Ask AutismBC: Your First Stop for Autism Information in BC
Ask AutismBC is your starting point for navigating autism-related information and support across British Columbia. Whether you’re new to a diagnosis, moving to the province, or simply trying to understand what services exist, our team is here to help you feel informed, supported, and less alone.
What We Do
Ask AutismBC provides:
- Credible, community-informed information grounded in lived experience
- Guidance to help you understand systems, processes, and available supports
- Reliable tools, resources, and program recommendations so you can make decisions with confidence
- Connections to AutismBC programs, including Socials, Goes, Meets and workshops
While we do not offer direct referrals to service providers, complete paperwork, or navigate applications on your behalf, we can point you toward clear, trustworthy information to help reduce the mental load of figuring out “what to do next.”
How It Works
- Submit your question through our Ask AutismBC request form on our contact page.
- Review our FAQs and Resource Pages first, as many common questions are answered there.
- Our part-time team will follow up with personalized, trauma-informed guidance.
Response Time
We aim to respond within 3–6 business days, depending on volume.
Who This Service Is For
- Parents and caregivers at any stage of the autism journey.
- Autistic adults seeking clarity or direction.
- Families and professionals moving to BC.
- Anyone trying to understand local services, funding, education, assessments, or supports.
Program Purpose
Ask AutismBC exists to:
- Reduce confusion, overwhelm, and inconsistent information.
- Help families and individuals access accurate, community-grounded knowledge.
- Empower people to navigate systems independently and confidently.
- Support the autism community with trusted, human-centred guidance.
Get Started
Visit our FAQs and Resource Pages for quick answers, or submit your question through Ask AutismBC for personalized support.
What We Can Help With:
General information about autism assessments for children, youth, and adults, including public and private options.
Access to our community-compiled list of assessment providers across the province.
We can explain the Autism Funding Program, how it works, and what types of services are eligible.
❗ Please note: we do not manage or assist with filling out funding forms.
Support with understanding what an autism diagnosis means and suggestions for next steps—whether for yourself, your child, or a loved one.
Information on how to transfer supports, funding, or documentation when relocating to British Columbia.
Overview of wellbeing support—commonly known as respite—including options and guidance on where to begin if you’re exploring it for the first time.
Details about AutismBC’s community programs including:
- Peer support groups
- Family & Adult events
- Resource-sharing opportunities
- Educational workshops
Information about our provincial advocacy initiatives and how we raise community-informed concerns.
Note: We do not offer individual advocacy or case-specific intervention.
Have a general autism-related question? We’ll do our best to provide an informed and respectful answer or point you in the right direction.
Insights from our neurodivergent team and community to support identity-affirming and strengths-based understanding of autism.
We help you explore what may exist in your region, including community organizations, events, and programs shared by other families and professionals.
What We Don’t Do:
To ensure clarity and respectful boundaries, here’s what is outside the scope of our information support:
- We do not provide direct navigation to service providers
- We do not complete or submit funding forms
- We do not manage, coordinate, or advocate in legal, harassment, or service dispute matters
- We do not offer crisis or emergency response services
- We do not offer individual advocacy or case-specific intervention.
Our Role
We are here to lighten the load, but we cannot fix everything. We’re here to reduce the stress of going in circles and help you feel confident in making informed choices that suit your needs.
If you’re unsure where to start, just ask—we’ll walk with you as you explore.
