(Canada) BC: 5,200 autistic children to lose support; "not deemed high-need"
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Feb 10, 2026, B.C. announces end of autism direct funding in favour of new disability benefit
After several years of work to create a more equitable program, the B.C. government is finally changing the individual funding model for autistic children, instead tying benefits to needs and income.
Proposed changes in 2021 that removed individual funding in favour of community-based care were met with widespread criticism from parents of autistic children. Premier David Eby backed off that plan as one of his first acts after taking over from John Horgan in 2022.
This time, after consulting with relevant interest groups, the government landed on a two-pronged system that puts up more money to cover care for children with other types of needs, such as Down syndrome.
Still, families of 5,200 children will lose all direct benefits because they are not deemed high-need and low-income enough to qualify. These families will be able to access care for their children through community-based services.
In total, the government is investing an additional $475 million over three years to pay for the program changes.
Children and Family Development Minister Jodie Wickens says the new program will make services more “effective and efficient.”
“In this economic climate, it’s more important than ever to focus our government resources on what matters the most,” she said.
The old system provided money directly to the families of children with an autism diagnosis. This provided funding for approximately 27,080 children in the 2024/25 fiscal year. Each child received a set amount, no matter the level and complexity of needs.
High-need children — there were 2,782 in 2024/25 — were given extra access to an at-home extended therapies program. Non-autistic children were not included.
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