Autism assessments for children

An autism assessment can help you better understand your child’s development, communication and support needs.

When an assessment may help

Talk with a health-care provider if you have questions or concerns about how your child:

• Communicates or uses language
• Interacts or connects with others
• Responds to sounds, sensations or changes
• Plays, learns or behaves
• Develops compared with what you expected

You can also discuss your concerns with a speech-language pathologist or another professional who works with your child.

Who can use this service

• Publicly funded autism assessments are available for children and youth up to age 19 through the BC Autism Assessment Network.
• On Vancouver Island, assessments are coordinated through the Vancouver Island Children’s Assessment Network, known as VICAN.

How to get started

A referral is required.

1. Make an appointment with your family doctor or another medical provider.
2. Explain your concerns about your child’s development.
3. The provider may refer your child directly for an autism assessment or to a pediatrician for further evaluation.
4. VICAN will review the referral and contact you about the next steps.

While you wait

• Your child may be able to access developmental support while waiting for an autism assessment.
• If your child is younger than three, contact your local Infant Development Program. It can provide developmental support, information and resources for your family. The Infant Development Program does not replace an autism assessment.

What to expect

Before the assessment, a social worker or service coordinator may contact you to:

• Discuss your concerns
• Review your child’s development
• Explain the assessment process
• Answer your questions

The assessment may happen over more than one appointment. Depending on your child’s needs, it may include:

• An interview about your child’s health and development
• Questionnaires for you to complete
• Observation of your child during play-based activities
• An assessment of communication and language
• An assessment of learning or thinking skills

A parent or guardian must participate. You may bring a family member, friend or another trusted person for support.

How to prepare

Before the assessment:

• Write down your questions and concerns
• Gather relevant medical, developmental, speech-language or school reports
• Bring your child’s BC Services Card
• Tell the team about your child’s communication, sensory or accessibility needs
• Bring comfort items your child may need

The assessment team will tell you if anything else is required.

After the assessment

• The specialist will meet with you to explain the results and provide a written report.
• If your child is diagnosed with autism, the team will explain available supports and next steps.
• If your child is not diagnosed with autism, the team may recommend other assessments, services or supports based on your child’s needs.

Cost

• Assessments completed through the BC Autism Assessment Network are publicly funded.
• Private assessments are also available, but families are responsible for the cost. A private assessment must meet B.C. requirements if it will be used to apply for provincial autism programs or funding.