British Columbia is home to numerous organizations dedicated to supporting neurodiverse individuals, their families, and the professionals who work with them. These organizations provide a wide range of services, resources, and community initiatives designed to foster inclusion, understanding, and support for neurodiversity.
ACT has curated a list of some of these organizations, which is continually being updated to ensure it reflects the most comprehensive and up-to-date information. Additionally, ACT has created a series of videos showcasing these organizations and the valuable services they provide. These videos aim to raise awareness, highlight their impactful work, and connect individuals to the resources.
Autism Information Services British Columbia (AIS BC)
Provides information and supports for autism and related disorders to families, service providers, and community professionals across BC. Staff are available by phone, in person, or by email to explain the range of treatment options available, help navigate the BC service system, and as well provide information, resources and training opportunities.
Services
- Registry of Autism Service Providers
- Quick start guides
- The Parent’s Handbook in multiple languages
- Information on how to access diagnosis and supports
Autism Support Network
The Autism Support Network (ASN) is an organization of families and professionals educating and supporting families about Applied Behaviour Analysis and its application as a treatment for autism. ASN seeks to strengthen community across British Columbia by building local networks so that families can connect with other families in their own neighbourhoods.
AutismBC
AutismBC is a registered charity and non-profit organization. The majority of its staff and leadership team are neurodivergent, bringing valuable lived experience to their roles. As a provincial leader, it envisions a British Columbia where all autistic people are accepted, included, and supported.
It connects autistic people, caregivers, and their allies to reliable information, pathways to support, and opportunities to build meaningful community. AutismBC’s information services, social clubs and events, support groups, and educational workshops reach autistic individuals and families across the province.
Through credible resources and lived-experience perspectives, it empowers the autism community to navigate support systems with confidence. It uses its platform to highlight, celebrate, and amplify autistic voices—as well as the voices of its members—to foster autism acceptance and promote social inclusion throughout British Columbia.
Canucks Autism Network
Canucks Autism Network (CAN) empowers individuals on the autism spectrum by offering a wide range of programs and training initiatives. With a focus on promoting acceptance and inclusion, CAN provides opportunities for all ages, including sports, virtual activities, and camps. The organization supports families through fee assistance, employment services, and mental health resources, while encouraging active family involvement. CAN also fosters accessibility through community training programs and offers customized resources to create sensory-friendly events and environments.
Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA)
Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA) is a province-wide service program that supports adults aged 19 years and older who require an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) system due to a severe communication disability, i.e. speech that is not functional for daily communication. The goal of CAYA is to ensure that eligible individuals have access to the communication tools and professional support to enable them to create an adult life to the best of their abilities.
Services
- Assessment
- Equipment
- Follow-up
- Training and resources
Curiko
Curiko is a platform, a community, a partnership, and a team. As a platform, Curiko creates and connects people to meaningful experiences. As a community, Curiko fosters two-way relationships. As a partnership, Curiko practices collaborative governance. As a team, Curiko creates space for experimentation and learning.
Services
- Experiences, in-person and virtual
- Support for hosting experiences
- Work with a coach
Family Support Institute of BC
The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) supports families who have a family member with a disability by connecting them to trained volunteers referred to as “Resource Parents/Peers” (RPs) .
This provincial network supports families by sharing experiences, expertise, and guidance.
All RPs have a family member with a disability.
Services
- Workshops and training
- Calendar of events
- Family support
- Toolkit resources for families
- Volunteer opportunities
Pacific Autism Family Network
The Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) is a network of support for individuals and families with autism and related neurodiversities. PAFN has spokes spanning British Columbia with each location offering a variety of resources across the lifespan.
Services
- Autism Integrated Medical Services (AIMS) Clinic
- Employment programs
- Independent living skills program
- Jobs, Employment & Training (JET)
- Inclusive daycare
- Goal-oriented employment opportunities
- Self-injurious behaviours clinic
PALS Autism School
PALS Autism Society is a dedicated elementary and secondary school in British Columbia for children and adolescents with autism, designated by the Ministry of Education as a special education school, accompanied by a licensed before and after-school care program.
Square Peg Society
Square Peg Society supports Autistic individuals in their pursuit of living as independent adults within communities where they feel respected and included. The organization helps Autistic adults build confidence, pride, and skills within their community, while promoting greater inclusion, engagement, and participation both within the community and in society at large.