Resources

What is autism?

The American Society of Autism describes autism as a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees.

FAMILY SUPPORT LISTINGS

SPD Sensory Porcessing Disorder Foundation
Website

Family Support Institute
Phone: 604-875-1119
Toll Free: 1-800-441-5403
Email: fsi@bcacl.org

ACT Autism Community Training Society
www.actcommunity.net
Phone: 604-205-5467
Toll free: 1 866 939 5188

Web Savvy Mom
Tamara Hurtado
Website

Moms on the Move
An email chat group that keeps everyone connected with the latest about special needs topics in BC.
Email: momsonthemove@telus.net

LINKS TO OTHER PROFESSIONALS

Tami Verklan, M.Sc., RSLP
Registered Speech-Language Pathologist
Phone: 604-908-3857
Email: tami@slp-vancouver.com
Website

Painted Lighthouse Counselling and Consulting Inc.
Courtney Nichols
Phone: 604-833-2562
Email: courtney@painetedlighthouse.com
Website

FUNDING OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES LIVING IN BC

There are several different funding options for children available to families and listed below. We can discuss funding options with you before treatment starts, and will be happy to help you fill out any forms required to start treatment.

At Home Program - Medical Benefits Program
Ministry of Children and Family Development
PO Box 9763 Stn Prov. Govt.
Victoria BC V8W 9S5
Toll Free 1-888-613-3232
Phone 250-387-9649
Fax 250-356-2159
Website

Special Needs – Autism Funding
Ministry of Children and Family Development
PO Box 9776 Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria BC V8W 9S5
Toll Free 1-877-777-3530
Phone 250-387-7762
Fax 250-356-0399 or 250-356-8578 (att:Lucinda)
Website

Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC
Direct Line 604-268-3884 (local 264)
Toll Free 1-800-381-2040
Fax 604-320-0535
Email patsy.craig@variety.bc.ca
Website

CKNW Orphan’s Fund
Shirley Stocker
2000-700 W. Georgia St.
Vancouver BC V7Y 1K9
Phone 604-331-2711
Email sstocker@cknw.com
Website

Presidents Choice – Children’s Charity Financial Assistance Program
3225- 12th St. N.
Calgary Alberta
Toll Free 1-866-996-9918
Website

CLBC / CYSN
Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) has provided the Vancouver Foundation with a grant to establish the Family Independence Fund. This $30 million fund will assist individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to purchase the specialized equipment, vehicle conversions and home renovations they need to increase home accessibility and community participation.
Website

CCRA Form T2201 - Disability Tax Credit Certificate
The family is required to fill out the disability tax credit form and have an additional form filled out by a paediatrician or occupational therapist
Website