_start_guide_ages_6-12.pdf
Ø After your child’s diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Ages 13-18
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/managing-your-health/autism/autism_quick_start_guide_ages_13-18.pdf
 The Autism Funding Program
The Government of B.C. offers two types of autism programs that provide funding for
autism-specific intervention services for children and youth.

ü Autism Funding: Under Age 6

Families can access up to $22,000/year to pay for eligible services
ü Autism Funding: Ages 6-18
Families can access up to $6,000/year to pay for eligible services
Learn more about the Autism Funding Program: Parent’s Handbook

Autism Assessment & Diagnosis in B.C.

Ø There is no medical test that can diagnose autism.

To diagnose autism, experienced specialists must:
• evaluate a child’s medical and developmental history
• examine a child’s behaviours, social interactions, and communication strategies using autism-
specific tools
This process is called a diagnostic assessment. Families can access a diagnostic assessment in three
ways: For more info, visit: http://autisminfo.gov.bc.ca/autism-basics/autism-assessment-diagnosis-in-b-c/
1) British Columbia Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN)
2) Non-BCAAN (Private) Assessment and Diagnosis: Contact Autism Information Services B.C. (1-844-878-4700)
for a list of non-BCAAN private diagnosticians in B.C.
3. Diagnosis of ASD Outside of B.C.


Additional Resources for Families

v A Parent’s Handbook: Your guide to Autism Programs: http://autisminfo.gov.bc.ca/handbook/

v Quick Start Guides after your child is diagnosed with Autism:
http://autisminfo.gov.bc.ca/resources/guides/
v Informational Videos: http://autisminfo.gov.bc.ca/videos/
v Community Resources: http://autisminfo.gov.bc.ca/community-resources/
v https://www.autismspeaks.ca/science-and-services/resources/
v https://autismcanada.org/resources/

Contact Information:
Toll Free Line: 1 844 878-4700

Email (general information):

AutismInformation@gov.bc.ca
 References

Autism Canada (2019). Retrieved from https://autismcanada.org/resources/ June 26, 2019.

Autism Information Services (2019). Retrieved from http://autisminfo.gov.bc.ca June 26, 2019.

Autism Speaks (2019). Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.ca/science-and-

services/resources/ June 26, 2019.