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By Caden Fanshaw

Autism Funding

PG parents protest changes to autism funding in B.C.

Apr 29, 2022 | 5:57 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – With big changes looming to the way kids diagnosed with autism are funded in BC, a group of Prince George parents have come together to protest.

The group of parents, along with their kids protested outside Plaza 400 on Friday around noon with the goal of raising awareness about the situation facing so many just like them.

The BC Government announced proposed changes in late 2021 with plans to take away individualized funding and put the dollars into a hub-based model approach.

For parents just like Amanda Sopel who spoke to CKPG News on Friday, this means all of her work to find specialized services for her son could be at risk.

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Sopel believes the hub model will lead to a lower level of care for children diagnosed with autism who currently have funded arrangements with specialists.

Under the new approach the province says children, youth and their families will be able to quickly access information, expert intervention and therapies at new one-stop family connections hubs.

These supports and services will be available from birth to age 19 and will be based on a child’s or youth’s individual needs, regardless of whether they have a referral or diagnosis.

As a first step, hubs will open in two areas – the Northwest and Central Okanagan – starting in 2023 before being launched provincewide in 2024.

The new system will provide help to approximately 8,300 more children and their families, representing a 28% increase in the number of children who will be able to access disability supports and services.