Autism Assessment in BC

Autism Assessment in BC

In BC, there are publicly funded autism assessments available. They are done through the BC Autism Assessment Network, but a referral is required.

To get an assessment, talk to your family doctor about pursuing an autism assessment. Your family doctor or pediatrician can submit a referral for children over the age of six. For children under the age of six, you can contact your local health authority for additional referral options. If you have requested a referral for an assessment, have been denied, and feel strongly that further investigation is needed, seek a second opinion.

Wait times for publicly funded assessments can be long. Pursuing an autism assessment through a private clinician is another option, but you should be aware that private assessments do have a cost associated with them. You can view public assessment wait-times here.

Private Assessment

Private assessments can be a good alternative for those under the age of 18 seeking a shorter wait time. For those over the age of 18, it’s the only option, as there are currently no publicly funded assessments specifically for autism in BC. 

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly referred to simply as autism with the Social Model way of communicating, is in-depth and done by a team of qualified professionals working to specific criteria. This team usually includes a psychologist and speech-language pathologist who perform screening tests and gather information from other sources. 

Sources of information used for diagnosis can include but are not limited to: 

• Audiology Screening
• Vision Screening
• Occupational Therapist (OT) Assessment
• Medical history and general health
• Pediatrician
• Infant Development Program (IDP)
• Child Development
• Supported Child Care (SCC)
• Daycare providers
• Teachers and other educational support staff
• Family or friends
• Employers
• Social Workers
• Councilors
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Nutritionist/Dieticians
• Physiotherapists

If you are having an assessment done by a private clinician for someone under 18, you will need a Non-BCAAN Diagnosis of ASD form completed to access Autism Funding.

If you are moving to BC with a previous diagnosis of ASD for someone under 18, you will need to complete and submit a Confirmation of a Previous Diagnosis.

All autism assessments in BC must be completed under the Standards and Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in British Columbia.

When you receive an autism diagnosis for someone under the age of 18 in BC, make an appointment with your local Child & Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) social worker for your next steps. 

For further support or information please reach out to [email protected]

Autism Assessment for Indigenous Children: 

For many Indigenous people accessing publicly funded assessments may be more complicated due to stigma, lack of accessible health care in rural areas  or lack of funding. Jordon’s Principle allows families to apply for funding to cover private assessment. To start this process call 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453). Ensure you have your identification and all needed contact information ready to share. For more information you can visit their website – Jordan’s Principle

Additional Autism Assessment Resources

How Autism is Diagnosed – Government of BC 

Jordan’s Principle – Government of Canada 

Miyoopimaatishihk (Wellbeing) Program – Métis Nation British Columbia

Autism Assessment Grant – Variety Children’s Charity

Waiting for Assessment Workshop – AutismBC 

Autism Information Services (AIS) – Government of BC 

Update as of November 7, 2025

Important MCFD policy change for caregivers of autistic children under 6: The requirement to include a pediatrician’s report in applications for Under-Six Non-BCAAN Autism Funding is temporarily suspended.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development share, “Recent challenges accessing pediatricians to complete medical work ups for Autism Funding applications have delayed access to funding that supports important early intervention services. Removing the requirement to include a pediatrician report with Under-Six Non-BCAAN Autism Funding applications reduces barriers for vulnerable families in B.C. and is responsive to current health care challenges.  Seeing a pediatrician is still important to promote the overall health/wellbeing of the child but should not result in a delay when applying for Autism Funding.  Under-Six Non-BCAAN applications can be processed without a pediatrican’s report.  This change will be reflected on several forms in the coming days (e.g., the Non-BCAAN form, and the Autism Funding application). Other Under-Six Non-BCAAN application policy criteria remain in effect (e.g., speech-therapy report, psychological report).” 

For questions, please contact:

Kate Evans, Manager CYSN Policy: [email protected]