MICHELLE LAU JANUARY 29, 2021

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Closer to Home

Phone
1-844-878-4700

Address
3688 Cessna Drive,
Richmond, B.C.

No appointment
necessary

Email
AutismInformation@
Hello there! gov.bc.ca

This brochure will help answer many questions in terms of Office Hours
what to do if you suspect that you child may have autism 8:30am - 4:30pm
spectrum disorder (ASD), and the process that may lead to a (M-F) Excluding
Statutory Holidays
diagnosis and ultimately accessing funding and creating a
support team. For more information, please visit the BC
Government Autism Spectrum Disorder website (link)


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What is Autism? Get a Access funding Build a support

diagnostic team
assessment.

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MICHELLE LAU
What is Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a
complex neurological condition that
causes differences in social interaction,
communication, interests and
behaviour.
MYTH: I am a bad parent and my poor
parenting caused my child to have autism.
FACT: While researchers are working hard
at discovering the roots cause of ASD, it is
definitely not caused by parents or the
way they raise their child.
“Why fit in when you are
born to stand out?” 
 Communication
- Dr. Seuss
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JANUARY 29, 2021
What the Signs of ASD?
Signs of ASD usually develop before
the age of 3. Below is a checklist of
common ASD symptoms. If your child
exhibits 2 or more of these symptoms,
now is a good time to ask your doctor
for a referral for an assessment. 



Social Interaction
• Lack of appropriate eye gaze
• No big smiles or other warm, joyful
expressions by 6 months or older
• Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment
• Lack of response to name
• Difficulty understanding non-verbal
cues
• Difficulty building friendships

• Not reciprocating sounds, smiles or
other facial expressions by 9 months
• Not showing gestures such as pointing,
reaching, or waving by 12 months
• Lack of coordination of non-verbal
communication
• Non-verbal or responds
inappropriately in conversations
Repetitive behaviours or restricted
interests
• Repetitive movements with objects
• Repetitive movements or posturing of
body, arms, hands, or fingers
• Overly dependent on routines
• Highly sensitive to changes in the
environment
• Strongly attached to objects 

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Getting a Diagnostic
Assessment
Having a BC certified ASD diagnosis
means your family will be eligible for
autism funding.
A paediatrician, psychiatrist, or registered
psychologist will complete an assessment
of your child’s medical and developmental
history, behaviours, social interactions and
communication strategies.
The specialist will observe your child as well
as ask you questions about your child’s
behaviour and development. Keep in mind
that the assessment will take more than
one appointment to complete and that
there needs to be a guardian present at all
the sessions.
When the assessment is complete, you will
receive a copy of the written report.
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JANUARY 29, 2021
How Do I Schedule a
Diagnostic
Assessment?
You can get an assessment either publicly
from British Columbia Autism Assessment
Network (BCAAN) or privately from a
qualified specialist. Going private would
give you a quicker assessment and
diagnosis, but it you will be paying out of
pocket.
If you cannot afford a private assessment,
you can get a free one from BCAAN after
you get a referral from your doctor.
Alternatively, you could also get
assessments completed outside of BC,
although the diagnosis must be confirmed
by a qualified BC specialist before access
to autism funding. If the assessment is not in
line with BC standards, you will need to
have the assessment redone in BC.
What Can I Do While I
Wait for the Results?
Lots! While you wait for the results, find out
where you could access various services
should you need them. Services may
include child development centres,
occupational therapy, speech and
language therapy, as well as child care
funding for children with special needs.
Click here to find out what else you could
do while waiting.
How Do I Applying for
Funding
Once your child has a BC certified ASD
diagnosis, you can start applying for
autism funding.
Contact your Children and Youth with
Special Needs Worker (CYSN) and they
guide you along what funding and family
support services you are able to access.
Send the following to your CYSN office
ahead of time to speed up the process
and make you sure bring these same items
when meeting with your CYSN:
• Autism funding application
• Autism diagnosis report
• Birth certificate
• Driver’s Licence or BC Services Card
Your CYSN will help you submit a process
your application. Once you receive your
confirmation letter, you can start using your
funding for:
• Services, support, or therapy
• Equipment or supplies
• Training
• Travel
How Much Funding is
Available for My Child?
Funding will vary case to case
depending on age and other factors.
Children age 6 and below can get up to
$22,000 per year while children age 6-18
can receive up to $6,000 per year.
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What Can I Do with the
Autism Funding
Click here for details on what services the
funding may be used for. Some of these
include behaviour interventionists (BI),
covering administrative costs, speech-
language pathologist (SLP), counselling,
etc. If your child is in school, they are also
able to access additional support from
funding through the school system.
Did you know that you need to complete a
Request to Pay Form (PDF) once a year to
set up current providers?
TIP: Submit the form through My Family Services (link) for faster
approval
How Do I Purchase
Equipment or Supplies?
If you are purchasing Equipment or
Supplies, fill out the Justification for
Equipment and Supplies Form (PDF) and
submit it via My Family Services (link)
Once you get approval, you can purchase
items like a laptop, books, weighted
blanket, and compression clothing. Click
on link for full list of equipment and supplies
After purchasing, complete the
Reimbursement of Autism Expenses Form
(PDF) and attach a copy of your receipt
to receive reimbursement.
Did you know: You can direct up to 20% of your autism funding
towards training (autism-specific courses, workshops,
conferences, etc.). You could also get reimbursed for certain travel
expenses! Click here for more details.

How Do I Build a References and
Support Team? Resources
A support team is a community of Ministry of Child and Family Development.
people dedicated in tailoring support (2020, August 20). Autism Spectrum
Disorder. Retrieved January 2021, from
specific to your child’s needs.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/
Take a look at the  Registry of Autism health/managing-yourhealth/child-
Service Providers (RASP) to help you behaviour-development/special-needs/
choose the right service providers. RASP autismspectrum-disorder
are a list of professionals who have the
experience and education to offer
programs for children with autismSend the
following to your CYSN office ahead of
time to speed up the process and make
you sure bring these same items when
meeting with your CYSN:

• Autism funding application

• Autism diagnosis report
• Birth certificate
• Driver’s Licence or BC Services Card

Can contact your Autism Support Specialist

via  AutismInformation@gov.bc.ca or 

1-844 878-4700