BC Autism Assessment Network Referral

Referral steps

1. Assessment 

   We require doctors to make an assessment before referring to BCAAN.

2. Complete a form 

   We require a fully completed referral form. In addition, please include: 

   • A detailed consult report that:
     • Identifies current and historical behaviours and concerns in the areas of social communication, narrow interests and repetitive behaviours
     • Is based on direct interaction with the child or youth along with the doctor’s impressions relating to the autism query. We are unable to accept referrals based solely on phone or telehealth conversations with caregivers
     • Includes known medical and developmental history, including any concerns for language, motor or cognition, as well as findings from any previous neurodevelopmental assessment including autism
   • Community documentation by service providers, such as school records or reports, that support the reason for referral

   BCAAN referrals for children over age 5 must be supported by a description of concerns for autism by a community service provider, for example a letter from the school-based team, speech-language pathologist, psychologist or mental health consultant.

3. Send the referral 

   Fax the referral to the appropriate health authority:  

   Interior Health 

   Regional coordinator, Interior Health Children's Assessment Network 

   Phone: 250-763-4122
   Fax: 250-712-0732 

   Interior Health referral form (PDF)

   Island Health 

   Regional coordinator 

   Phone: 250-519-5390
   Fax: 250-519-6931 

   Island Health referral form (PDF)

   Northern Health 

   Regional coordinator 

   Phone: 250-645-7700
   Fax: 250-645-7975 

   Northern Health referral form (PDF)

   Vancouver Coastal Health & Fraser Health 

   Triage office, Sunny Hill Health Centre 

   Phone: 604-453-8320
   Fax: 604-453-8321 

   Vancouver Coastal Health & Fraser Health referral form (PDF)

4. Post referral 

   Once we receive the referral and supporting documentation, our triage team will review them. We will send a letter to the referring doctor and patient indicating that we have accepted the referral, declined it or need additional information. 

   After we process a referral, we place patients on a waitlist. We process all referrals in the order we receive them.

5. Appointment with a provider 

   Once we accept a referral, both patients/families and the referring doctor will receive a letter of confirmation with further instructions, including consent forms and additional information to provide.