Unlocking the World of Communication for Your Child
Our registered Speech-Language Pathologists work with Autistic children from early intervention through school age.
Helping Autistic Children Find Their Voice at Every Stage
Arbutus Speech Therapy supports Autistic children across three distinct areas. Each has its own funding pathway, therapy approach, and age range.
Your child’s early years are pivotal for their development, and we’re here to support them every step of the way. Our therapists are registered with the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP), ensuring they meet the highest standards of expertise and care. Funding is available in BC to assist with therapy costs, and teletherapy is available across BC.
Book a free consultation →As your child grows, so do our strategies. Our therapists work with Autistic children and youth from age 6 through 19, adapting therapy to their evolving needs. In BC, funding and extended health benefits may be available. Our therapists support verbal and non-verbal communication, social language, and AAC when needed, helping your child navigate their world with confidence.
Book a free consultation →To access Autism Funding Unit (AFU) funding, a diagnosis is required. Our experienced Speech-Language Pathologists are well-versed in writing the necessary reports that accompany a diagnosis. For more information and guidance, check out our comprehensive guide to ASD diagnosis or book a phone consultation to learn more.
Read the Autism diagnosis guide →Therapy That Meets Your Child Where They Are
We take a strengths-based approach to Autism support. That means we start by looking at what your child can already do: how they communicate, what environments they thrive in, and what they most want to express. From there, we build a therapy plan around their actual goals, not a generic developmental checklist.
All sessions happen in your child’s natural environment: at home, at school, in the community, or through teletherapy across BC. Research consistently shows that skills learned in real-life settings generalise more readily to everyday life. There is no clinic, no waiting room, no unfamiliar environment to manage on top of everything else.
Every child at Arbutus Speech Therapy is seen by a registered Speech-Language Pathologist. Each is a fully qualified, CHCPBC-registered SLP who stays consistent from the first assessment through ongoing therapy.
RASP
Funded
Funded sessions for eligible Autistic children ages 0 to 6
Arbutus Speech Therapy is a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) in BC. Families of eligible Autistic children ages 0 to 6 may use their Autism Funding Unit (AFU) allocation to fund sessions with us. Ask about eligibility on your free consultation call. We will walk you through it.
Three Steps to Support
Free Phone Consultation
Start with a free 15-minute call. You share what is happening; we listen and explain how our program works for children your child’s age. No obligation, no forms to complete first.
Individualized Assessment
Your SLP conducts a thorough assessment of your child’s communication strengths, challenges, and goals, in the environment where they spend their time. We look at the full picture: strengths, context, and what your child most wants to say.
Regular Therapy Sessions
We build a personalized plan and begin regular sessions. You receive an update after every appointment. As your child grows and their needs shift, the plan adapts with them.
“A four-year-old Autistic child was experiencing significant communication frustration during daily routines, and his family had been waiting over a year for public services. After beginning home-based sessions with a RASP-designated SLP, he developed a functional communication system combining speech and a picture-based AAC app. Within six months, daily communication had improved meaningfully. Family life improved alongside it.”
Composite case — details anonymised. Individual results will vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does speech therapy actually look like for an Autistic child?
Sessions are play-based, child-led, and happen in the environment where your child spends the most time: at home, at school, or in the community. Your SLP builds rapport with your child first, then works toward communication goals at your child’s pace. You receive an update after every session, and your input shapes every stage of the process.
My child was just diagnosed. Where do we start with speech therapy?
The first step is a free phone consultation. You share what is happening; we explain how our program works for children your child’s age and what the assessment process looks like. If you are navigating a diagnosis for the first time, our guide to Autism diagnosis and funding in BC is a useful place to start.
What is RASP, and how do we access funded speech therapy in BC?
The Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) is a BC government programme listing qualified providers approved to deliver funded services to Autistic children ages 0 to 6. Arbutus Speech Therapy is a RASP-designated practice, which means families of eligible children can use their Autism Funding Unit (AFU) allocation to fund sessions with us. Mention it on your free consultation call and we will walk you through eligibility.
My child is non-speaking or minimally verbal. Can speech therapy still help?
Yes. Speech therapy can make a meaningful difference for non-speaking and minimally verbal children, and starting early matters. Your SLP will first look at how your child communicates right now, whether through gestures, sounds, eye gaze, facial expressions, or pointing, and build from there. Therapy focuses on developing communication through natural interaction and play, encouraging any vocalisation and intentional communication that emerges. Where it would help your child communicate more reliably, your SLP may also introduce picture-based tools or communication apps alongside speech. The goal is always functional, everyday communication, and the path there looks different for every child.
What is the difference between your RASP program and services for older children?
For children ages 0 to 6, sessions focus on foundational communication, early language, and social engagement, often at home or in daycare. For school-age children and youth, therapy shifts toward classroom communication, social language, literacy, self-advocacy, and the skills that support daily independence. Funding structures also differ between the two groups. Both programs are delivered by registered SLPs.
Will my child always work with a registered SLP, or do you use therapy assistants?
Every session at Arbutus Speech Therapy is delivered by a fully registered Speech-Language Pathologist. We do not use speech-language pathology assistants or aides at any point. Your child works with the same clinician from assessment through ongoing therapy.
Do sessions happen at home, at school, or somewhere else?
Arbutus Speech Therapy is a community-based practice. Sessions happen in the setting that makes the most sense for your child: at home, at school or daycare, in the community, or via teletherapy. Working in your child’s natural environment means skills are more likely to carry over into daily life. Online therapy is available to families anywhere in BC.
Heard from the Families We Work With
“We love that our SLP is able to work with our son in the school setting and incorporate therapy with play. He always looks forward to the sessions and his speech has progressed immensely with her guidance. She keeps us updated after every session, which we appreciate so much.”
Parent of a school-age client, Vancouver
“Fantastic. Our SLP truly listens to both you and your child. It is obvious that they care and respect the little people they work with, understanding their limitations. Their patience seems unending. Simply phenomenal.”
Parent of a school-age client, Vancouver
“Our SLP connected with our son and built an immediate rapport. Our first session was informative, supportive, and made him feel completely comfortable.”
Parent of a preschool client, Vancouver
Ready to Take the First Step?
A free phone consultation is the easiest way to find out if Arbutus Speech Therapy is the right fit for your child. Our team typically responds within one business day.
Prefer to send a message first? Contact us here.
