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.
Check Your Funding OptionsFunding 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.
Active until March 31, 2027
BC Autism Funding Program (AFP)
Up to $22,000/year (age 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.
Launching April 1, 2026
Children & Youth Disability Benefit (CYDB)
$6,500–$17,000/year based on needs tier
The new CYDB replaces AFP and expands eligibility beyond autism diagnoses. No formal autism diagnosis required — functional need assessment qualifies. KidStart accepts CYDB.
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 MCFD Autism Funding Unit at 1-877-387-7027 or log in to MySelfServe 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 MCFD at 1-877-387-7027 or log in to MySelfServe.
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. You submit the claim to the Autism Funding Unit or your CYDB portal. Most claims are processed within 2–4 weeks.
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. KidStart accepts the CYDB launching April 1, 2026. The CYDB provides $6,500–$17,000/year based on your child's functional needs tier, and can be used for OT, behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and the TILP program.
Do I need an autism diagnosis to use autism funding for OT at KidStart?
For the current AFP, yes — an ASD diagnosis is required. However, under the new CYDB launching April 2026, an autism diagnosis is NOT required. Children who qualify based on functional support needs can access funding for therapy at KidStart.
How much autism funding do I have for therapy?
AFP funding is $6,000/year for ages 6–18 (direct funding), with up to $22,000/year for children under 6 with intensive needs. The new CYDB provides $6,500 (base), $12,000 (mid tier), or $17,000 (high needs tier) annually. Contact MCFD at 1-877-387-7027 to check your current balance.
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.