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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)

How the diagnostic assessment works

how works

Option 1 Free diagnostic assessment

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  • 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

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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 ​

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

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If your child receives an autism diagnosis

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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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BC Autism Funding Main Page

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