Autism spectrum disorder

Last updated on October 29, 2025

 

Update: Specialized Provincial Services Resuming Following Tentative Agreement

  • As Specialized Provincial Services resumes operations, our focus remains on ensuring families continue to receive the services and supports they rely on.

Autism Information Services (AIS)

  • Phone lines are offering information and support to families.
  • Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) requests are being processed in the order received.

Autism Funding and Medical Benefits

  • All services have resumed, including:
    • Payment processing
    • Urgent requests
    • Other pending items, completed in date order
  • All current authorizations remain valid, and families and service providers can continue to submit invoices through the My Family Services portal.

Processing requests:

  • The accumulated work is significant, and we appreciate your patience as we work as quickly as we can to return to normal operations.
  • Staff are being re-deployed to focus on the most urgent requests first.
  • Families and providers are encouraged to continue using online channels for non-urgent matters to help manage call volumes.

We sincerely thank families, caregivers, and service providers for their understanding and patience during this period. We also extend our gratitude to our staff, whose dedication and professionalism continue to make a difference for children and youth with support needs across BC.

Start here. Autism Support Specialists can provide you with information about next steps. They have time to chat about your needs and provide guidance at any stage. Call or email.

Assistance is available in English, Chinese, Punjabi, and Tagalog; and staff have access to interpreters to support you in over 50 languages.

phone1-844-878-4700

emailAutismInformation@gov.bc.ca

8:30am - 4:30pm (M-F)
Excluding statutory holidays

For questions regarding your child's autism funding, please contact the Autism Funding Support Team 1-877-777-3530.

For questions about available community resources and building a support team, please contact Autism Information Services BC 1-844-878-4700.

If you live in the Central Okanagan or the North Coast / Bulkely Nechako areas, you have options for how your family accesses supports and services.

For more information, visit the following link or call Autism Information Services BC 1-844-878-4700: Service Delivery Choice for families in Prince Rupert/Haida Gwaii, Smithers, Terrace, Kelowna and the surrounding areas.


Autism impacts each person differently. Autism is a complex condition that impacts brain development. It can impact social interactions, communication, interests or behaviour.


Number one

 What is autism?

Learn the basics about Autism Spectrum Disorder and find out what signs to look for.


Number two

 Get a diagnostic assessment

Find out how to schedule a diagnostic assessment and access support while you wait.


Number three

 Access funding

If your child has been diagnosed with autism, find out how to apply for funding and how you can use it.


Number four

 Build a support team

Start building a support plan based on programs and services that are available.


Service providers icon

 Information for service providers

Find out how to support families, apply to be on the RASP, or submit invoices.


Resources icon

 Forms and resources

Download forms related to autism funding and explore helpful information and supports.

Find Services

AIS BC and Autism Funding Information sessions

AIS BC and Autism Funding are hosting one-hour virtual information sessions via the Zoom platform. These sessions are intended for parents/guardians with a child who has been recently diagnosed, and who are new to the Autism Funding Programs.

These sessions will cover: 

  • Introduction to Autism Funding and AIS BC
  • Basics of building a team
  • Overview of the Autism Funding Programs  

We will also be allowing time for a brief question and answer period. Please note that we will not be using this session time to answer child-specific questions. Time will be allowed for a brief program specific question and answer period; however, any child-specific questions can be supported through a 1-1 call with an AIS BC Specialist.

Autism funding is divided into Under Age 6 Funding and Ages 6-18 Funding. The content of the information sessions is specific to each group so please register for the session that applies to your child.

September to December Registrations:

Under 6 Session RegistrationAge 6-18 Session Registration

 

Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP)

Registry of Autism Service Providers

Use the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) to find a qualified professional who provides support in your community.

Search for a service provider

Quick Start Guides

Quick Start Guides

Learn about autism, find best practice therapies, see how to apply for autism funding, and get suggestions for hiring professionals or connecting with other parents.

The Parent's Handbook