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Changes to Autism Funding in British Columbia

UPDATE AT BOTTOM Please note that this is my understanding of the information that is currently available.  For clarification please reach out to your CYSN worker or consult the websites linked below. As I'm sure we've all heard, changes are coming to the Autism Funding Unit (AFU) in BC.  Mostly that it is ending.  But it's not all bad, trust me.   The current Autism Funding is being replaced by two new benefits.  The BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit and the BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement.  I will describe these separately.   BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit This is what is replacing Autism Funding.  There will be a base tier of $6500 per year.  This is an increase from the current $6000 per year.  They are introducing a higher tier of up to $17,000 per year depending on needs and determined by a ministry worker.  The website and email don't mention higher amounts for children under 6 years old, so pleas...

Creating and using a Cleaning Reset

 Sometimes, as moms, as parents, as humans, we get overwhelmed by a messy house. It finds a way to sneak away from us and after a few days, or a few weeks, we can't get motivated to get it under control. Add in ADHD and someone who creates 'Doom Piles' and I get to a point where I feel like I just can't get a handle on it. After doing, or starting, an annual cleaning challenge a few years in a row, I became really good at cleaning my ensuite bathroom.  I had gone through a full purge and organize in the ensuite enough times that it became a starting point whenever I felt overwhelmed by cleaning the entire house.  I call this starting point, my 'Cleaning Reset'.   To do a full purge and organize, I follow the Home Organization Cleaning Challenge by A Bowl Full of Lemons.  They break down your house into different areas and go through each room/area week by week. The tasks include a full empty of the room, cleaning every surface, appliance, windows, walls, baseboa...

My child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis....now what?

 Please note that this information relates to the process in the province of British Columbia, Canada.   First of all, hugs to you.  Going through the assessment and diagnosis process is very overwhelming.  Whether the assessment was public or private, you are now in the same spot: holding a diagnosis report and probably wondering...now what?  There are a few things you need to get sorted out and submitted as soon as possible along with some recommended next steps.  These involve Funding, Home Therapy and School Support.   Funding If you received a private assessment, you have some paperwork to submit to get your Autism Funding set up.  Fill out the Application for Autism Funding form and send that, along with the diagnostic report and pictures of your child's birth certificate and BC Services Card (Care Card) either to your CYSN (Child and Youth with Support Needs) Social Worker or to your local intake email address.  If you paid privately f...