BC Autism Funding for Therapy in Burnaby
Use your BC Autism Funding Program (AFP) or the new Children & Youth Disability Benefit (CYDB) for occupational therapy, behavioral consultation, and speech therapy at KidStart.
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Funding Options
Which BC Funding Program Do You Have?
KidStart accepts all three BC government funding programs. Here's what each covers and how to use it for therapy.
New families until March 1, 2027; ends April 1, 2027
BC Autism Funding Program (AFP)
Up to $22,000/year under age 6; up to $6,000/year ages 6–18
The legacy AFP provides direct funding for children diagnosed with ASD. Funding can be used for OT, speech therapy, behavioural consultation, and ABA therapy at KidStart.
Current families moving over now; new families apply from April 1, 2027
Children & Youth Disability Benefit (CYDB)
$6,500/year base; $17,000/year higher level
The new CYDB replaces AFP on April 1, 2027. Eligibility is based on a child's support needs, not diagnosis alone, and it is for children with the most significant needs, so not every child on AFP will qualify. Families whose child does not qualify may be eligible for the income-tested Disability Supplement (up to $6,000/year).
Active — phased into CYDB by 2027
At Home Program
Varies by child needs assessment
BC's At Home Program supports children with complex needs. Funding can be directed toward therapy services at KidStart including OT, behavioral therapy, and TILP.
Not sure which program you have? Call the Autism Funding team at 1-877-777-3530 or log in to MyFamily Services (MyFS) to check your current balance. KidStart can also help you navigate the paperwork — just ask when you call us.
What's Covered
KidStart Services Covered by Autism Funding
All four service areas at KidStart are eligible for BC autism funding reimbursement.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Sensory integration, fine motor skills, visual motor skills, school readiness, and daily living support.
Behavioral Consultation & ABA
BCBA-supervised behavioural consultants, junior behaviour consultants, and ABA therapy programs.
Speech Therapy
Language development, articulation, social communication, and AAC support for children with ASD.
TILP Program
Integrated 10.5 hrs/week of OT + speech + behavioral therapy. $1,800/month — within most AFP and CYDB funding tiers.
Step by Step
How to Use Your Autism Funding at KidStart
Confirm Your Funding
Check your current AFP balance or CYDB approval letter. Not sure? Call the Autism Funding team at 1-877-777-3530 or check your balance on MyFamily Services (MyFS).
Book a Free Consultation
Call KidStart at (604) 336-6885 or use our online form. We'll discuss your child's needs and which services are the best fit.
Complete the Assessment
Our therapists conduct an initial assessment to determine your child's therapy goals and create an individualized plan.
Submit Your Funding Claim
We provide all required documentation. Payment then follows the process for your funding program; the Autism Funding team (1-877-777-3530) can confirm the steps for your child.
KidStart Exclusive
Maximize Your Funding with the TILP Program
KidStart's TILP program delivers 10.5 hours/week of integrated OT + speech + behavioral therapy for $1,800/month — well within most AFP and CYDB funding tiers.
One integrated team. Three days a week. Real-world skill practice daily. Designed specifically for children with ASD, ADHD, and developmental delays who need more than one session per week.
Common Questions
BC Autism Funding — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use BC autism funding for occupational therapy?
Yes. BC Autism Funding Program (AFP) and the new Children and Youth Disability Benefit (CYDB) both cover occupational therapy. KidStart is an approved provider and accepts direct funding for OT services.
Does KidStart accept the new CYDB (Children and Youth Disability Benefit)?
Yes. The CYDB provides $6,500 a year at the base level or $17,000 a year at the higher level, set through support planning with the ministry, and must be spent on disability-related supports in your child's support plan. Families already receiving supports are being moved over by the ministry; new families apply directly from April 1, 2027.
Do I need an autism diagnosis to use autism funding for OT at KidStart?
For the current AFP, yes — an ASD diagnosis is required. The new CYDB is based on a child's support needs rather than diagnosis alone: some diagnoses qualify directly, and other children can qualify through a needs-based review. The government is still developing that review process, and new families apply directly from April 1, 2027.
How much autism funding do I have for therapy?
AFP provides up to $22,000/year for children under 6 and up to $6,000/year for ages 6–18. The new CYDB has two levels: $6,500 (base) and $17,000 (higher level) a year. To check your current balance, call the Autism Funding team at 1-877-777-3530 or log in to MyFamily Services (MyFS).
What is a behavioural consultant and is it covered by autism funding?
A behavioural consultant (often called a junior behaviour consultant or JBC) works under BCBA supervision to implement your child's behavior support plan. Behavioural consultation is covered by both AFP and CYDB. KidStart's BCBA-supervised behavior team can work directly within your funding.
How long does it take to start therapy after funding approval?
Once your funding is confirmed, KidStart can typically begin therapy within 1–2 weeks. We handle the documentation and billing so there's minimal delay between approval and your child starting sessions.
Your Funding is Ready. Let's Get Started.
KidStart's team will walk you through every step — from funding paperwork to your child's first session. Call us today or book online.
KidStart Pediatric Therapy provides expert occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral therapy for children in Burnaby and the Greater Vancouver Area. See all our services on the KidStart Pediatric Therapy homepage.