clinics
Skip to main content

Autism

The BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN) sees children with a query of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Your team

Who are we?

Your team may include pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, photo of girlpsychologists, physiotherapists, speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, and case managers who may be nurses or social workers. 

Referrals to BCAAN are made by a physician or other medical specialist.

What do we do?

We:
  • provide Autism assessment and diagnosis for children up to their 19th birthday
  • provide you with resources, consultation, and information
  • provide education for families and community service providers
  • participate in research

What can you do?

While you are waiting for your assessment, you can find online information and a range of community services on the PHSA BCAAN website.

Your appointment

To find out about your first autism appointment with BCAAN, download one of the pdf's below; one is for children under 6 years of age and one is for children over 6 years of age.

Your Autism Assessment

Your Autism Assessment - COVID-19 Restrictions


Resources

Need more information?

Find Registry of Autism Service Provider information by visiting the AIS BC website.

Find out about the diagnostic proccess by visiting the ACT website and reading the ACT Autism Manual, Chapter 1.  

For information re: Autism assessment, diagnosis & treatments in English, Chinese & Punjabi, please visit: https://www.actcommunity.ca/information?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4sK7uduw8AIVgxx9Ch3sCA2wEAAYASAAEgLUPfD_BwE"

Scroll to the bottom of the page to find & read a "Parent's Handbook: your Guide to Autism Programs" offered in 9 languages:  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/forms-resources

On the same page, you may also consider the "Quick Start Guide" –offered for various ages.


Websites about Autism

Autism Information Services of British Columbia (AIS BC)

British Columbia Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN)

Ministry for Children & Family Development – Autism Spectrum Disorder at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder

Autism Community Training (ACT)

Families for Early Autism Treatment of British Columbia (F.E.A.T. B.C.)  

Autism Research Centre offered in multiple languages at:  https://hollandbloorview.ca/research-education/bloorview-research-institute/research-centres-labs/autism-research-centre

Autism Speaks

POPARD Family-School Liaison Workshops

POPARD

Resources to consider for children with delays/concerns regarding language and social thinking

Each resource has a large selection of free articles / strategies within the website. Many also have resources that can be bought. Please see each specific website for details.

Children aged 7 and under:

Hanen: A non-profit organization developed by Speech Therapists (SLPs) based in Toronto and widely used in Canada. Focus: children with language delays, includes strategies to promote social thinking/skills and language development.

U of Florida - First Word Project: Targets kids primarily under 3 yrs of age with some material for children aged 3-6. Discussion and tools re: screening for ASD, explanation of development, different therapies, etc. (many resources also offered in Spanish & Creole) Go to: https://babynavigator.com/resources/

Zero to Three: Provides information regarding typical child development across all domains. (information also offered in Spanish  – go to: https://www.zerotothree.org/)

Children / Youth / Pre Adults:

Social Thinking: Developed primarily by SLPs, with collaborated material by psychologists widely used in BC. People have been brought up from California by ACT for workshops on a regular basis for many years. Appropriate for ages 4 to adulthood, lots of free articles/resources as well as some that can be bought. Works with kids with/without ASD, and all aspects of social thinking, perspectives, sharing, theory of mind, etc.

Stuart Shanker - MEHRIT: A website regarding Self Regulation - has a variety of free resources for parents and teachers.

Do2Learn: Focus: Children/youth ages 4 and up. Contains practical suggestions/strategies/activities regarding social thinking/behaviours, academics etc.

Sandbox Learning: Provides a variety of free resources for kids/youth with special needs. Most articles are 1-2 pages in length and contain a simple activity / explanation.

Harvard Centre for the Developing Child: For explanations and materials regarding executive functioning from infancy and beyond.

SHHC and BCCH Family Resource Centre: Free resources that can be searched and requested online and mailed to families for a 3 week loan period via pre-paid postage.

FAQ's

Do you have more questions about Autism? 

Visit the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) website "Parents & Caregivers FAQ" page.

Tab Heading
SOURCE: Autism ( )
Page printed: . Unofficial document if printed. Please refer to SOURCE for latest information.

Copyright © BC Children's Hospital. All Rights Reserved.

    Copyright © 2023 Provincial Health Services Authority.