How Does Autism Funding Work in BC?

British Columbia’s Autism Funding program helps families pay for eligible services and therapies for a child with an autism diagnosis. Families can access up to $22,000 per year for children under age 6, and up to $6,000 per year for children aged 6 to 18. The funding can be used for approved services such as occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and behaviour intervention. Note: the province has announced that Autism Funding will transition to a new program — it continues unchanged and is accepting new applications until March 2027, and families will be contacted about eligibility. (Source: Province of B.C.)

How much autism funding can my child receive?

The amount depends on your child’s age: up to $22,000 per year for children under 6, and up to $6,000 per year for children aged 6 to 18. Parents plan how to spend the allocation, and can choose to focus it on one service or spread it across several. Up to 20% can be used for related travel, training, and equipment.

What can autism funding be used for?

Funding can only be used for specific approved services that support your child’s development. For children under 6, funding must go to professionals on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP), behaviour interventionists supervised by a RASP professional, and family counselling. For ages 6 to 18, eligible services include behaviour consultants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, life and social skills programs, and more.

Can I use autism funding for occupational therapy?

Yes — occupational therapy is an eligible service under Autism Funding. It’s explicitly listed for children aged 6 to 18, and for children under 6 when the occupational therapist is registered on the RASP. OT can help autistic children with sensory processing, daily living skills, fine motor development, self-regulation, and participation at home and school.

How do I apply for autism funding in BC?

Once your child has an autism diagnosis from a qualified professional, you apply through the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development, and manage the funding online through My Family Services. The government’s Autism Information Services can help with questions about the process. Always confirm current details on the official B.C. government autism funding page, as the program is transitioning.

What’s changing with autism funding?

The province has said Autism Funding will move to a new program. For now it continues unchanged and is accepting new applications until March 2027, with families contacted before then about eligibility. Because policy details can change, check the official B.C. Autism Funding page for the latest before making decisions.

How Swift Health helps

Swift Health provides occupational therapy, speech therapy and related services for children across the Lower Mainland, and we can help you understand how your child’s therapy fits with autism funding. See our services for kids.

Start with Swift Health

Have questions about therapy and autism funding? Contact Swift Health and our team can help.

Frequently asked questions

How much is BC autism funding? Up to $22,000 per year for children under 6 and up to $6,000 per year for ages 6 to 18.

Does autism funding cover occupational therapy? Yes — OT is an eligible service (listed for ages 6–18, and for under 6 when the OT is on the RASP).

Do I need a diagnosis to get autism funding? Yes — autism funding requires an autism diagnosis from a qualified professional.

This page summarizes public information from the Province of B.C. and is not official guidance. Confirm current amounts and rules on the B.C. government website.