AutismBC is a non-profit, charity and provincial member community. We share information, run programs, and connect families with each other and with services. We help families and individuals understand the pathway to assessment and find their way across the lifespan.
We offer these resources as guidance. We don’t manage or give out autism funding, and we don’t provide assessments ourselves.
The MCFD Autism Funding Unit and PAIRS are your path to direct support for your child. MCFD is the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Your regional assessment network provides public autism assessments for children and youth under 19. You reach it through a referral from your child’s doctor, nurse practitioner or pediatrician.
Getting a public assessment
Children and youth under 19 can be assessed publicly in BC. Ask your child’s family doctor (GP), nurse practitioner, psychiatrist or pediatrician for a referral to your regional health network assessment program:
- Northern: Northern Health Assessment Network (NHAN)
- Interior: Interior Health Children’s Assessment Network (IHCAN)
- Vancouver Island: Vancouver Island Children’s Assessment Network (VICAN)
- Lower Mainland: BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN)
Our Assessment Guide, in the member portal, covers your options whether you’re waiting for a public assessment or considering a private one:
- While you wait: options for supporting your child and your family during the wait for a public assessment.
- Choosing a private assessment: what to know if you decide to go private, including ways to help with the cost.
- Private assessor directory: assessors across BC who see children and youth, with wait times, fees, ages served and contact details, checked directly with clinics. You can search by city or language.
How to log in and view the guide
- Learn more about what’s inside here: Looking for an Autism Assessment in BC
- Become a member. Sign up for an AutismBC membership. Membership is free and takes a few minutes.
- Log in to the member portal. Use the email and password you set up when you joined. Go to the member portal.
- Open the guide and directory. Once you’re logged in, select Assessment Guide in the menu on the left side of the portal.
If you can’t log in or have forgotten your password, use the password reset on the portal log-in page. If you’re still stuck, contact us and we’ll help.
Recommended Reading
Need help figuring out your options?
Ask AutismBC can help you think through next steps for your child and family, whether you’re just starting out, waiting for an assessment or deciding what comes next.
