Our FAQ offers answers to questions you have regarding autism, what kinds of supports and funding are available, how to find services, and how to get an assessment.
Children/Youth
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person
senses and interacts with people, and the world around them. It is characterized by differences in certain areas such as sensory processing,
social skills & communication, emotional and behavioral regulation and more.
How Can Children Get Autism Assessments?
- Family doctors can send a referral to a Developmental Pediatrician who can assess for autism (free under Alberta Health Care).
- Sometimes children are referred to the Child Development Services at the Alberta Children’s Hospital (free under Alberta Health Care).
- Children can also see a Psychologist who can do a private assessment (fee for service).
What Supports are Available for Children?
- Funding, benefits & credits: Children 0-18 who are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents are able to apply for Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), a provincial funding program that helps families with the extraordinary costs of raising a child with a disability.
- Funding, benefits & credits: Parents and caregivers of children with a disability can apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), a federal tax benefit/credit. If the parent/caregiver already receives the monthly Canada Child Benefit, a child that is approved for the DTC would be eligible for the Child Disability Benefit (CDB). Also, if a child is approved for the DTC, the parent/caregiver can open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for their child’s long-term future.
- Funding, benefits & credits: Alberta Aides to Daily Living (AADL) is a provincial cost-share benefit to help offset the cost of disability related medical equipment and supplies (such as diapers for children over 3.5 years old).
- Alberta Health Services (AHS): Alberta Health Services offers therapeutic consultation through their Pediatric Community Rehabilitation (PCR). The child needs an Alberta Health card to qualify, there are different types of support available depending on child’s age and needs.
- Alberta Education: All children between ages 2.8 years old and 6 years old in Alberta can access Program Unit Funding (PUF). This allows the child to get support in an Early Childhood Services (ECS) or preschool setting to help prepare them for Kindergarten & grade 1.
What is FSCD?
Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) is a funding program from the Government of Alberta. The intention of this program is to help parents with the extraordinary costs of raising a child with a disability. They can provide funding for things like; therapy, respite, counselling and more.
- FSCD Application Process: Parents of children between 0-18 years old in Alberta that are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident can apply for FSCD funding if the child has a diagnosis or if they are in the process of being diagnosed. The application is online and parents need to have an Alberta.ca account set up.
- Wait time: There is no official wait time for FSCD funding approvals. As of January 2026, families are waiting around 2-3 years for approvals of the basic FSCD agreements (that don’t include therapy funding). Although we wish we could, Autism Calgary cannot help expedite the application process for your child.
What is PUF?
Program Unit Funding (PUF) is funding from the Government of Alberta to help children 2.8 years old to 6 years old get support they need in Early Childhood Services.
Application Process: The PUF funding goes directly to the education program (parent’s don’t need to apply). PUF services can be accessed in a specialized setting (PUF Provider) or a community preschool.
Wait time: PUF services start each year in September and a child can access a maximum of 3 years of PUF services (the last year is intended for Kindergarten).
How Can I Find Childcare?
There aren’t any specialized childcare centers or programs for children with autism. See the Alberta Childcare Lookup Tool for care near you.
What is the Transition To Adulthood?
As youth enter adulthood, there is a process called the Transition to Adulthood that helps to guide parents.
Things parents typically think about are guardianship, trusteeship, income etc. It’s important that families begin looking into these things when a youth is 16 because there are long wait times.
Adult
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person
senses and interacts with people, and the world around them. It is characterized by differences in certain areas such as sensory processing,
social skills & communication, emotional and behavioral regulation and more.
How do I Get an Autism Assessment?
- Family doctors can send a referral to a Psychiatrist who can assess for autism (free under Alberta Health Care) unfortunately this has a very long waitlist.
- Adults can also see a Psychologist who can do a private assessment (fee for service).
What Supports are Available for Adults?
- Funding, benefits & credits: Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is a provincial program that offers a set income for family living such as housing costs, food, clothing etc.
- Funding, benefits & credits: Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) is a provincial funding program for adults 18+ who have a developmental disability that was diagnosed before their 18th birthday. The adult must have an IQ of 70 or below to qualify.
- Funding, benefits & credits: Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a federal tax benefit/credit. If an adult is approved for the DTC, they can open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for their long-term future.
- Community Supports: There are many employment programs that help young Autistic adults find and thrive in a workplace.
- Community Supports: There are many organizations that offer day programs and activities for adults to do during regular working hours (some that need PDD funding, some where parents can pay privately).
What is PDD?
Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) is a provincial funding program for adults 18+ who have a developmental disability that was diagnosed before they turn 18. The individual must have an IQ of 70 or below to qualify. PDD can help with funding for community access, day programs and more.
- PDD Application Process: Parents of individuals 18+ must get Guardianship of their adult dependent before applying for PDD. There are certain documents needed for the application that is done online through the Alberta.ca account.
- Wait time: There is no official wait time for PDD funding applications. PDD recommends that individuals apply for PDD at 16 years old. This allows two years to process the application, assign a caseworker, determine funding needs, and secure approval.
What is AISH?
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is a funding program from the Government of Alberta. The program helps adults who cannot maintain full time employment with financial support. AISH can be used for housing, food, clothing & other basic needs.
How Can I Find A Day Program For My Adult Dependent?
Alberta Health Services offers Adult Day Programs.
Parents can also find private day programs & pay privately or use PDD funding (if eligible).
What is the Transition To Adulthood?
As youth enter adulthood, there is a process called the Transition to Adulthood that helps to guide parents.
Things parents typically think about are guardianship, trusteeship, income etc. It’s important that families begin looking into these things when a youth is 16 because there are long wait times.
Are you looking for help with information and resources & wondering how it all works?
If so, please reach out to our Support Team.
Email: Support@autismcalgary.com