(Image Credit: File Photo / CFJC Today)

By Curtis Goodrum

CHILD DISABILITY FUNDING

Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism still processing provincial funding change

Feb 17, 2026 | 5:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — Until June 2026, B.C.’s $6,000-per-year tax credit for families who have children diagnosed with ASD autism aged 6 to 18 years old will continue to be available. After that time, a new model with $475 million in funding will change to needs-based support.

According to the B.C. government, the change is meant to provide a wider range of support for families with children with disabilities. Some families are expressing concern due to the lack of information currently available from the province. 

“We know funding for children won’t go away until that transition occurs. What need-based looks like is what we don’t clearly know. Some individuals, I’m sure, will still continue to get services. Other individuals, I’m not sure what that’s going to look like,” said Wanda Eddy, executive director at the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism. 

The BC government has reached out to groups and is holding information sessions with parents and caregivers. Eddy hopes the province takes into account their feedback.

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“When you read the information that was sent out, it says this book is a working document. That speaks to the fact that they don’t have it exactly figured out. There isn’t a roadmap. It might be a general map, but it’s not specific. We need to just make sure we advocate and make sure the parents understand what it means for their particular child,” said Eddy.

The Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism says whatever the government decides, they will be able to support families.

“If more children can get more services, then that benefits individuals. We just need to make sure those children who still need what they need still get it. If there are children who don’t quite meet the funding [requirements], but need the funding, with this new structuring, we need to make sure they still get the services they need so that they can continue to be productive individuals,” said Eddy.