Disclaimer: This blog post has been updated in accordance with the AutismBC 2025 Communication Guide. Any mentions of “respite” have been changed to “caregiver wellbeing support” as part of our commitment to nurturing safe and inclusive spaces through language. Support for caregivers to take time for themselves— to rest, restore balance, and care for their own well-being. It offers space to reconnect with what nourishes them—whether that’s family, community, culture, or personal healing—so they can continue to care for others in a good way. We use this term instead of “respite,” which can carry a negative implication about disability and disabled people.
AutismBC is a provincial organization with four regions: Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Interior, and Northern. Each region has its own Regional Coordinator to help local residents navigate the autism services in their area. Amanda Sopel is our Regional Coordinator for Northern BC. Can’t find what you are looking for? You can reach out to Amanda directly here!
Subscribe to the monthly Northern BC newsletter mailing list: Click Here
Do you need help with understanding the MSP public health autism assessment referral process?
Read here: NHAN referral form (northernhealth.ca)
Do you have Autism Funding in place but are unsure how to access it online?
Please read the Next Steps After Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis
Instructional Videos on the Autism Portal: Navigating My Family Services
- My Family Services – Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCbnBeJdwHQ
- Managing your Autism Funding Account https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFtqhT9mw04
- Autism Funding Program Dashboard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0nvshxJIso
- Autism Funding Program Request to Pay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6MrdUUYqDs
- Autism Funding Program Reimbursement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34BmEpozt6g
- Autism Funding – Direct Payment Agreement: AUTISM FUNDING AGES 6–18 DIRECT PAYMENT AGREEMENT (gov.bc.ca)
- Need to talk to someone about your funding?
- Victoria Office: 250 387-3530. Toll Free: 1-877 777-3530. Email: [email protected]
Family Connection Centres – 3 Pilot Locations in Northern BC
In the Spring of 2023, changes were implemented in Northern BC, specifically in the regions of Prince Rupert, Terrace and the Bulkley Valley area, as the BC Government’s Ministry of Children and Families is piloting three Family Connection Centres (FCCs). You can learn more about these FCCs here: Family connections centres to support families, children and youth with support needs – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Operators Announced for Family Connection Centres: Operators announced for pilot family connections centres | BC Gov News
FCC Operators:
- Home – Northwest Child Development Centre (nwcdc.ca) (Bulkley Valley)
- TCDC – Terrace Child Development Centre (Terrace/Kitimat)
- North Coast Community Services (nccspr.ca) (Prince Rupert/Haida Gwaii)
- Family Connection Centre Framework and Service Delivery Model Brochure. Click here.
Indigenous Supports, Early Intervention & Child Services:
- Jordan’s Principle | Assembly of First Nations – Jordan’s Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson. He was a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba.
- Jordan’s Principle makes sure all First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have. Jordan’s Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson.
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Inuit/Inuk Inuit Child First Initiative (ICFI): ICFI provides funding support for Inuk children and youth who are living anywhere in Canada. The intent of the program, much like Jordan’s Principle for First Nation children and youth, is to provide funding support to meet a wide range of needs specifically for Inuk children and youth. A parent/guardian or a designate determined by the parent/guardian can submit a request to ICFI on behalf of an Inuk child/youth. A youth between the ages of 16 to the age of majority in their province or territory may apply directly for programs and services that they require.
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Métis/Michif The Metis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) Miyoopimatishihk/Wellbeing Program: This program is recognized as the representative government for Metis people living in BC and offer programs to support children and youth who are a part of the Metis Nation of BC. The Miyoopimatishihk (Wellbeing) Program is available to Métis children from Birth – 8 birth to eight (8) years old who are registered Métis citizens and enrolled in the Métis Family Connections Program Métis Family Connections Program. Through the Miyoopimatishihk (Wellbeing) Program, families can apply for financial support (up to $5,000 per fiscal year) to assist with the cost of a wide range of services, programs and products, including but not limited to: respite care, speech therapy, assessments, specialized equipment, mental health supports.
- Aboriginal Supported Child Development – ASCD’s purpose is to enable children who require extra support to be included in childcare settings, preschool, before/after school and community care settings. Such inclusion nurtures a child’s self-esteem, and identity, and allows the children to participate in settings that will support their development along with their peers.
- BC Aboriginal Child Care Society– The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) offers a variety of services that provide early childhood education professionals, support service professionals, and Indigenous children and families access to early learning programs, resources, training, research, and community services that are culturally based.
- BCANDS – British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society – is an internationally recognized and award-winning, national Indigenous not-for-profit, Society serving the unique and diverse disability needs of Indigenous peoples across Canada.
- Carrier Sekani Family Services: Fraser Lake/Prince George/Burns Lake/Vanderhoof – Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) has been working hard to offer holistic wellness services for Member Nations for 30 years. Our organization was created to reassert First Nations control of justice, health, social and family services, all of which have suffered through the process of colonization.
- Central Interior Native Health Society – At the Central Interior Native Health Society we recognize the inequity in health status between Aboriginal Peoples and mainstream society. We serve to restore balance through a holistic approach to health care that promotes physical, spiritual, emotional and cultural harmony within all Aboriginal Peoples who reside in North Central British Columbia.
- Home | Denisiqi Services Society (Williams Lake) – Deliver community-based, culturally appropriate child and family programs to the ʔEsdilagh, Xeni Gwet’in, Tsideldel, Yunesit’in, Tl’esqox and Ulkatchot’en.
- Echen Healing Society | Facebook (Quensel 250-992-0614) – A charitable organization that provides programs, services and advocacy to increase the well-being of children, youth and families of Aboriginal communities in the Quesnel area of BC.
- Friendship House – Prince Rupert – The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert is an inclusive organization that exists to provide programs and services to the community at large, with an emphasis on the needs of the First Nations People in the areas of education, culture, health and recreation.
- Home | Kermode Friendship Society (Terrace) – The Kermode Friendship Society offers culturally sensitive, quality programs and services to the Aboriginal community members and the community-at-large in the Terrace area.
- Kwadacha Aboriginal Infant Development Program – 497 3rd Avenue | Prince George| V2L 3C1 P: 250-563-4161 | Shannon Pirhonen: [email protected] | Lorraine Massettoe: [email protected] | Farrah Piere: [email protected]
- Mcleod Lake Indian Band General Delivery | Mcleod Lake, BC | V0J 2G0 | P: 250-750-4522 Crystal Lake [email protected]
- Home – Métis Nation British Columbia (mnbc.ca) – The Métis Nation Government in British Columbia
- Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia | A Helping Hand to Justice (nccabc.ca) – The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia provides culturally-appropriate services to Indigenous people and communities consistent with their needs.
- About NCFS | Nisga’a Lisims Government (nisgaanation.ca) (Nisga’a, Terrace, Prince Rupert)
- North Coast Community Services (nccspr.ca) (Prince Rupert) (FCC)
- Home – Northwest Child Development Centre (nwcdc.ca) (Bulkley Valley/Stikine) (FCC)
- Home | Northwest Inter-Nation Family And Community Services Society (nifcs.org) Northwest Region – – Northwest Inter-Nation Family & Community Services Society “NIFCS” is a Delegated Aboriginal Agency that provides family support, guardianship and caregiver services to seven First Nations communities in the Northwest region of British Columbia
- Prince George Native Friendship Centre – The Prince George Native Friendship Centre is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to servicing the needs of Aboriginal people residing in the urban area and improving the quality of life in the community as a whole. Fundamental to this is recognizing the inherent worth of all peoples regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, or culture and promoting this view in the community at large.
- Quesnel Tillicum Society/ Native Friendship Centre – Home (quesnelfriendshipcentre.com) – The Friendship Centre’s mission is “to improve the quality of life and meet the needs of Indigenous and other peoples who are faced with adjusting to the social, economic and cultural lifestyles of the community” and to foster enhanced spiritual growth among the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who use the services and facilities of the Centre.
- Skidegate Daycare Program – Skidegate Band Council (Skidegate)
- Education – Taku River Tlingit First Nation (trtfn.com) (Atlin)
- Tansi Friendship Centre Society (tansifcs.com) (Chetwynd)
- Thomas Robinson Consulting – Thomas Robinson Consulting (trcl.ca) (Bulkley Valley/Stikine)
- Treaty 8 Tribal Association | United First Nations: Strong, Proud, and Free (Fort St. John)
- Tsay Keh Dene (Prince George)
- Learning Circle counselling and wellness support resources
- For more indigenous support resources: How do I access supports for my Indigenous child in the North? — Autism Q & A, Blog, Caregivers — AutismBC
Support Services – Families & Adults
Prince George Area:
- AiMHi – Community Living Prince George, BC | Supportive Living & Housing Services -AiMHi provides opportunities and supports to people who have special needs and their families. Our culture empowers all people, both those we support and those we employ to live their best lives at work, at home and in the community. Strong communities recognize and celebrate the value of all citizens.
- B.A.S.I.C. – North – Sources Community Resource Centres (sourcesbc.ca) – Sources B.A.S.I.C. program provides evidence-based behaviour intervention, analysis and consultation services based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis and positive behaviour support.
- Behaviour Intervention and Mental Health – North – Sources Community Resource Centres (sourcesbc.ca) – The purpose of the Behaviour Intervention Mental Health program is to provide a behavioural intervention program for Children and Youth with Mental Health Issues (CYMH) and Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern BC (bigsnbc.ca) – Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making a positive difference in the lives of our local youth by developing and implementing a wide range of mentoring programs; one-to-one and group programs, for both in school and outside of school. As an organization our agency serves communities that reside on the traditional lands of many different nations throughout Northern BC.
- Bridge Psychology (bridgepg.ca) – (Autism Assessments) A private practice that provides clinical psychological assessment services in Prince George and for the northern region of BC. Dr. Rocha and her colleagues offer comprehensive diagnostic assessments for toddlers, children, youth, and young adults.
- Child Development Centre PG – The Child Development Centre of Prince George and District (cdcpg.org) – The Child Development Centre of Prince George and District is one of the largest and longest serving child development charities in the province. Each year, we help over 1000 children with developmental challenges, including approximately one in six of the region’s preschool children. We also provide support and services to their parents and families. In a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach, we assist children with their social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and communication skills. This foundation prepares them for greater success when they enter school, and unlocks wider opportunities in the years beyond.
- Child, Youth, and Family Services – Axis Family Resources Ltd. – Axis provides a range of specialized family services in various communities across the North and Interior of BC. Families who take part in our programming are typically experiencing stress due to behaviour challenges of children and youth in their homes, temporary placement of children and youth in foster care, addiction and mental health issues on the part of different family members, domestic violence, neglect, poverty, or managing the challenges around the special needs or medical conditions of children or youth.
- CMHA Northern BC Branch – Mental Health for All– Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.
- Prince George – Foundry – (foundrybc.ca) – At Foundry Prince George young people can find hope, help and support for their wellness needs.
- HOME – GARFORTH EDUCATION – At Garforth Education we believe that every child has the right to an education that will meet their needs. We recognize that in order for this to happen, both the school and the child’s family have to be willing to work as a team.At Garforth Education we strive to support both parents and educators by providing consultation and course work. It is essential that we have a mutual understanding of the student’s needs and ways to support them in order to reach the common goal of setting them up for success.
- Gateway Behaviour Services – HOME -Since 2017, Gateway Behaviour Services has provided unique and individualized programs utilizing the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis for children of varying ages and abilities. We are a family-owned and family-operated practice serving Prince George and the surrounding area. Family is at the heart of what we do and how we do it; when you receive services from us, you become part of the Gateway family.
- Girls Club Northern BC – “GIRLS CLUB envisions a world where girls with neurological/developmental differences feel celebrated, included and connected – where they make and enjoy friends.”
- Hearing programs (Audiology) | Northern Health -Providing hearing services for children from birth to leaving high school.
- Northern Interior Autism Society -Online support resource for families and individuals living with Autism in the Northern Interior of British Columbia.
- Kyle’s Kindness – Fundraising Charity for private autism assessments
- KM Behaviour Intervention Services – I am an experienced behaviour interventionist who loves working with children and families!
- Kumon of PRINCE GEORGE – out-of-school tutoring services available in-centre or virtually. Focuses on math and reading remediation.
- Learning Differences Centre of BC – The Learning Differences Centre is a tutoring centre offering one-to-one tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Method. This method is adaptable for those of all ages with learning difficulties.
- Northern Health Assessment Network (NHAN) | Northern Health – MSP Autism Assessments
- https://www.intersect.bc.ca/ – We offer a variety of services to support children, youth, and their families in the Prince George Area.
- Pacific Autism Family Network Group- Prince George Spoke | Facebook
- Passion and Purpose Occupational Therapy Services
- Pivot Point Family Growth Centre Inc. PG
- Prince George Native Friendship Centre
- Caregiver Wellbeing Support Services
- Sylvan Learning | Tutors & Tutoring
- T&K Behaviourial
- Enhancing each day for each individual – TCS – Thompson Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled (tcsinfo.ca)
- True North Speech SLP Services
- Virtual Clinic | Northern Health
Robson Valley, Valemount & McBride:
- Cimarron Way~Equine Assisted Learning – Your Life…Unbridled! AFU Approved Equine Therapy
- Robson Valley Community Services – Serving Valemount and McBride
- Home – True North Speech
Dawson Creek:
- Dawson Creek Haven Family Services
- HOME – peaceautism.ca – Autism Assessments
- Home – South Peace Child Development CentreSouth Peace Child Development Centre (spcdc.ca)
- Home – True North Speech
Pouce Coupe:
Fort Saint John:
- Kids Connect Autism Program (cdcfsj.ca)
- Scilla Behaviour Support Services in Fort St. John, BC (scillabss.ca)
- Treaty 8 Tribal Association | United First Nations: Strong, Proud, and Free
- Home – True North Speech
- Home | Wyld Acres (wyldacresbc.com)
- Pediatric Speech & Developmental Services
Williams Lake:
- Blue Sky Autism Services
- Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre | Williams Lake (ccchild.org)
- Williams Lake Autism and Neurodivergent Support
- Cariboo Chilcotin – Foundry – (foundrybc.ca)
- Home – True North Speech
Quesnel:
- Quesnel & District Child Development Center (quesnelcdc.com)
- Quesnel Child Development Centre | Facebook
- Quesnel Autism Parent Group | Facebook
- Quesnel Tillicum Society/ Native Friendship Centre – Home (quesnelfriendshipcentre.com)
- Home – True North Speech
Bulkley Valley/Nechako:
- Home | EBUS Academy
- EdGE Learning Centre (bvcls.com)
- EdGE Heartwood – EdGE Learning Centre (bvcls.org)
- Home – Family Support Institute (familysupportbc.com)
- HOME | Grendel Group
- Home – Northwest Child Development Centre (nwcdc.ca)
- Family Support | Smithers Community Services Association
- Our Services – Sources Community Resource Centres (sourcesbc.ca)
- Thomas Robinson Consulting – Thomas Robinson Consulting (trcl.ca)
- Home – True North Speech
Terrace, Kitimat & Prince Rupert (Northwest BC):
- Annette Rolleman Music Therapy
- The Berry Patch | Child Care Resource and Referral (childcareprincerupert.ca)
- CB Education Services (cberton.com) (Prince Rupert)
- “We are many cultures but one community” (friendshiphouse.ca)
- Forever Young Therapy Services
- Foundry Terrace – (foundrybc.ca)
- Contact the Kitimat CDC | Kitimat Community Development Centre
- North Coast Community Services | Prince Rupert Community Enrichment Society (northccs.com)
- Northwest Inter-Nation Family And Community Services Society
- PNGI – The Provincial Networking Group Inc. – PNGI leads an exceptional team of people who care about helping people with diverse abilities live their best lives in Terrace and Kitimat, BC.
- Services — seaside speech therapy – Private Speech & Language Therapist (SLP) offering services for children aged 6+ into adulthood. Virtual options are available. (Prince Rupert)
- Behaviour Intervention and Mental Health – North – Sources Community Resource Centres (sourcesbc.ca)
- TCDC – Terrace Child Development Centre
- Enhancing each day for each individual – TCS – Thompson Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled (tcsinfo.ca)
- Home – True North Speech
Adult Supports & Services:
- TALK-North West is a new self advocacy group in Kitimat and Terrace. The group is hosting social connection events and are looking for help spreading the word about what they do and how to get involved. You can learn more by contacting Chelsea and Jamie at [email protected]
- CLBC North Community Council – please reach out to [email protected] if you would like to become a member of the North Council and/or you would like to be invited to the next gathering.
- CLBC Indigenous Relations Facilitator, Brenda Duggan, is learning from and connecting with Indigenous communities, people and families to learn how CLBC can build trusting relationships and culturally safe supports. You can reach Brenda by email [email protected]
- Embrace Autism – Online autism tests for free; to learn more about the full assessment process, watch out Highlights video here: https://youtu.be/ypef7hTjsW8.
- AutismBC’s Highlights: Is Self-Diagnosis valid? https://youtu.be/j2cj75yM474
- AutismBC Meets – Getting Together on the Spectrum, online Zoom group. Sign up HERE to join the Autistic Adult Mailing List and receive emails and communications for upcoming events. Meetings take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:00 – 6:00 pm PST.
- Foundry Terrace – (foundrybc.ca) Foundry Terrace is offering young people 12-24 access to mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support and social services.
- Prince George – Foundry – (foundrybc.ca) – At Foundry Prince George young people can find hope, help and support for their wellness needs
- Home – AiMHi – Prince George Association for Community Living AiMHi provides opportunities and supports to people who have special needs and their families. Our culture empowers all people, both those we support and those we employ to live their best lives at work, at home and in the community. Strong communities recognize and celebrate the value of all citizens.
- PNGI – The Provincial Networking Group Inc. – PNGI leads an exceptional team of people who care about helping people with diverse abilities live their best lives in Terrace and Kitimat, BC.
Education:
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- Advocating With Confidence Course | Mind Bridge Math
- Student Mental Health Toolkit | Stigma-Free Mental Health
- A Parent’s Handbook on Inclusive Education| InclusionBC
- BCEdAccess – Collective action for equitable education
- EdGE Learning Centre – An alternative learning centre in Smithers
- Gateway Behaviour Services
- HomeLearners Network – Online learning activities for kids and teens
- The C.O.D.E. Initiative Foundation
- EmpowerECS – Comprehensive support for empowering youth
Child Development Centre (CDC) and Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD):
- Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve
- Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre – Williams Lake
- CDC Fort St. John
- Child & Family Services Office for Prince Rupert
- Kitimat Community Development Centre
- North Coast Community Services (nccspr.ca)
- Northwest Child Development Centre
- The Child Development Centre of Prince George and District
- Quesnel & District Child Development Centre
- Robson Valley Community Services – Serving Valemount and McBride
- South Peace Child Development Centre
- Terrace Child Development Centre
- Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre | Williams Lake (ccchild.org)
Mental Health – Free and low-cost counseling options available.
- Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit | Stigma-Free Mental Health
- Anxiety Stress and Autism Program (ASAP) at UBC
- BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
- Bounceback
- CMHA Northern BC Branch – Mental Health for All
- FamilySmart – Together-Centred™ for Child & Youth Mental Health
- Foundry Terrace
- Foundry Prince George
- Foundry Virtual BC – Foundry BC App –
- Indigenous Child & Youth Mental Health (CYMH) Services – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
- Medications | Kelty Mental Health
- Medications for Irritability of Autism | Kelty Mental Health
- Mackenzie Counselling Service
- Mental Health Benefit (fnha.ca)
- Mourning’s Dawn Counselling
- Northern BC Crisis Centre – You are not alone. We are here for you 24/7
- Northern Society for Domestic Peace
- Northwest Counselling
- Prince George – Foundry – (foundrybc.ca)
- Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit – Stigma Free Society
- Ruth Murdoch Counselling
Youth Community Outpatient Service (YCOS Prince George)
- Available to youth and young adults residing in the Prince George community, the YCOS program provides outreach to youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues through assessment, individual and group therapy, case management, life skills training, recreational activities, and family support.
- Northern Health works in collaboration with Foundry Prince George to help youth struggling with problematic substance use. Individual counselling support is available to youth aged 12-24 on a walk in basis.
- Foundry Prince George: 1148 7th Ave., Prince George, BC, V2L 5G6
- The Youth Community Outpatient Services program has a specific mandate to work with youth aged 13-19 who have co-occurring mental health and substance use issues, by providing counselling, family support, outreach (the ability to work with youth in a variety of settings) and referral. If you have further inquiries or would like to refer to this program, contact 250-649-7660
Private/Contract Service Providers:
- Assessments: Bridge Psychology Dr. Liz Rocha
- Assessments: Okanagan Ability Centre – Psychological Assessment & Diagnostic Services
- Assessments: HOME – peaceautism.ca Dr. Jim Bowman
- Annette Rolleman – Music Therapy Terrace, BC & Telehealth Virtual
- Access Community Therapists Ltd.
- Blackbird Toileting Services
- Breaking Trail OT – Families creating their own path
- The C.O.D.E. Initiative Foundation (thecodeinitiative.ca)
- Edge Learning Centre | Facebook Bulkley Valley
- Forever Young Therapy Services
- InReach Physio
- Online Speech Therapy in BC
- Orton-Gillingham Tutoring Vancouver | Coquitlam | Richmond (symbolslearning.com)
- Pediatric Speech & Developmental Services by A.Yu & Associates (speechanddevelopment.ca)
- Scilla Behaviour Support Services in Fort St. John, BC (scillabss.ca)
- Thomas Robinson Consulting
- Thompson Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled
- Rain or Shine Art Studio | Facebook Prince Rupert, BC
- West Coast Centre for Learning PEERS for Teens and Young Adults and Executive Function Classes and Individual Coaching and Mandt training for Families and School Staff
- West Coast Feeding & Behaviour Specialists | Transforming Mealtimes. One Bite At a Time.
School Inclusion & Supports:
- Advocate With Confidence Course – BrainsAbound Learning
- BCEdAccess – Collective action for equitable education.
- CB Education Services (cberton.com)
- EdGE Learning Centre (bvcls.com) (Alternative Learning Centre, Smithers)
- EmpowerECS: Comprehensive Support for Empowering Youth
- Gateway Behaviour Services – HOME (Alternative Learning Centre, PG)
- HomeLearners Network | Online Learning Activities for Kids & Teens – Online Programs
- Inclusion BC | Advancing rights. Promoting abilities.
- POPARD – Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (autismoutreach.ca)
- Home – Office of the Representative for Children and Youth (rcybc.ca)
- SET-BC
- Student Mental Health Toolkit | Stigma-Free Society
- Support Services – SelfDesign Learning Foundation
- Symbols Learning Multisensory Learning Centers Vancouver
- The C.O.D.E. Initiative Foundation (thecodeinitiative.ca)
- Don’t forget to check out our back-to-school blog here!
Sibling Support
- AutismBC
We offer our programs free to our members and all programs are open to families to participate alongside their autistic family member(s).- AutismBC Socials Intro to Minecraft Club are designed to create inclusive spaces where neurodivergent children and youth can connect through shared interests, learn together, and have fun. Our Minecraft Clubs are also open to siblings.
- AutismBC Socials Pokémon Club is a relaxed, in-person social hangout where participants can come together to chat, trade cards, and enjoy Pokémon-themed activities. This is not a structured social program or therapy, and parent/guardian supervision is required at all times.
- AutismBC Meets are our online peer-to-peer support groups designed to help folks build community. Although not sibling specific, whether seeking connection, clarity, empathy, or a deeper understanding, this is a great place to connect online with others in the community.
- AutismBC Goes are our inclusive, low-barrier community events designed to bring folks in our community together for fun, connection, friendship, and community building. We host Goes throughout the year in all regions of BC.
- Canucks Autism Family Network also offers some programs that are open to families and siblings to participate in. Explore their program guide here
- Sauder Sibling Centre: Young Sibling Peer Support Network – free monthly online peer groups
- For children aged 8–11, these free monthly online peer groups offer a safe and welcoming space for siblings to connect with others who understand. Participants can share experiences, feel less alone, and build coping skills through fun, guided activities.
- Open to all families across BC, the Yukon and Alberta
- No cost and no referral required
- View dates and times in the online booking portal
- Register using the portal link above
- Here is a short video about the groups
- Upopolis: Empowering youth navigating stressful life events. Upopolis is a free, fun, and secure online community that connects siblings (and patients) aged 10 to 18 with other siblings who are going through medical experiences or stressful life events in North America. Upopolis reduces social isolation while educating and empowering youth to play an active role in managing and coping with their diagnosis, condition, or situation. Ask a health care professional to complete the online referral form or to contact them to get started.
- Foundry BC may also offer support for siblings. Click here to find a Foundry near you
Professional Development:
- AutismBC Community Training
- Mental Health Awareness |Community Presentations | Stigma Free Zone (stigmafreesociety.com) online training program, they provide companies of all sizes the training, tools and programs to end the stigma of mental illness in the workplace. They are striving for a world without stigma – one workplace at a time.
- Autism Essentials | Reframing Autism — A free self-study course written by Autistic people and informed by research.
- CIRCA Pro-D Programs — Four online professional development (Pro-D) programs in Autism and Neurodiversity for professionals in Human Resources and Business, Dentistry, Primary Care / Physicians, and Early Childcare.
Northern Health Authority & Government:
- Assessment Network | Northern Health
- BC Autism Assessment Network
- Disability Assistance – Province of British Columbia
- NHAH BCAAN Referral Form
- Severe and Permanent Disability Benefit
- Request for Services Referral Form | Prince George
- Request for Services | Quesnel
- BC Autism Assessment Network
Are you moving from outside BC? Check out our Moving to BC blog here!
Developmental Milestones
- 0 – 6 Months
- 6 – 12 Months
- 12 – 18 Months
- 18 – 24 Months
- 24 – 36 Months
- 36 – 48 Months
- 48 – 60 Months
Therapeutic Riding Associations:
- Prince George Therapeutic Riding Association – Prince Goerge
- Horses Touching Hearts Therapeutic Riding Association – Smithers
- Cimarron Way Equine Assisted Learning – Robson Valley
- Home | Wyld Acres (wyldacresbc.com) – FSJ
NFP/ Charity Organizations:
- Aide Canada
- A.C.E. | Activity Centre for Empowerment | Prince George (bcsspgace.org)
- ACT – Autism Community Training
- Autism Navigator
- Home – BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (acc-society.bc.ca)
- BC People First Society
- CAN – Canucks Autism Network
- Family Support Institute of BC
- Friends of Children
- Hope Air
- myCommunity BC
- Social Diversity for Children Foundation
- Home – Variety BC
Ways to Access Services (air, train, bus, ferry, etc.):
- Northern Health Connections
- Check out our comprehensive travel accessibility blog here!
Family Supports:
- District Parent Advisory Council – Prince Rupert District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) is the recognized representative for the collective voice of parents in SD#52. Prince Rupert DPAC is comprised of elected parent representatives from our 7 School Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) and support families with students in the public school district through advocacy and information sharing. Please message via Facebook or by email to [email protected] (Prince Rupert DPAC, n.d.).
- North Coast Transition Society – NCTS offers family counselling for individuals, couples, and families (North Coast Transition Society, n.d.).
- Northwest Inter-Nation Family and Community Services – NIFCS offers an Aboriginal family councillor and other family support programs (NIFCS, n.d.).
Professional Development:
- AutismBC Community Trainings:
- Mental Health Awareness |Community Presentations | Stigma Free Zone (stigmafreesociety.com) online training program, they provide companies of all sizes the training, tools and programs to end the stigma of mental illness in the workplace. They are striving for a world without stigma – one workplace at a time.
- Autism Essentials | Reframing Autism — A free self-study course written by Autistic people and informed by research.
- CIRCA Pro-D Programs — Four online professional development (Pro-D) programs in Autism and Neurodiversity for professionals in Human Resources and Business, Dentistry, Primary Care / Physicians, and Early Childcare.
Facebook Groups & Pages:
- Autism Prince Rupert
- BC Families with Autism
- The Parent Newsletter: Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en & the Hazeltons
- Homeschooling With Autism In BC
- IF NW – Inclusion Families Northwest
- Northern BC Autism/ADHD and Related Disorders Parent Support Group
- Northern Interior Autism Society
- Pacific Autism Family Network Group- Prince George Spoke
- Special Needs Families of Northern BC
- Quesnel Autism Parent Group | Facebook
- BC Families with Autism
- Fort St. James Community Foundation Society
- Fort Nelson Family Development Society
- Williams Lake Autism and Neurodivergent Support | Facebook
Related AutismBC Blogs:
Is there a resource you think we should have on this list? Please contact us.
Become a Society Member!
We are seeking society members from Northern BC — By becoming an AutismBC Society Member, you will have all the same benefits as Community Members. You will also be bound by and benefit from AutismBC’s Bylaws, which govern voting, general meetings, electing directors and other governance matters. Click here to learn more.
