Comox Valley Child Development Association to host pilot ASD Assessment Clinic

Comox Valley Record - 6/8/2021

In an effort to respond to a growing number of families waiting for Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments, the Comox Valley Child Development Association will host a pilot ASD Assessment Clinic with a licensed private psychologist in August.

Growing wait times for ASD assessments have been a historical problem for families' province-wide. Currently, there are two-year waitlists for both VICAN and private clinics for an assessment, and the average age of identified kids waiting is three to four years old. This means families are waiting a minimum of two years for an ASD assessment.

If the pilot initiative is successful, CVCDA will continue to offer regular clinics and help get kids with ASD the support they need as early as possible. This will greatly reduce the pressure and costs associated with accessing out of town assessments.

Any child who has been referred by a pediatrician or physician for an ASD assessment, and who resides in the Comox Valley catchment qualifies to attend the clinic.

Here is what's needed to have completed in order to put your child on the list:

•Referral from pediatrician or physician

•Speech and Language report

Other helpful, but not mandatory information includes:

•Any OT assessment or report

•Any neurological report

•Any previous psychiatric or psychological assessment

•A note from an or therapist if the person has been receiving counseling.

What will it cost?

Families will be responsible for the Individual Assessment cost. The assessment fees will vary based on the type of assessment needed:

•ASD – $1,600

ASD/ADHD – $2,000