Parents and service providers alike are sounding the alarm over changes to autism funding in B.C., which could mean some children will lose their existing funding by 2027.
The new funding model, first announced by the province in February, delivers payments directly to families for a wider range of disabilities, meaning thousands of more families will be eligible for funding.
“We love that. It’s amazing and needed. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of kiddos with autism,” said Nicole Grocock, behaviour analyst at Social Butterflies Kamloops.
Grocock works with children with autism below the age of six. She said the early intervention model is crucial, with the progress made in early ages playing a big part in later successes in school, at home and in the community.
“They learn faster, they develop skills faster, when their brains are still developing. That early intervention is key,” Grocock said.
Currently, children under age 6 can access $22,000 per year in funding, and over age 6 can access $6,000 per year.
Under the new system, children will be eligible for funding of $6,500 or $17,000, based on their individual needs. But some may not qualify for any funding at all. A new income-tested $6,000 tax credit will also be available starting in July 2027 for those currently eligible for the federal disability tax credit.
The province says the funding model corrects inequities in disability services and supports in B.C.
“This investment is about significantly expanding both financial supports and services for children and youth with a range of disabilities, through a new approach that is fair and that provides the greatest support to the most vulnerable,” said Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development.
While Grocock called the expansion “wonderful,” her concern lies for those who stand to lose their funding and will be taken out of programs they have been funded for for years.
“Kids that may not be as severely impacted on the outside, who look like they’re doing great, those kids will unfortunately be losing their funding,” she said.
She’s also concerned about service providers like Social Butterflies Kamloops.
“We’re still a business and this is going to affect how many clients we’re seeing,” she said, noting she has heard concerns from other service providers, too.
Earlier in March, Grocock organized a rally outside Kamloops City Hall, which included about 30 parents and children from Interior cities. It coincided with rallies held in Vancouver and Victoria.
Grocock said the announcement was a surprise to many parents and is working to make sure everyone is aware of the coming changes. She said anyone with concerns should write to their MLA and consider signing a petition being circulated online.
“Just to get your voices heard so the government can see that we want to have a discussion about this,” she said.