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By Caden Fanshaw

AUTISM FUNDING

Proposed changes to BC autism funding under fire in recent analysis

Feb 10, 2022 | 5:25 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Proposed changes to the way children in BC diagnosed with autism are funded have come under fire in a new analysis by a former UBC Professor.

BC’s Ministry of Children and Family Development has proposed a new model with family connections centres (FCC) which will significantly change the way families who currently receive funding can get support.

One of the biggest changes will see the elimination of individual funding for neurodiverse children and children with disabilities.

Since the announcement, many parents, advocates, and service providers have raised questions and concerns about the proposed system.

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Many wonder about the online needs-assessment tools MCFD will use to determine which children with disabilities should receive support.

In a recent analysis of previous research, Dr. Pat Mirenda, Professor Emeritus from the University of British Columbia identified shortcomings in these assessment tools.

“Parents are very very concerned,” said Dr. Mirenda. “Not just parents of kids with autism but parents of kids across the disability spectrum are very concerned about how are you going to decide how my kid gets service, and how much, and the hub-model itself is problematic in a whole bunch of different ways.”

The BC Disability Collective also issued a statement along with Autism BC and several other organizations demanding more consultation prior to the changes being implemented.

“The way MCFD assesses our kids’ needs is crucial to ensuring they receive appropriate, quality support,” said AutismBC Executive Director, Julia Boyle.

Mitzi Dean, BC Minister of Children and Family Development was not available for an interview but did issue a statement to CKPG News.

In part, MCFD said, under the new system every family will be eligible to access support, regardless of whether their child has a formal diagnosis or what part of the province they live in.

“We are committed to reducing barriers to access, including the barriers that can exist for families whose children do not have a formal diagnosis,” said MCFD.