1. Obtain a Diagnostic Assessment

To be eligible for Autism Funding, your child must receive a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional. This can be done through:

  • Public Assessment: Accessed via the BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN). Your family doctor referral. Takes 2-3 years waitlist. No cost.

  • Private Assessment: Conducted by a qualified B.C. specialist (e.g., pediatrician, psychiatrist, or registered psychologist) trained to diagnose autism. You self-referral. Takes 6 months- one year. You pay $3,000-$5,000.

 

2. Apply for Autism Funding

Once you have the diagnosis:

  • Register for a Basic BCeID: This is necessary to access online government services. If you don't already have one, you can apply for a Basic BCeID.

  • Complete the Online Application: Fill out the Autism Funding application form online. If you encounter any issues, contact Autism Information Services BC at 1-844-878-4700.

 

3. Submit Required Documents

After completing the application, submit it along with the necessary supporting documents to your local Child and Youth Special Needs (CYSN) office. The social worker will review your application and forward it to the Autism Funding Unit (AFU)

Within 2–3 weeks, you should receive two identical contracts from the AFU. Please sign both copies and return them by mail. This is typically when we also complete the Request to Pay (RTP) form and service Agreement, allowing us to begin working with your family.

The amount of funding available depends on your child's age:

  • Children under age 6: Up to $22,000 per year. Service providers must be listed on the Registered Autism Service Provider list.

  • Children aged 6 to 18: Up to $6,000 per year.

 

6. Select Service Providers: That is where the Wonder Team fits in!

Choose qualified service providers to support your child's development. Ensure they are listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) if required. Work with them to complete the Request to Pay (RTP) Service Providers/Suppliers Form, which outlines the services to be provided and the associated costs

Wonder Consultants and Therapists are all listed on the RASP!

Goal Planning 

Developing a comprehensive goal plan typically takes 10 hours of service with a Consultant, and we aim to complete this phase within 2 weeks. The cost for this phase is approximately $1,150.

First, your Consultant will meet with you to discuss your child’s history and your priorities. You will be given a checklist to complete. We use either the Early Start Denver Program Developmental Checklist for children aged 18 months or the Socially Savvy Checklist.

Next, the Consultant will schedule two play sessions with your child. This gives us a chance to play with your child and observe how she/he interact with the different materials, her/his level of engagement with the assessor, and the level of participation when requests are made.

Approximately 5 hours will be spent by the Consultant to:

  • Develop a written goal plan

  • Create a daily data collection sheet for the team

  • Set up your child’s online file

  • Prepare a clipboard of individualized programs

A senior BI /program assistant will use approximately 3 hours to:

  • Assemble your child’s program binder

  • Organize materials needed for therapy sessions

  • Schedule team members

  • Attend the team meeting

A final team meeting will be held with your family to:

  • Introduce the team members

  • Review the completed goal plan

  • Clarify the schedule of services

  • Answer any remaining questions