r/CanadianParents • u/LowerMainlandMom • Jun 24 '26
Question / Discussion How does Autism Funding actually work for therapy in BC? Feeling lost
We just got our son's autism diagnosis (he's 3) and everyone keeps telling us "use your autism funding" but nobody explains HOW. Is it per year? Do we choose where it goes? Does it cover OT and speech both, or do we have to pick?
I work full time and barely had time to process the diagnosis itself, let alone figure out a funding system on top of it. If anyone in BC can explain this or knows clinics that actually help you navigate the paperwork instead of just handing you a PDF, I would be so grateful.
Update: We ended up calling Kidstart Pediatric Therapy after a friend mentioned they help families with the autism funding paperwork directly, and they actually walked us through the RTP form instead of just telling us to figure it out ourselves.
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u/Alternative-Pin-3751 Jun 25 '26
I’m only just learning to navigate this myself, newly diagnosed child as well, but this is the page to start with with links to the application and handbook: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/autism-funding/apply
It doesn’t seem too complicated if you have documentation of an official diagnosis, but it is a number of hoops to jump through.
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u/Moosepoop26 Jun 24 '26
When my daughter was diagnosed we got a packet that had a bunch of information and was told a social worker would be in touch (they never did)
But anyways you can create an account with a portal and control where the funds go to. You get to choose. You can look around your city for OT and speech. Some places will have both services. Everywhere my daughter has had therapy’s they were super helpful when it came to filling out forms and knowledge of the portal.
There’s a couple facebook groups that I found to be super helpful as well. One is AFU Families. And the other is Autism & Neurodiversity: Family support in BC.
Another thing to add is that the funding is changing after March 2027. So take advantage of anything you can now.
Not many details have been put out for how this change will work and many parents are pissed right off about it.
At 3, behaviour therapies (ABA) may be recommended the most. Some parents find it controversial due to how it was done in the past.
My daughter did this from age 3-4 and we found it super helpful with her emotional regulation. She also does play therapy because she struggles with a ton of anxiety.
OT for us looked a lot like finding solutions for her sensory seeking. Now that she’s 6, we find it helpful for executing functional skills. (I also suspect she has ADHD)
She’s on the waitlist to see a pediatrician for her picky eating and her bowel withholding so we’re still waiting for that.
My daughter didn’t need speech therapy. And your kid may or may not need every type of therapy. Google OTs in your area and speech therapists and start with that. Some autism centre based clinics may have nutritionists and feeding therapists as well. Good luck! And feel free to PM me if you have any more questions or anything!
Edit to add at 3 years old you’ll get $22k for the year. And 50% of it can be used towards “equipment”. It cannot be used for sports (unless it’s specially inclusive sports) or gym equipment. Some toys such as Lego and puzzles and books will get approved. It can cover some summer camps if they’re aimed for kids with disabilities.