It seems wonderful but the reality unfortunately is not as good at it seems. For example in Quebec where I live there is a LONG waiting list to receive the services (20 hours of free ABA/IBI) which could take 1-2 or even more years. There has been cases that the child has been waiting so long that she/he has not been eligible for services anymore as he was older than 5. It is really ridiculous. In reality those who acan fford use private services and those who cannot afford simply wait and pray to receive the services.
Daddy
Daddy39262.8353472222I too live in BC and did not realise how "good" we have it here. I am now in the ,000 per year for treatment category and am quite satisfied with what it covers. I feel very fortunate living here. I wish, Daddy, that it was the same for you and others whose provinces are not as supportive. My husband sometimes thinks about moving back home to Manitoba but our son will not receive the same services so we are staying here (or moving to Alberta!!).
I just wanted to share this info. for anyone interested in what each Canadian province provides in way of autism therapy:
Provincial medical plans offer varying levels of coverage for autism therapy. Some will also cover all or part of the cost of intensive ABA and IBI programs.
Alberta pays up to ,000 a year per child up to age 18 for ABA/IBA programs.
Ontario covers ABA/IBI programs for qualifying children under the age of six — older children are also eligible if an assessment determines they need more treatment.
British Columbia pays up to ,000 annually for treatment for children up to age six. It pays ,000 annually for treatment of children six years of age and older.
Nova Scotia pays for an Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention Program. Direct EIBI is provided over the first six months for 15 hours a week, and is gradually reduced over the following six months (10 hours per week for three months and then five to six hours a week for the remaining three months).
P.E.I. covers IBI programs for up to 0 per week.
In New Brunswick, the government will pay for intervention services for a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder until the beginning of the school year in the year they turn five.
Manitoba pays up to ,000 a year for preschoolers for up to 36 hours of ABA treatment a week, with five hours of that treatment provided by the family.
Newfoundland and Labrador will pay up to ,000 a year per child under the age of six for 30 hours a week of ABA/IBI treatment for two years.
Saskatchewan offers up to 10 hours of therapy under its Autism Early Childhood Therapy Program. In 2006, six children were covered.
Quebec's Autism Action Plan offers 20 hours a week of ABA/IBI therapy for children between the ages of two and five.
The Yukon government pays for ABA/IBI treatment for children up to the age of 19, with no yearly maximum.
The Northwest Territories pays for ABA/IBI treatment for pre-school and school-aged children.
Nunavut has no specific program for children with autism.
I'm in BC, second-best for services in Canada. Alberta is only 10 hours away and I often wonder about moving there. Fortunately, I am finding what Sam and I need here in our rural community, but if our needs were to change.... Alberta does offer a great deal more.
For anyone willing to brave the Yukon: ABA/IBI till 19yrs NO YEARLY MAXIMUM!
Mama to Sam 8yrs PDD-NOS,OCD,ODD,PPD and Alex 2yrs