Is autism funding coming to an end next year? Not really. Even under the new system, we estimate that 75% of children who are diagnosed with autism will qualify for the Disability Supplement of up to $6,000 which is the current level of funding available for school-aged children with autism though MCFD. Further, roughly 30% children who are diagnosed with autism are also diagnosed with intellectual developmental delays that will qualify for the Disability Benefit that brings an additional $6,500 to $17,000 per year, totaling between $12,500 and $23,000 per year (which is certainly more than was granted in the past). In addition, there continues to be school-based funding of almost $19,000 per year earmarked to support individual education plans for children and youth with autism for their entire school career. See MCFD’s website for more information.
If you are considering an assessment for a child or youth over the age of 6 years, there are a few things to think about before we get started.…
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments for children and youth have to be done in a certain way in order to be recognized by the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and the Ministry of Education.
An ASD assessment costs $2950. This includes the use of the required tools (ADOS-2 and ADI-R) and an appropriate assessment of developmental level, among other tests that we might feel are helpful.
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder. Symptoms of autism are apparent early in life, though in some situations, they are not recognized as autism until later in life. Please seek the advice of a professional when determining whether to get an autism assessment; you might speak with a physician, teacher, speech pathologist, psychologist, or counselor, for example.
If your child has already been diagnosed with autism outside of BC and you are looking to pursue services in BC, you only need a confirmation of diagnosis.
Call or email us if you have any issues with online booking.
If your concerns are not specifically around autism, you may want to pursue mental health evaluation through the Child and Youth Mental Health programs who offer weekly walk-in clinics (in Victoria there are three walk-in clinics (1) Victoria CYMH at Jutland, (2) Saanich CYMH in Royal Oak, and (3) West Shore CYMH on Wale Rd), or talk to your child's school, and/or your physician.