Maximizing Autism Funding in BC: Training and Equipment for Your Child’s Success

For parents of children with autism in British Columbia, accessing autism funding is an essential resource that supports a wide range of therapeutic and educational needs. While the bulk of this funding is typically allocated to direct therapy services, it’s important to remember that up to 20% of your autism funding can be used for autism-related training, equipment, and supplies. This flexibility allows parents to enhance their child’s skill development and support therapy goals in a variety of ways, empowering families to take an active role in their child’s progress.

Equipment and training can 

Approved training expenses can cover a wide range of valuable resources and opportunities. Parents can use this portion of their funding to invest in autism-specific courses, workshops, and conferences that provide deeper insights into effective strategies for supporting their child’s development. Educational materials, such as books, DVDs, and videos, are also eligible, allowing parents to build a home library of resources tailored to their child’s unique needs. Importantly, this funding can also cover the costs for both parents and service providers, like behaviour interventionists, to attend these trainings together, fostering a collaborative approach to your child’s care.

Travel expenses related to attending autism-related training are also covered under this portion of the funding. Whether you’re attending a local workshop or traveling to a specialized conference, it’s important to track your mileage and related expenses. The mileage calculation should be based on the address you have on file with Autism Funding, ensuring that all eligible travel costs are accurately reimbursed. This aspect of the funding can make it easier for families to access valuable training opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach due to travel costs.

At Mercury Speech & Language, our team of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) is recognized for excellence in providing speech therapy services to children with autism. As providers on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) list, our SLPs are not only highly qualified but also well-versed in the latest evidence-based practices for autism therapy. By working with an SLP at Mercury Speech & Language, you can be confident that your child is receiving top-tier therapy that aligns with their unique needs and goals. Our commitment to personalized care and ongoing professional development ensures that we are equipped to support your child’s progress at every stage.

Some of our favourite evidence-based training programs include*:

1. Hanen Program: "It Takes Two to Talk"
   Designed for parents of young children with language delays, this program teaches strategies to promote language development during everyday interactions.

1. Hanen Program: "More Than Words"
   Focused on parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this program helps parents build communication skills and social interaction in their children.

2. Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
   A therapeutic approach designed to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) improve their social and emotional development. RDI focuses on building the foundational skills needed for social relationships, such as emotional regulation, perspective-taking, and dynamic thinking, which are often areas of challenge for individuals with autism.

3. Hanen Program: "Target Word"
   Aimed at parents of children who are late talkers, this program focuses on helping parents expand their child’s vocabulary through daily routines.

4. The DIR/Floortime Approach
   This program emphasizes parent-child interactions and helps parents use play to support emotional and intellectual growth, facilitated by SLPs trained in the method.

5. JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation) Parent Program
   Focuses on increasing social communication skills in children with ASD through parent-led, play-based interventions. SLPs guide parents in implementing these techniques.

6. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
   A comprehensive behavioral early intervention for children with ASD, involving parent training to help parents implement the model's techniques at home.

These programs are designed to empower parents with strategies that can be integrated into everyday activities, maximizing the impact of speech and language therapy in a child's natural environment.

Wisely allocating your autism funding in BC allows you to support your child’s development in comprehensive and meaningful ways. By taking advantage of the 20% allocation for training, equipment, and supplies, you can enhance your understanding of autism, access valuable resources, and work more effectively with your child’s therapy team. Mercury Speech & Language, as a provider on the RASP list, offers exceptional speech therapy services that are fully integrated with your child’s overall therapy plan. With the right resources and support, you can help your child achieve their fullest potential.

*Mercury Speech & Language does offer some, but not all of these programs at this time. Check out our special program offerings on our website to see which programs will be scheduled soon.