
Featured Content
10 questions for autistic adults to ask a doctor or therapist
September 21, 2023
Asking your healthcare provider the right questions is the first step to ensuring they can provide you with neuroaffirming care. For autistic adults, access challenges, communication differences, and research gaps all make a difference and need to be acknowledged.
All Articles
All Articles
10 questions for autistic adults to ask a doctor or therapist
September 21, 2023
Asking your healthcare provider the right questions is the first step to ensuring they can provide you with neuroaffirming care. For autistic adults, access challenges, communication differences, and research gaps all make a difference and need to be acknowledged.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Explained
September 14, 2023
Important note: This article contains information on a developing topic. PDA is not currently recognised as a diagnosis in Canada and is not included in […]
Online Learning, Alternative Learning and Homeschool
September 1, 2023
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. […]
Reframing shameful thoughts as an autistic adult
July 18, 2023
Reframing shameful thoughts can help you feel better about yourself as an autistic adult, a self-advocate says.
Working a Seasonal Job at Playland and the PNE Fair
July 7, 2023
“For thirteen years, I’ve been working at Playland & PNE. As an Autistic worker, I’m sharing with you my experience working there.”
Understanding Auti-gender and Auti-Ace Identities
June 22, 2023
Learn about what it means to be auti-gender and auti-ace, understand the history, and be part of positive change.
2024 Budget Consultation: AutismBC’s Recommendations
June 13, 2023
On June 13th, 2023, Julia Boyle, AutismBC Executive Director, participated in the 2024 Budget Consultation and presented three recommendations to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.
Explainer: Canada’s National Autism Strategy
June 9, 2023
A national autism strategy would help encourage a unified approach, ensure consistency in the services provided between provinces, promote best practices, and address support gaps.
Autistic food aversion: Understanding, treatment, and support
June 1, 2023
Autistic food aversion can make it hard to stay healthy, happy, and functional. Getting information, treatment, and support can help.
Featured
Featured
Assessment
Assessment
4 Reasons Autistic Adults Seek Assessment
April 21, 2023Getting diagnosed isn’t necessary for every autistic adult in BC, but it can help improve some people’s personal growth, well-being, and social belonging.Late Not Less: Autistic Adults Are Frequently Misdiagnosed
April 19, 2023Megan Flamand, an Indigenous Child and Youth Care Worker for Surrey Schools in BC, talks about her realization of being autistic after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.5 Reasons Autistic Women and Girls are Underdiagnosed
April 18, 2023To improve the diagnosis and care of autistic women and girls, it is important to understand the unique challenges they face.Late Not Less: Not Enough Clinicians Are Trained to Assess Adults
April 14, 2023Shannon saw many clinicians in her journey to diagnosis. See just how much misinformation she had to wade through.5 Reasons Autistic Adults in BC May Struggle to get Assessed
April 13, 2023A recent AutismBC survey found many respondents couldn’t afford to get assessed and would have to wait months to see a professional.6 Steps to Getting an Adult Autism Assessment in BC
April 5, 2023Adult assessment for autism in BC can be difficult to get on your own. From doing research to getting your results, here are some of the things you should know before you start.Late Not Less: Stigma and Ableism Keeps Support Out of Reach
April 4, 2023Kristina has had to overcome years of internalized ableism and an identity build around giftness. Discover how Kristina’s asymmetrical development hid their other autistic traits and why their parents overlooked this.Late Not Less: Why Late-Identified Autistic Adults Need More Support in BC
April 2, 2023This Autism Acceptance Month, we’re profiling five autistic adults who received a late diagnosis or are still struggling to access one. Here are the barriers that stand in their way.Preparing for Adult Assessment
September 9, 2022Autism 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.Preparing For Your Child’s Private Autism Assessment
September 9, 2022Heading 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.
Funding
Funding
Premier Eby Commits to Maintain Autism Funding Programs after 2025
November 25, 2022Only 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.RDSP Tips and Resources
February 12, 2022Lisa shares her tips and lessons learned over the years as a parent and Regional Coordinator at AutismBC!Guide to Accessing Financial Benefits as an Autistic Adult
February 11, 2022If 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.Funding & Accessibility Services You Need to Know About!
August 19, 2021Our team has compiled a list of some of the funding & accessibility services that we think you should know about.What Autism-Related Benefits and Taxes can I Claim?
February 1, 2021Federal 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 for Autism in BC
November 14, 2020Finding Support Services Assistive Technology British Columbia (ATBC) “Assistive Technology BC (ATBC) provides assistive technology resources to make learning environments usable for people with disabilities […]Autism Funding
August 9, 2020Funding 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 […]Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
February 26, 2020Does 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 […]Transitioning into Adulthood
January 30, 2020This 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 […]
Caregivers
Caregivers
Online Learning, Alternative Learning and Homeschool
September 1, 2023School 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. […]Autism-Friendly Summer Camps and Programs
June 1, 2023Summer 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.12 Tips for Supporting Your Autistic Teen
May 19, 2023The teen years can be a turbulent time for families and a particularly challenging time for neurodivergent youth. From new social pressures to their changing bodies, autistic teens experience unique social, cognitive, and emotional changes. However, adolescents can thrive during their teen years when supported and safe.What is Autism?
March 20, 2023What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that impacts all aspects of a person’s life. It is characterized by differences in social communication […]What is Floortime Therapy?
March 10, 2023Sarah talks about floortime therapy with occupational therapists from Little Buddies Pediatric Therapy.Supporting a Non-Verbal Autistic Loved One
March 9, 2023Non-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 […]How to Strengthen Your Advocacy Skills as a Caregiver
March 2, 2023In this guest blog, Cynthia Lockrey shares with us 6 ways to become a stronger advocate for your child on the spectrum.What is Physiotherapy (PT)?
February 23, 2023Are 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?The Blue Pumpkin Debate: What you need to know
October 25, 2022Teal pumpkins started getting popular in 2014 when nonprofit Food Allergy Research & Education launched a campaign to help kids with food allergies enjoy Halloween […]Preparing For Your Child’s Private Autism Assessment
September 9, 2022Heading 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.
Autistic Adults
Autistic Adults
10 questions for autistic adults to ask a doctor or therapist
September 21, 2023Asking your healthcare provider the right questions is the first step to ensuring they can provide you with neuroaffirming care. For autistic adults, access challenges, communication differences, and research gaps all make a difference and need to be acknowledged.Reframing shameful thoughts as an autistic adult
July 18, 2023Reframing shameful thoughts can help you feel better about yourself as an autistic adult, a self-advocate says.Autistic food aversion: Understanding, treatment, and support
June 1, 2023Autistic food aversion can make it hard to stay healthy, happy, and functional. Getting information, treatment, and support can help.5 tips for coping with autistic burnout as an adult
May 15, 2023Dealing with autistic burnout in adulthood can be a huge challenge. Here are some tips that can help you cope.Late Not Less: Adult Autism Assessment Is Prohibitively Expensive
April 21, 2023Getting an adult autism assessment can be a lot to deal with late in life. Liv Robinson shares their story of late diagnosis.4 Reasons Autistic Adults Seek Assessment
April 21, 2023Getting diagnosed isn’t necessary for every autistic adult in BC, but it can help improve some people’s personal growth, well-being, and social belonging.Late Not Less: Autistic Adults Are Frequently Misdiagnosed
April 19, 2023Megan Flamand, an Indigenous Child and Youth Care Worker for Surrey Schools in BC, talks about her realization of being autistic after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.5 Reasons Autistic Women and Girls are Underdiagnosed
April 18, 2023To improve the diagnosis and care of autistic women and girls, it is important to understand the unique challenges they face.Late Not Less: Not Enough Clinicians Are Trained to Assess Adults
April 14, 2023Shannon saw many clinicians in her journey to diagnosis. See just how much misinformation she had to wade through.5 Reasons Autistic Adults in BC May Struggle to get Assessed
April 13, 2023A recent AutismBC survey found many respondents couldn’t afford to get assessed and would have to wait months to see a professional.
Autism Q & A
Autism Q & A
Online Learning, Alternative Learning and Homeschool
September 1, 2023School 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. […]What is Autism?
March 20, 2023What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that impacts all aspects of a person’s life. It is characterized by differences in social communication […]Reasons Autism Self-diagnosis is Valid
November 3, 2022Many 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.Preparing for Adult Assessment
September 9, 2022Autism 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.Preparing For Your Child’s Private Autism Assessment
September 9, 2022Heading 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.What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?
June 16, 2022Chelsea 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.Respite Basics
May 3, 2022What is respite, where do you find respite, and how do you pay for respite? Definition of Respite: “A period of temporary delay” “An interval […]What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
March 1, 2022Lisa: 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 […]RDSP Tips and Resources
February 12, 2022Lisa shares her tips and lessons learned over the years as a parent and Regional Coordinator at AutismBC!Guide to Accessing Financial Benefits as an Autistic Adult
February 11, 2022If 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.
Resource Guides
Resource Guides
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Explained
September 14, 2023Important note: This article contains information on a developing topic. PDA is not currently recognised as a diagnosis in Canada and is not included in […]Online Learning, Alternative Learning and Homeschool
September 1, 2023School 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. […]Autism-Friendly Summer Camps and Programs
June 1, 2023Summer 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.12 Tips for Supporting Your Autistic Teen
May 19, 2023The teen years can be a turbulent time for families and a particularly challenging time for neurodivergent youth. From new social pressures to their changing bodies, autistic teens experience unique social, cognitive, and emotional changes. However, adolescents can thrive during their teen years when supported and safe.10 Tips for Hosting Sensory-Friendly Holiday Gatherings
December 6, 2022Here are some tips for keeping the occasion as sensory-friendly as possible, whether you’ve hosted autistic folks before or not.Vancouver Island Autism Resources
March 24, 2022The 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]Interior BC Autism Resources
January 23, 2022The 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]Our Big Blog About Books
September 28, 2021For Autistic Adults Autistics Recommend: Books on Autism Books about Autistic Women and Girls But You Don’t Look Autistic at All – Toeps, Bianca, MacCorquodale-Smith, […]Advocacy Support in BC
September 20, 2021At 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 Lending Library
September 8, 2021AIDE 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 […]
Stories
Stories
Working a Seasonal Job at Playland and the PNE Fair
July 7, 2023“For thirteen years, I’ve been working at Playland & PNE. As an Autistic worker, I’m sharing with you my experience working there.”Late Not Less: Autistic Adults Are Frequently Misdiagnosed
April 19, 2023Megan Flamand, an Indigenous Child and Youth Care Worker for Surrey Schools in BC, talks about her realization of being autistic after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.Late Not Less: Not Enough Clinicians Are Trained to Assess Adults
April 14, 2023Shannon saw many clinicians in her journey to diagnosis. See just how much misinformation she had to wade through.Late Not Less: Autistic Adults Need Supports
April 11, 2023Caroline shares how she realized she is autistic and why she feels she will remain self-diagnosed.Late Not Less: Why Late-Identified Autistic Adults Need More Support in BC
April 2, 2023This Autism Acceptance Month, we’re profiling five autistic adults who received a late diagnosis or are still struggling to access one. Here are the barriers that stand in their way.Accessing Housing with Jeremy Tolmie
January 11, 2023I 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.Politics and self-advocacy with Basil Langevin
October 6, 2022Basil 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.Life as an autistic artist with Mitchell Brager
October 6, 2022Mitchell 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!Late-diagnosed autistic adulthood with Aly Laube
July 21, 2022Aly Laube is an AutismBC content collaborator and a late-diagnosed autistic person. In this blog, they share their experience “coming out” as autistic.A Parent’s Experience with Police & Emergency Services
July 19, 2022Lisa 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.
Advocacy
Advocacy
Understanding Auti-gender and Auti-Ace Identities
June 22, 2023Learn about what it means to be auti-gender and auti-ace, understand the history, and be part of positive change.2024 Budget Consultation: AutismBC’s Recommendations
June 13, 2023On June 13th, 2023, Julia Boyle, AutismBC Executive Director, participated in the 2024 Budget Consultation and presented three recommendations to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.Explainer: Canada’s National Autism Strategy
June 9, 2023A national autism strategy would help encourage a unified approach, ensure consistency in the services provided between provinces, promote best practices, and address support gaps.Late Not Less: Why Late-Identified Autistic Adults Need More Support in BC
April 2, 2023This Autism Acceptance Month, we’re profiling five autistic adults who received a late diagnosis or are still struggling to access one. Here are the barriers that stand in their way.Premier Eby Commits to Maintain Autism Funding Programs after 2025
November 25, 2022Only 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 2025.2023 Budget Consultation: AutismBC’s Recommendations
June 16, 2022On 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.My Personal Experience with Individualized Autism Funding
April 21, 2022Jake 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 […]Media Release: Provincial budget doesn’t address services for B.C.’s most vulnerable children and youth
February 23, 2022We 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.Analysis Finds Serious Shortcomings in MCFD’s Proposed Assessment Tools
February 8, 2022You can read it here or click the image below: What are the shortcomings? In late 2021, BC’s MCFD announced changes to how it […]
Giving
Giving
Add-On the Bill for AutismBC 2023
March 31, 2023A 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.My Meets. My Safe Haven.
December 16, 2022Read Nasrin’s story to discover how a group of strangers created a safe haven for her as a parent.My Meets. My Self-Acceptance.
December 7, 2022Give 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.My Meets. My Lifeline.
December 2, 2022Read Katherine’s story to discover how advice from someone who “gets it” can be lifechanging.My Meets. My Modern Village.
November 16, 2022Watch 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.Add-On the Bill for AutismBC 2022
March 30, 2022A 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.Support Their Future: Jenny Story
December 23, 2021This season, please give to the AutismBC Support Their Future Fund to help empower, support, and connect the autism community today.Support Their Future: Jake Anthony
December 17, 2021“Acceptance is saying ‘I Care’” My autism journey I work as the Program Ambassador for AutismBC and was diagnosed back in 1997, at the […]Support Their Future: Lucas Gates
December 7, 2021“Sharing my story could help others” My name is Lucas Gates. I am an autism advocate and a co-host on the Pulse Autism […]Support Their Future: Nicole Provost
November 26, 2021“I want to be free to be myself” My autism journey My name is Nicole Provost. I am a pilot, voice actor, teacher, and […]
Programs
Programs
Getting Together on the Spectrum: Autistic Adult Meet-Up Group
February 1, 2022Are 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!MOVE with AutismBC by GoodLife Kids Foundation
July 12, 2021We 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!Broadcasting Workshop: Lights, Camera, Autism
January 25, 2021Lights, 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
July 10, 2020AutismBC Talks bring education and awareness to the masses! If you want to hear from an expert, learn something new, or try to get a […]AutismBC Socials: Computer Minecraft Club
July 10, 2020Minecraft 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, Social Group (Nanaimo)
July 10, 2020Young 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. […]Pokémon Juniors Club (Richmond)
July 10, 2020This 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 […]AutismBC Meets and Community Groups
July 8, 2020AutismBC Meets Meetups are perfect for those of you that want a casual atmosphere to interact with other parents, families, or self-advocates. Come with an […]