Autism Funding in BC: How the RASP System Works

Unlike Ontario's chaotic, waitlist-heavy needs-based model, British Columbia (BC) uses a highly predictable, age-based funding model managed by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

If you are a resident of BC and your child is diagnosed with autism by the BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN) or a qualified private diagnostician, you are entitled to funding. There is no waitlist for the funding itself once the diagnosis is confirmed and paperwork is processed.

The Age-Based Funding Tiers

BC's model is entirely driven by the child's age, reflecting the clinical emphasis on early intervention.

Under Age 6: $22,000 per year

Children under the age of 6 receive up to $22,000 annually. This money is intended to fund intensive early interventions, primarily Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), and Occupational Therapy (OT).

Age 6 to 18: $6,000 per year

The moment the child turns 6 (typically coinciding with entry into the public school system), the funding drops drastically to $6,000 annually. The provincial rationale is that the public school system takes over the bulk of the child's educational and developmental support through special education services. The $6,000 is meant for out-of-school tutoring, ongoing therapy, or life-skills programs.

The RASP (Registry of Autism Service Providers)

If your child is under age 6, the government places strict controls on how the $22,000 can be spent.

To ensure quality control and prevent families from spending government funds on pseudoscience, MCFD mandates that families must hire lead professionals from the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).

The RASP is a publicly searchable database of vetted professionals who have proven they possess the specific education and clinical experience required to treat autism. This includes:

• Behavior Consultants (BCs)
• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
• Occupational Therapists (OTs)

Behaviour Interventionists (BIs)

The actual 1-on-1 therapy (often 20 hours a week) is usually delivered by a Behaviour Interventionist (BI), who is often a university student. BIs are not on the RASP. However, they must be supervised by a Behaviour Consultant who is on the RASP in order for the government to pay their invoices.

Tip

Post-Age 6 Flexibility

Once the child turns 6 and the funding drops to $6,000, the RASP requirement is lifted. Families have much more flexibility in how they spend the money. It can be used for specialized summer camps, life-skills coaches, music therapy, or continued private tutoring, as long as the provider submits a proper invoice to the government.