Registry of Autism Service Providers

Searching the RASP via AIS BC

As of July 1, 2017, the British Columbia Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD) has taken over management of the Registry for Autism Service Providers (RASP) from ACT. The new MCFD service is called Autism Information Services British Columbia (AIS BC).

Autism Information Services can be found at autisminfo.gov.bc.ca

The RASP can be searched directly via autisminfo.gov.bc.ca/rasp/search

You can also contact AIS BC for individualized support -Toll Free 1-844-878-4700

Information on the RASP from ACT

If you are looking for more information on how to use the RASP in the best interests of your child, see below and ACT’s New Diagnosis Hub The ‘Hub’ also contains useful information for families looking for more information on using their autism funding more effectively, in the interests of their child. ACT maintains a wide-range of information specific to the B.C. autism community. In addition, ACT has Autism Videos @ ACT, the Autism Information Database and Live Events, providing Canada’s leading source of evidence-informed, community-focused, resources for the autism and diverse needs community.

RASP Information for Parents – Hiring Professionals from the RASP List

When using MCFD’s Autism Funding: Under 6 Program to pay professionals, parents MUST employ professionals (Behavior Consultants, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists) from the RASP List. If a professional provides service before they have been accepted to the RASP, they will not be reimbursed by the Autism Funding Branch. Parents are urged to check the RASP to ensure that a professional is listed before contracting with them.

A Note of Caution for Parents

When using Autism Funding, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the child’s program is a good fit. This is a significant task for parents whether their child was diagnosed last month or several years ago. Below, ACT provides information to empower parents to make informed decisions.

A professional who is on the RASP has stated that he or she meets the minimum requirements for inclusion on the registry as set out in the MCFD Application Form.

Behavior Consultants

Parents should keep in mind that the skills and abilities of Behavior Consultants vary. There is no college of Behavior Consultants in B.C., this means that there is no professional body to whom Behavior Consultants are accountable and can provide protection for consumers. Autism is a rapidly evolving international field of study characterized by ongoing development of new treatments, intervention strategies, and methodologies.

In B.C., Behavior Consultants can differ dramatically in terms of their education, training, experience and fee structure. It is important for parents to ask questions about a consultant’s experience and skills and to refer to the program evaluation checklist. We strongly encourage parents to ask questions of professionals on the RASP whom they may wish to hire. It is important to sign a contract that sets out exactly what the consultant will provide, his or her role in the process, expectations of the family, and costs.

Behavioral Plan of Intervention

A Tool for Collaboration

A Behavioral Plan of Intervention (BPI) is highly recommended for children under the age of six. The BPI is developed by the Behavior Consultant in collaboration with the family and other professionals on the team. This may include a Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist from the RASP List. Having a written treatment plan, such as a BPI, is an important tool in building a team approach and helps to make sure that service providers are accountable to the goals initially set by the team. Through regular reviews, the BPI measures the child’s progress. This is a document that should always be ‘a work in progress’. See MCFD’s A Parent’s Handbook: Your Guide to Autism Programs for more information on BPIs. This is also available in Chinese, Punjabi, Japanese, Korean, French, Arabic, Farsi and Spanish.

Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists

S-LPs, OTs, and PTs are all regulated by their professional colleges under the B.C. Health Professions Act. Colleges are responsible for setting and enforcing the standards, or rules, of their professions. Under B.C. law, their mandate is to serve and protect the public.

There are many qualified S-LPs, OTs and PTs with extensive ASD-related experience working in public and non-profit agencies; however, the RASP is only for those who work in private practice with children under six with ASD. The only exceptions are S-LPs and OTs who are supervising professionals new to the field of autism (see below).

Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-Language Pathologists (S-LP) specialize in assessing and treating a child’s speech, language and social communication difficulties. They can work directly with a child or provide consultation to the team providing ideas on how to target specific communication and social challenges.

Supervised Speech-Language Pathologists

This category enables S-LPs new to the area of autism to gain experience with the support of a supervisor while invoicing the Autism Funding Branch for their work.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists (OT) provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in the area of functional living skills including play, dressing, feeding, school readiness skills, printing, keyboarding, and social skills.

Supervised Occupational Therapists

This category enables OTs new to the area of autism to gain experience with the support of a supervisor while invoicing the Autism Funding Branch for their work.

Physical Therapists

Physical Therapists (PT) provide assessment and intervention that focuses on the prevention, identification, and easing of movement challenges. They can either provide direct treatment or consultation to the team.

Individualized Support

As of July 1, 2017, the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD) has taken over responsibility for individualized information, support and referral services from ACT. Please contact:

Autism Information Services British Columbia (AIS BC)

3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7B 1C7

Toll Free Line: 1-844-878-4700

Email – Info: [email protected]

Website: http://autisminfo.gov.bc.ca/

RASP Providers

To find out about applying to the RASP or to update your record, please email: [email protected]


Complaint Process – Concerns about a RASP Professional?

As of July 1, 2017, if you have concerns about the service provided by a Behavior Consultant or any other professional on the RASP List, please contact:

Autism Information Services British Columbia (AIS BC)

3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7B 1C7

Toll Free Line: 1-844-878-4700

Email – RASP: [email protected]
Website: http://autisminfo.gov.bc.ca/


Autism Resources for parents and professionals in British Columbia from ACT

More information & resources

Visit Information Resources for links to guides, videos and articles on a wide-range of practical, evidence-informed resources.

Upcoming Events lists live events and conferences, with web streaming available for some presentations.

Autism Videos @ ACT provides free practical information for parents & professionals across the life-span.