A spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and unusual and repetitive behaviour. Some, but not all, people with autism are non-verbal.
Autism is normally diagnosed before age six and may be diagnosed in infancy in some cases. The degree of autism varies from mild to severe in different children.
The cause (or causes) of Autism are not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that at least some cases involve an inherited or acquired genetic defect. Researchers have proposed that the immune-system, metabolic, and environmental factors may play an important part as well.
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers - Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a scientifically validated tool for screening children between the age of 16 and 30 months old that assesses risk for autism. This is a series of questions for parents to answer about their child.
The primary goal of the M-Chat is to detect as many cases of ASD as possible. However, no screening tool is perfect. So, if your child does not assess to have autism using the M-CHAT-R, see a paediatrician. And if you are still not getting anywhere, join the ASN Parent Facebook Group to find a good paediatrician.
In BC and in most other provinces, a diagnosis of Autism or an assessment that identifies deficits and excesses in behaviour can lead to funding for Behaviour Intervention treatments. Funding is currently $22,000 for children under 6 years old and $6000 for children between 6 and 19. So, the earlier you get a diagnosis, the more funding you can access and the sooner you can start an intervention. Early behaviour intervention can greatly improve your child’s ability to reach full potential. Learn more about funding in BC through ASDFUNDING.COM
The Waitlist for public assessments is prohibitively long, so a private assessment is reccommended to maximize your child's time with funding. Private assessments are often eligable for coverage through your benefits.
If money is a barrier, apply for a VARIETY GRANT. These grants are available for a temporary time and are income tested. They have helped thousands of families get faster assessments.
Whether or not you have a full diagnosis or assessment completed, if your child has a developmental delay, it is imperative that you start the ball rolling on an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) program that will be developed specifically for your child. It will take time to get things in place.
Web Series Workshops
Before you begin we suggest watching our web series of Welcome to Autism videos to help you avoid mistakes and help you get the best start for your child
Autism Information Services
Visit the Autism Information Services website for step by step instructions from the BC government.
Autism Funding in British Columbia
Visit the “Milburn Drysdale’s” website Autism Funding in BC and read as much as possible for information on where to get diagnosis and for information on all financial issues.
In particular, read Setting up an ABA Team to understand the components of the ABA team. This website is set up by an Autism dad and can give some good advice to help save you time and money.
Join Our Mailing List
Join our mailing list to receive notifications about our educational presentations and local initiatives.
ASAT Savvy Consumer
Check out ASAT Savvy Consumer (Association for Science in Autism Treatment) and also check out the ASAT site for the latest research and relevant articles.
Get Lost in a Good Informational Book
Three good books that will help you better understand ABA are:
Attend ABA Workshop and Presentations
Attend as many ABA workshops and presentations as possible.
See the List of Events or Subscribe to Autism Support Network to receive notices of any upcoming events.
AUTISM SUPPORT NETWORK BC
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