Read Nasrin’s story to discover how a group of strangers created a safe haven for her as a parent.

Autism assessments for adults are not as structured as those for children. The issue with this is that there is not a standard process for adults in BC. Here are somethings to know while preparing for adult assessment.

Heading into an assessment can be an overwhelming experience for both caregivers and individuals on the spectrum. You may have waited a long time for the assessment and want to be as thorough as possible.

If you have received a diagnosis as an adult we want to say congratulations!

Adult Assessment Survey     A Never-ending referral cycle In the past two years, AutismBC has seen a marked increase in the number of requests […]

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” When I was 17 and a half, the way I saw myself (and the world) shifted […]

Currently, in British Columbia, there is no system tracking the number of adult autism diagnoses. About 2.5% of children in BC have an autism diagnosis, […]

Currently, in BC, there are no publicly funded systems for adults that are specifically designed to diagnose autism. So finding an appropriate pathway to support can be challenging.

*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 […]

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 […]

Do you prefer person-first or identity-first language? I identify as autistic. For me, being autistic is having a different brain, so I feel it through […]

Only a week after Premier David Eby was sworn in as BC’s new leader, he reversed the October 2021 decision to phase out individualized autism funding in 2025.

Lisa shares her tips and lessons learned over the years as a parent and Regional Coordinator at AutismBC!

If you’re a newly diagnosed autistic adult in BC, you may be wondering about accessing financial benefits and services that are available in the province. Jake Anthony, an autistic adult and AutismBC’s former Program Ambassador shares information and tips to help you get started.

Our team has compiled a list of some of the funding & accessibility services that we think you should know about.

Federal Benefits Disability Tax Credit (DTC) “The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons […]

Finding Support Services  Assistive Technology British Columbia (ATBC)  “Assistive Technology BC (ATBC) provides assistive technology resources to make learning environments usable for people with disabilities […]

Funding Under Age 6  Families can access up to $22,000 per year to help pay for eligible autism services, therapies, or equipment. You are required […]

Does the DTC (Disability Tax Credit) last forever or does it expire? When you or your loved one qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), there […]

This blog is full of resources to help with funding changes associated with transitioning into adulthood. There are also more acronyms so we’ve included a glossary as […]

Sarah talks about floortime therapy with occupational therapists from Little Buddies Pediatric Therapy.

Non-verbal communication can be difficult to understand, both for those observing and for those experiencing it. However, it can be helpful in explaining to non-autistic […]

In this guest blog, Cynthia Lockrey shares with us 6 ways to become a stronger advocate for your child on the spectrum. 

Are you wondering about the benefits of Physiotherapy (PT)? We sat down with Kelsey van Stolk, a Physiotherapist from Kids Physio Group, which offers services throughout BC. Join us as we ask Kelsey some questions about PT. What is PT? How can it help?   

Teal pumpkins started getting popular in 2014 when nonprofit Food Allergy Research & Education launched a campaign to help kids with food allergies enjoy Halloween […]

Heading into an assessment can be an overwhelming experience for both caregivers and individuals on the spectrum. You may have waited a long time for the assessment and want to be as thorough as possible.

Kerry Schroeder is a neurodiversity-affirming Registered Clinical Counsellor and parent coach based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She empowers parents of neurodivergent children with science-backed education and strengths-based strategies.

Lisa Watson is AutismBC’s Regional Coordinator for the Interior. In this blog, she shares her experience with police, emergency services, care staff, and members of the public during times when her son has eloped.

After much effort, you’ve finally settled your child into a summer routine, and now you have to start transitioning them back to school!

Transition can refer to different types of changes. For example: daily transitions from one activity to another; life transitions into adulthood; annual transitions from the end of a school year to the summer. There are strategies and techniques that you can use to help manage transitions on any scale. Learn how to deal with transitioning to summer challenges for your child and your family.

Non-verbal communication can be difficult to understand, both for those observing and for those experiencing it. However, it can be helpful in explaining to non-autistic […]

If someone you love experiences meltdowns, it can be difficult to know what to do to be supportive; these tips can get you started.

It can be easy to forget the upsides of being autistic when confronted with so much media that focuses on the negatives. But the pros, not just the cons, deserve to be recognized and celebrated not just by autistic people, but also by allies and professionals.  

I was adopted. So, it wasn’t until my biological grandmother reached out to my parents and told them that it might be good to see a psychologist because of our family medical history. In 1999, my parents and I reached out to the Autism Society of BC in Nanaimo.

Keeping a diary can be a tremendous tool for self-reflection and understanding, at least in my experience.

No matter which holidays you celebrate around year-end, if you have a gift to give to an autistic person in your life, these are great options to consider. 

Here are some tips for keeping the occasion as sensory-friendly as possible, whether you’ve hosted autistic folks before or not.

Many people believe autism diagnoses aren’t valid unless they’re supported by a doctor. However, self-diagnosis can be valid too. Here are some reasons to support self-diagnosis.

Dr. Engelbrecht’s assessment will help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself or affirm who you have always known yourself to be. Autistic […]

Basil Langevin is an autistic city council candidate in Saanich (a municipality within Greater Victoria). They share with us their journey into politics and what inspired them along the way.

Many people believe autism diagnoses aren’t valid unless they’re supported by a doctor. However, self-diagnosis can be valid too. Here are some reasons to support self-diagnosis.

Autism assessments for adults are not as structured as those for children. The issue with this is that there is not a standard process for adults in BC. Here are somethings to know while preparing for adult assessment.

Heading into an assessment can be an overwhelming experience for both caregivers and individuals on the spectrum. You may have waited a long time for the assessment and want to be as thorough as possible.

Chelsea Jelic is a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist from POPARD (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders). She will talk about what a Speech-Language Pathologist does, and how they can help support your child, your loved one or yourself.

What is respite, where do you find respite, and how do you pay for respite? Definition of Respite: “A period of temporary delay”  “An interval […]

Lisa: Hi everyone. Welcome to AutismBC Talks about Occupational Therapy today with Jen Taubensee of Breaking Trail OT. We’re lucky to have her today to […]

Lisa shares her tips and lessons learned over the years as a parent and Regional Coordinator at AutismBC!

If you’re a newly diagnosed autistic adult in BC, you may be wondering about accessing financial benefits and services that are available in the province. Jake Anthony, an autistic adult and AutismBC’s former Program Ambassador shares information and tips to help you get started.

Most families with autistic or neurodivergent children want their loved one to receive housing support once they become adults. Yet, housing resources are limited. What […]

Currently, in British Columbia, there is no system tracking the number of adult autism diagnoses. About 2.5% of children in BC have an autism diagnosis, […]

Here are some tips for keeping the occasion as sensory-friendly as possible, whether you’ve hosted autistic folks before or not.

Summer can be the highlight of a child’s year, but it can also be full of adjustments. We have compiled a list of Autism-Friendly Summer Camps, Day Programs, Online Events, and more to help you and your family plan! This list will be growing as we discover additional programs, so feel free to check back regularly. Do you know of a Summer Camp or program that we should have included on this list? Let us know.

The following list is a guide to Vancouver Island Autism Resources. We have divided this blog into sections so you can use the ones that best suit your current needs, or you can reach out to Sarah directly at [email protected]

The following list is a guide to Interior Autism resources. We have it divided into sections so you can use the ones that best suit your current needs, or you can reach out to Lisa directly at [email protected]

School Options in BC  Public School  In person (IP) schools, often referred to as “brick & mortar”, public schools are your local school(s) open to all students. Offering K-12 education some […]

For Autistic Adults Autistics Recommend: Books on Autism  Books about Autistic Women and Girls  NeuroDivergent Rebel’s 2021 Neurodiversity Book List  But You Don’t Look Autistic […]

At AutismBC, our Resource Team is here to connect you to region specific community supports and other organizations that provide support and help meet your needs. When the AutismBC Resource Team is asked about complex needs, we provide relevant resources and then direct you onto an external advocacy and […]

AIDE Canada is now offering free audiobooks and ebooks through the AIDE Canada Library. As an AIDE member, you have instant access to over 150 digital […]

Our team has compiled a list of some of the funding & accessibility services that we think you should know about.

Back-to-school according to an Autistic Teen: Ask Andrew B.C. Government Restart & Return to School Plans  COVID-19 safe school – Government of BC  BCs Restart Plan – Government of […]

I was adopted. So, it wasn’t until my biological grandmother reached out to my parents and told them that it might be good to see a psychologist because of our family medical history. In 1999, my parents and I reached out to the Autism Society of BC in Nanaimo.

Basil Langevin is an autistic city council candidate in Saanich (a municipality within Greater Victoria). They share with us their journey into politics and what inspired them along the way.

Mitchell Brager is an autistic artist from Terrace, BC. In this article, his mom Colleen shares how his passion and skill for art has led to a career. Check out the bottom of this article for details on where you can view and purchase Mitchell’s work!

Aly Laube is an AutismBC content collaborator and a late-diagnosed autistic person. In this blog, they share their experience “coming out” as autistic.

Lisa Watson is AutismBC’s Regional Coordinator for the Interior. In this blog, she shares her experience with police, emergency services, care staff, and members of the public during times when her son has eloped.

Rhoda is a late-diagnosed autistic woman who has had many challenges in accessing support and understanding. She shares with us what it’s like to be an older adult on the spectrum. Content warning: Use of functioning labels.

Eleven-year-old Petr recently immigrated to Canada from Czech Republic with his family. Petr is non-speaking and uses an iPad to communicate. In this blog, (with the help of his mom, Eliška) he shares all about his new life in Canada and his fantastic Play-Doh art!

This pride month, we’d like to highlight the many wonderful queer and neurodivergent people in our community. In this Connects, Nic shares with us his autism journey and the inspiration behind his jewelry business, Crow & Sparkle.

Nic Robins is an autistic adult who has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for four years. We caught up with him on what it’s like to work on a construction site and what he’s been learning. Check out the bottom of this post to see how you can help bring low-to-middle income families out of the poverty rental cycle.

Why is Intersectionality Important? In pop culture and on social media, autism looks like a white boy with high support needs. His autistic behaviours are […]

Only a week after Premier David Eby was sworn in as BC’s new leader, he reversed the October 2021 decision to phase out individualized autism funding in 2025.

On June 13th, 2022, Julia Boyle, AutismBC Executive Director, participated in the 2023 Budget Consultation and presented three recommendations to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.

Jake Anthony, an autistic self-advocate, shares his personal experience with Individualized Autism Funding and his concerns with the program’s announced ending. Jake is AutismBC’s Program […]

We travelled to Victoria on Feb 22, 2022 to attend the 2022 Budget Lock-Up and left disappointed by the lack of investment in programs for children and youth with support needs who do not benefit from existing programs.

 You can read it here or click the image below:   What are the shortcomings? In late 2021, BC’s MCFD announced changes to how it […]

Adult Assessment Survey     A Never-ending referral cycle In the past two years, AutismBC has seen a marked increase in the number of requests […]

AutismBC rejects these information sessions as a form of meaningful consultation with MCFD. The sessions did not provide any new information and created even more […]

December 3, 2021   Honourable Mitzi Dean Ministry of Children & Family Development PO Box 9724 Stn. Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9S2­­   RE: […]

We visited Legislature with the intention of representing and voicing common concerns from disability organizations and community members about the proposed changes to the Child […]

Please feel free to use these questions in your calls and letters to your own MLAs and remember to cc [email protected] Use this site to […]

Read Nasrin’s story to discover how a group of strangers created a safe haven for her as a parent.

Give this season so autistic adults like Caitlin can connect to the support they need from AutismBC Meets Programs. Because everyone needs a place to Meet.

Read Katherine’s story to discover how advice from someone who “gets it” can be lifechanging.

Watch Teresa’s story to discover how the power of community can be harnessed to uplift each other through all of life’s ups and downs.  

A big thank you to our fundraising partners celebrating Autism Acceptance Month! We are so grateful that these businesses are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion, accessibility, and acceptance in their communities and beyond. Shop these businesses throughout April to make a donation to AutismBC or have a percentage of your purchase donated. All funds go to support AutismBC programs throughout the province for autistic children, youth, adults and their families.

This season, please give to the AutismBC Support Their Future Fund to help empower, support, and connect the autism community today.

  “Acceptance is saying ‘I Care’” My autism journey I work as the Program Ambassador for AutismBC and was diagnosed back in 1997, at the […]

  “Sharing my story could help others”   My name is Lucas Gates. I am an autism advocate and a co-host on the Pulse Autism […]

  “I want to be free to be myself”    My autism journey   My name is Nicole Provost. I am a pilot, voice actor, teacher, and […]

  Emelle’s Catering – Inclusive Employer of the Year Award, Sponsored by Orbital Learning Emelle’s Catering won Inclusive Employer of the Year because of their hard […]

Are you an autistic adult who’s interested in meeting and connecting with other adults like yourself? If so, then our autistic adult meet-up group is for you!

We are thrilled to announce a new, exciting partnership: MOVE with AutismBC by GoodLife Kids Foundation! This program is open to children and youth aged 12 to 21 with a diagnosis of autism or an intellectual disability. Please continue reading for more information! We can’t wait to see you there!

Lights, Camera, Autism! is a fun, unique way for teens to practice interacting in a supportive environment. It is a highly innovative broadcasting workshop specifically designed for high school students on the autism spectrum to develop and strengthen their social skills. Many skills in broadcasting are transferable and applicable to communicating in everyday life! Examples include having a two-way conversation, asking relevant questions of others, listening to answers, staying on topic, and observing body language!

AutismBC Talks bring education and awareness to the masses! If you want to hear from an expert, learn something new, or try to get a […]

Social Sundays are a special time for autistic children and youth so they can connect with peers and build friendships. Group activities are structured and […]

Siblings groups are specifically for the siblings of kids and adults on the autism spectrum. These groups are facilitated by parents to give siblings a […]

Minecraft Club is an inclusive space for Minecraft enthusiasts to come together and play! Our mission is to inspire connection through sharing tips, tricks and […]

Young Adult Social Time (YAST) groups provide a place for participants to meet and talk with others in an environment that is understanding and non-judgemental. […]

This is an inclusive environment where young people age 6-16 are welcome to come and hang out and socialize about a shared passion.  Interested participants […]

GIRLS CLUB was founded to celebrate and connect girls with neuro/developmental differences with the vision of creating a world where such differences are not a […]