Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
check out below for the services we have used, and still use, to help us along thru the Autism journey ! (note: we live in British Columbia, Canada)
The NCDC provides a broad range of health and health-related services to children with developmental needs and works with families to support healthy child development. NCDC services and programs include: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Language Therapy, Infant Development Program, Supported Child Development Program, Child & Youth Development Program, Family Development Program, Early Childhood Education and the Vancouver Island Children’s Assessment Network (Autism and complex mental health assessments).
At Canucks Autism Network (CAN), we provide programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.
Our vision is every individual on the autism spectrum to be understood, accepted and supported in all community spaces.
The Access 2 Card program helps to ensure that entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities are more available and accessible to all with discounted admission.
Discounted fares are available for residents of British Columbia who have a permanent disability. To receive the discounted fare you must apply for a BC Ferries’ Accessible Fare Identification Card and present your card to the Ticket Agent when you arrive at the terminal.
The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community.
2 Get a BC Services Card (BCID). Get an ID card before your child turns 18 years old as it will be needed to apply for adult funding, and services as they turn 18.
3. BC Family Residence Program. The BC Family Residence Program provides accommodation assistance to enable families to stay together when their child requires medical care at BC Children's Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, including premature babies and newborns with other health concerns. Enhanced travel assistance is also provided through air transportation for patients of all ages.
Singing songs during music class, playing a game of soccer during recess, or simply getting in and out of bed are things many of us took for granted as kids. However, there are many kids across BC who struggle to complete these daily tasks due to their medical conditions. Every child deserves to be healthy, happy, and supported. Variety is working to make that possible.
Bear Essentials is a family support program that assists with the costs of health-related travel and equipment for Island kids. The program is designed for families that struggle to afford the associated costs or that have barriers limiting their ability to access health care or equipment for their child. Learn more here about how we will work to ensure Bear Essentials reduces these barriers to improve health outcomes for children, youth, and their families across Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands.
Bear Essentials is a program accessed through referral only. A health care professional familiar with a child’s needs and family circumstances should complete the online application on their behalf
We empower, support, and connect the autism community in BC. AutismBC is a small, non-profit and registered charity that encourages the inclusion and acceptance of the entire autism community.
We continue to support autistic individuals by providing parents and communities with knowledge and by engaging with people on the autism spectrum to create stronger, more diverse communities.
Membership is FREE.
