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BC Autism Funding: Diagnostic Assessment
A diagnostic assessment is the first step to receiving autism funding
Also download our funding guide, a navigable and extensive collection of even more funding opportunities and tips: BC Disability Funding Guide (PDF)
Autism Funding Diagnostic Assessment
How the diagnostic assessment works
how works
Option 1 Free diagnostic assessment
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Get a referral from your doctor
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The BC Autism Assessment Network will coordinate an assessment nearby
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After the assessment, BCAAN will send you a Clinical Outcomes Form with test results
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Option 2 Paid private assessment​
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Make an appointment with a qualified BC specialist: pediatrician, psychiatrist, or registered psychologist ​
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Bring the Non-BCAAN Diagnosis form with you to the appointment
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Option 3 Assessment already made outside BC
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Make an appointment with a qualified BC specialist: pediatrician, psychiatrist, or registered psychologist
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Bring the Confirmation of Previous Diagnosis form with you to the appointment
Scheduling a diagnostic assessment
schedule
Option 1 Free diagnostic assessment
​
-
Get a referral from your doctor
-
The BC Autism Assessment Network will coordinate an assessment nearby
-
After the assessment, BCAAN will send you a Clinical Outcomes Form with test results
​
Option 2 Paid private assessment​
​
-
Make an appointment with a qualified BC specialist: pediatrician, psychiatrist, or registered psychologist ​
-
Bring the Non-BCAAN Diagnosis form with you to the appointment
​
Option 3 Assessment already made outside BC
​
-
Make an appointment with a qualified BC specialist: pediatrician, psychiatrist, or registered psychologist
-
Bring the Confirmation of Previous Diagnosis form with you to the appointment
Waiting for a diagnostic assessment
To prepare for the diagnostic assessment, gather information about your child. Start a list of questions to ask during the assessment visit. Create a file to bring with you that includes:
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Your child’s medical records or any previous evaluations they have received
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Your own notes about their behaviour, strengths, and needs
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During the assessment, the specialist will interact with your child and observe how they complete a structured play-based assessment and thinking skills tests. The specialist will also ask you questions about your child’s behaviour and development.
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After the assessment, you will meet with the specialist and receive a written report. The entire process takes more than 1 appointment to complete. At least 1 parent or guardian needs to be at the assessment. You can bring along another family member or friend for support.
waiti
If your child receives an autism diagnosis
recieves
After receiving your child's autism diagnosis, an assessment may indicate that your child needs support with skill development. You can:
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Build a support team that is tailored to your child's needs – it might include health professionals, therapists, care providers, educators, and support workers
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Apply for autism funding to help cover the cost of support that will help them reach their development goals
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