Transitioning from childhood to adulthood for autistic individuals and their families can feel complicated and daunting. Independence looks different for every autistic adult, and accessing the supports needed to achieve this independence can change drastically as autistic individuals transition from childhood support systems and institutions to those offered to adults.
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Governmental Resources
Person With Disabilities (PWD) Designation
Disability assistance is available to those with a Person With Disabilities (PWD) designation. Eligibility for this designation requires an individual to be 18 years of age (the application process can begin at 17.5 years), be significantly limited by their disability in performing daily activities, and require assistance by others, service animals, or assistive technologies in their daily life. Teens with intellectual disabilities are eligible for simplified application processes if they receive benefits from one or more of the following programs:
– Community Living BC (CLBC)
– The Ministry of Children and Family Development At Home Program
– BC PharmaCare Plan P – Palliative Care Benefits
– Canada Pension Plan – Disability Benefits
The Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities (STADD) Tool
STADD is a partnership among a wide variety of governmental programs and departments, including health authorities, school districts, ministries, and Community Living BC.
Individuals with ASD (or FAS/other developmental disabilities) between 16 and 24 years who would like help planning for their futures are eligible. Autistic individuals and their families can meet with Navigators, who will help connect families to supports and services that promote independence and achievement of goals.
Funding for Canadian Caregivers
Canadian caregivers of those with disabilities 18 years and older can claim up to $7,999 annually with their personal income tax at line 30450.
Community Living BC (CLBC) Support
CLBC supports adults (19+) in British Columbia with developmental disabilities (including ASD) who need support with daily living. Transition planning for CLBC support can begin as early as 16 years old, and includes completing CLBC assessment reports and forms approved by a professional, such as a psychologist, which will be reviewed by CLBC to determine eligibility for support.
For those already accessing Ministry of Child and Family Development support, the first step is reaching out your MCFD support worker and expressing interest in CLBC transition. For adults, the first step is connecting with a CLBC office.
Vancouver Island Autistic Homes Society (VIAH)
Residence in a staffed and supported home for autistic adults is an option for those eligible for CLBC support. Individuals can state their preference for consideration by VIAH as one of three individual preferences.
Government Resources for Children and Adults
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) reduces tax responsibilities to those with disabilities or caring for those with disabilities. If an individual or their caregiver experiences one of the marked restrictions on daily life – eating, washing, toileting, or dressing.
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
The Registered Disabilities Savings Plan (RDSP) is a plan intended to provide for the long-term security of an individual with disabilities who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Once the Disability Tax Credit is obtained, an RDSP can be opened at most financial institutions with an appointment and can be contributed to by friends, family, and others. Even those who are not able to contribute to their own plans may receive support as well, such as through the Disability Savings Bond or Disability Savings grant.
Transitioning to Employment and Post-Secondary
Many autistic young adults are not only capable, but interested and enthusiastic about transitioning to greater personal independence through employment and post-secondary education. The following resources may be helpful to families considering this transition:
Autism Community Training: Transitioning from School to Work
Advocating for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education
Post Secondary Funding Options
Autism BC: Resources for Autistic Adults
Many universities, colleges, and other educational institutions strive to create accessible learning experiences for their students, and offer individualized learning plans for students with diverse needs. Learn about some of the programs available below:
Accessibility Accommodations – Royal Roads University
Center for Accessible Learning (CAL) – Camosun
Center for Accessible Learning (CAL) – UVic
Furthermore, funding is available via the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities, if your child attends an recognized post secondary institution.
Accessing Healthcare with Autistic Adults
As autistic individuals with high support needs transition to adulthood, providing them with the support they need within healthcare institutions can present new challenges.
This planning tool from BC Children’s Hospital is not specific to ASD, however it is designed to assist youth with special healthcare needs transition to adult healthcare settings.
This document chronicles health care providers responsibilities to families and individuals with autism.
This document is a toolkit for families with autistic individuals to access healthcare.
Other Resources and Supports
A microboard is a board of 5 or more individuals committed to the long term success of an individual with a disability. The board, often made up of family and friends, can be contributed to financially by government funding agencies as well as private funders, and advocates for the long term needs of such individuals.
The following resources offer grants to individuals to support individual medical or accessibility needs:
Oracle Health Foundation (until age 21)
Service animals may enhance personal independence for individuals with autism in meaningful ways. Find information about accessing service animals here.
There are various organizations who offer summer camp style programs for autistic individuals, including adults, who seek to create memorable and exciting experiences tailored to the unique support needs of any autistic individual.