Individuals with autism tend to be diverse. Therefore, it is difficult to use words such as all or none when describing this group.
PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR AUTISM AVAILABLE
Individualized Funding provides parents with funding to purchase services that best suit their child’s individual needs. This will give parents the flexibility and freedom to choose from a range of eligible therapeutic interventions and supports that will most benefit their child. Only children up to age 11 who have been diagnosed with ASD are eligible for funding. Out-of-province diagnoses will need to be reviewed and confirmed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Click HERE for more information on the provincial government website.
The Cognitive Disabilities Strategy was designed to assist families who are caring for an individual who has a recognized cognitive disability and has needs that are unmet in the current support structure. This provincial funding is available for families caring for a child with an autism spectrum disorder at this time. Cognitive Disabilities Intake Committees have been established for certain health regions to process requests for assistance, develop a support team and, if necessary, put forward a request for additional funding for applicants.
The Disability Income Support Coalition has developed the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disabilities (SAID): DISC Guidebook. This guidebook (last revised April 2020) provides information on the SAID program, the application process, and other relevant information. Click this link to download the guidebook. Thank you to the Disability Income Support Coalition for developing this resource.
ADVOCACY
The Cognitive Disabilities Strategy is the only source of direct funding available at this time. It is our strong recommendation that all parents of children with autism apply. We are concerned that if parents do not apply for funding when it is available, the government may conclude that autism funding is not needed. We encourage you to apply to the Committee for funding of whatever services you feel your child needs that are currently not available to you.
For more information, please go to the government of Saskatchewan page.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING RESOURCES
Canadian Tire Jump Start Funding
Contact Autism Services of Saskatoon (306) 665-7013 ext. 0 or admin@autismservices.ca to be forwarded to the Director of Family Programs more information.
CURRENT FAMILY PROGRAMS