Children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often benefit from an intervention program. Intervention is effective in maximizing communication, social-emotional, academic and functional life skills development.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), in partnership with Community Living BC (CLBC), provide three Autism Programs:

• Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention
• Autism Funding: Under Age 6
• Autism Funding: Ages 6-18

Autism Funding programs allow families maximum choice and flexibility. This funding is available in all regions of the province and is intended to assist parents in purchasing intervention services that best suit their child’s needs.

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.

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI)

The EIBI program is an intensive intervention program for children with ASD who are five years of age or younger and is available in the following communities:

• Central Okanagan: Kelowna, Penticton, and Kamloops
• Lower Mainland: Surrey, Delta and Langley
• Southern Vancouver Island: Greater Victoria

Autism Funding: Under Age 6

The Autism Funding: Under Age 6 program provides families up to $20,000 per year per child to assist in purchasing eligible autism intervention services and therapies.

Two funding options are available: Direct Funding and Invoice Payment.

Parents must select Behaviour Consultants, Physiotherapists, Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists from the Registry of Autism Service Providers.

An intervention program for a young child with ASD must be based on a plan that takes into consideration the child’s unique strengths and needs and best practices. This behavioural plan of intervention is written by a Behaviour Consultant.

Autism Funding: Ages 6-18

The Autism Funding: Ages 6-18 program provides families up to $6,000 per year per child to assist them with the cost of purchasing eligible autism intervention services and therapies outside of school. This funding is in addition to the educational program and special education services provided through school boards.

Two funding options are available: Direct Funding and Invoice Payment.

Appeals or Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with a service provided by Community Living BC (CLBC), or disagree with a decision made by a CLBC staff member, see CLBC's Complaints Resolution Process.

If you have a concern about the service provided by the Autism Funding Unit, or about an Autism Funding decision, contact the Autism Funding Unit at 1 877 777-3530. If your complaint is not resolved, request that it be forwarded to the Manager, Autism Funding Unit.

Additional Information

For more detailed information on these programs and options, take a look at our Parent's Handbook. Please also see the Parent's Responsibilities page for important information.