Caregivers
This blog is written for parents and caregivers looking for autism assessment information for their child under age 18. For information and resources regarding adult autism assessment, visit our Autism Diagnosis for Adults blog.
Do I Need an Assessment for My Child?
Throughout your child’s life, you’ll have many questions and unknowns. We don’t get a handbook on how to parent, and each child is unique. Connecting with available services can help you ask questions and access resources that you and your child can benefit from.
Pursuing an assessment may provide a diagnosis that helps you understand your child’s needs. We often hear from our community that a formal diagnosis allows for a greater understanding of oneself and identity. Some people may receive an autism diagnosis, another (or additional) diagnosis, or none at all. Whatever the outcome, the assessment process can put you on the path to making informed decisions for your child and family.
Where Can I Get an Assessment?
Across BC, there are many funded assessment programs and services available for families. You can often self-refer to those programs. If you are considering assessment, speak with your doctor, pediatrician, or local public health unit.
You can find Public Health Units (PHU) and other services in your area with the HealthLinkBC Directory, or you can call 8-1-1 to speak with a health services navigator. If you’d prefer, you can contact us through our website for regional information from your AutismBC Regional Coordinator, and we can guide you through the process.
Development Assessment in BC
- Assessing & Supporting Your Child’s Development
- Aboriginal Infant Development Programs (AIDP)
- Aboriginal Supported Child Development
- Early Intervention Therapy (EIT)
Connection and support through these programs can often help determine whether an autism assessment is needed. For children under 6, some professionals in these programs can refer you for additional assessments.
How Do I Get an Autism Assessment? (Under Age 18)
The assessment process for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis in BC is specific and must meet specific criteria to be eligible for autism funding.
Publicly funded assessments are done through the BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN) at no cost to the family; however, a referral is required. We recommend connecting with your local BCAAN & Regional Coordinators, as information may vary by health region.
Another option is to find a qualified B.C. specialist in a private practice for an autism assessment, but be aware this option has a financial cost for the family.
Sometimes you can claim the cost through extended health plans. You can also apply for Variety Children’s Charity Grants, or if you are Indigenous, learn if you qualify for assistance with Jordan’s Principle (Government of Canada, n.d.), or the Métis Nation BC (MNBC) Miyoopimatishihk (Wellbeing) Program.
For more information about the assessment process, you can check out our Autism Assessment in BC blog.
For information on autism assessments for people over the age of 18, you can read our Autism Diagnosis for Adults blog.
What Can I Do While Waiting for an Assessment?
It’s unfortunately common for families in BC to wait over a year or two for a publicly funded autism assessment. While you wait, here are some ways to support your child and prepare for the process ahead — without needing a diagnosis to start.
- Access Supported Child Development (SCD) programs through your local child development centre or family connection centre — no diagnosis required. These programs can support your child’s participation in childcare settings through consultation, inclusion planning, and extra staffing support.
- Seek private Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) supports if financially accessible. Some providers offer sliding scale fees and accept extended health benefits. These supports focus on regulation, sensory processing, and communication in whatever form works for your child.
- Book a hearing test through your local health authority. This helps rule out or identify other factors that may be affecting communication or development.
- Observe your child through a strengths lens. Notice what they love, what their rhythms are, and what helps them feel safe. This understanding will support your child now and will also be valuable information to share with the assessment team.
- Follow your child’s lead. Instead of focusing on correcting or redirecting behaviour, try joining your child in their interests and play style. This builds connection and trust, and helps you better understand their unique strengths and needs.
- Start learning about sensory regulation — for your child, and for yourself. A regulated caregiver supports a regulated child. Pay attention to what helps your child feel calm and safe (e.g., movement, quiet spaces, certain textures or sounds) and try to build more of that into daily life.
- Document your child’s needs in writing. This becomes invaluable both for school planning and for future assessments — gather developmental history, reports from teachers or other providers, and jot down observations or questions you want to share with the assessment team.
- Prepare for either outcome. An assessment may or may not result in an autism diagnosis — and either way, the insights gained can help you better understand and support your child.
- Connect with parent-led and neurodivergent community groups. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Some of the most powerful support available is free: finding other parents who get it, connecting with autistic adults who can share what helped them, and understanding that you are not alone in navigating systems that were not built with your family in mind. AutismBC Community Groups
