If you have concerns about your child’s development, please see your family doctor who may refer you to the British Columbia Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN) for assessment and diagnosis.

BCAAN is responsible for assessing and diagnosing children in British Columbia who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and will arrange for an assessment to be done as close to where you live as possible. There is no charge for their services. For more information on ASD diagnosis and testing, refer to the BCAAN website. If you have any questions or concerns about the assessment process, please contact BCAAN at 604 453-8343.

Parents who wish to purchase a private diagnostic assessment for their child may do so. These assessments must meet the same standards and guidelines as BCAAN assessments. The clinician will need to complete a Non-BCAAN (Private) Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder form to document the diagnosis if the family wishes to apply for Autism programs. Parents are responsible for any costs charged by the private clinician.

If your child is diagnosed with ASD, you may be eligible to receive Autism Programs. If your child does not have ASD, there may be other services to assist you and your child.

Applying for Autism Programs

If your child has been diagnosed with ASD, contact your local Community Living BC (CLBC) centre to:

• complete a funding agreement, or;
• receive a referral to the EIBI Program.

Children over age six diagnosed with ASD prior to April 1, 2004
If your child was diagnosed with ASD prior to April 1, 2004, and you are applying for Autism Programs, you will need to have a qualified specialist (paediatrician, child psychiatrist or registered psychologist) complete a Confirmation of Diagnosis form.

Information for families who have moved from other provinces
If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in another province and you have moved to British Columbia, you will need to have a qualified BC specialist complete a Confirmation of Diagnosis form in order to apply for Autism Programs. Qualified specialists include paediatricians, psychiatrists, and registered psychologists.

Note: A BC Care Card must be provided as proof of residency in BC when applying for Autism Programs.

Information for families who have moved from other countries
Families who have recently moved to British Columbia from another country and would like to access an Autism Program are required to have a new diagnostic assessment for ASD within BC. Please contact BCAAN at 604 453-8343 about the assessment process.

Note: A BC Care Card must be provided as proof of residency in BC when applying for Autism Programs.