Greater Vancouver, BC · Autism Assessment

Autism Assessment Vancouver BC

Wondering if your child has autism? Understanding the assessment process is the first step. Krisie Cheng, BCBA can guide your family through what an autism assessment involves, who provides it in BC, and how to access support once you have a diagnosis.

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The Assessment Journey

What Does an Autism Assessment Involve?

Getting an autism diagnosis in BC involves several steps. Understanding the process helps families prepare and avoid unnecessary delays.

Referral from Your Family Doctor

The assessment process typically begins with your GP or paediatrician. Share your concerns clearly: the specific behaviours you've observed, how long they've been present, and how they affect your child's daily life.

Assessment by a Registered Psychologist or Psychiatrist

Autism is diagnosed by a registered psychologist or psychiatrist using standardised tools such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, combined with clinical observations and caregiver interviews. This is not something a BCBA can provide.

Receiving Reports and Diagnosis

You'll receive a formal diagnostic report outlining the assessment findings. This document is essential for accessing provincial supports and beginning ABA therapy.

Begin ABA Support with a BCBA

With a diagnosis in hand, Krisie conducts a behavioural assessment, designs an individualised ABA programme, and begins working with your child and family. The work starts from where your child is, building on their strengths.

What to Watch For

Signs That May Lead to Assessment

Every child is different, and autism presents along a wide spectrum. These are some common patterns that prompt families to seek an assessment:

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Delayed Speech

Fewer words than expected for their age, or loss of words that were previously present. Also includes children with strong vocabularies who struggle to use language socially.

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Social Differences

Difficulty initiating or sustaining play with peers, limited eye contact, challenges understanding facial expressions or unspoken social rules.

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Repetitive Behaviours

Lining up objects, insisting on routines, repetitive movements (flapping, rocking), or very focused interests that go beyond typical childhood preferences.

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Sensory Sensitivities

Strong reactions to sounds, textures, lights, tastes, or smells — covering ears, refusing certain foods, distress in busy environments.

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Uneven Skills Profile

Advanced abilities in some areas (reading, numbers, memory) alongside significant gaps in daily living, communication, or flexibility.

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School Difficulties

Behavioural challenges, social isolation, or learning difficulties at school that aren't fully explained by other factors.

English · 廣東話 · 普通話
Krisie Cheng works directly with families in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. She can explain the BC assessment process in your family's preferred language — no interpreter needed.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can diagnose autism in BC?

Autism in BC is diagnosed by a registered psychologist or psychiatrist. Your family doctor (GP) can provide a referral to an assessment clinic. BCBAs like Krisie Cheng conduct behavioural assessments and design ABA programmes but do not diagnose autism — these are separate and complementary roles.

How long does an autism assessment take in BC?

Wait times through the public system can be several months to over a year, depending on your region. Private assessment is faster, typically completing within 4 to 12 weeks. Many families pursue private assessment to access supports sooner.

My child has a diagnosis — what comes next?

Once your child has a formal autism diagnosis, you can contact a BCBA to begin a behavioural assessment and design an individualised ABA programme. Krisie can guide you through this entire process.

Can Krisie Cheng conduct an autism assessment?

Krisie is a BCBA (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst), not a registered psychologist — she does not diagnose autism. However, she conducts comprehensive behavioural assessments and designs individualised ABA programmes tailored to each child's needs. The BCBA role begins where the diagnostic assessment ends.

Is assessment available in Cantonese or Mandarin?

Krisie's consultations, parent interviews, and ABA assessment process are all available in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. She works directly with families in their preferred language throughout the entire process, which is particularly important when discussing detailed developmental history.