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Frequently Asked Questions

 Welcome to the FAQ section for the Community Assistance Program (CAP). Our goal is to provide clear and helpful information to guide you through the resources and services available through this initiative. 

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General Program Information 

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What is the Community Assistance Program (CAP)? 

The Community Assistance Program (CAP) is a funding initiative by Autism Canada designed to subsidize essential one-on-one services for individuals on the autism spectrum. It helps families access therapies, respite care, camp programs, psychological assessments, post-secondary supports, and other professional services that may otherwise be financially unattainable. 

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Who is eligible for CAP funding? 

  • The individual receiving support must be on the autism spectrum. 

  • Services must be provided by a qualified professional or organization that meets CAP’s criteria. 

  • Additional eligibility requirements apply for psychological assessments, early intervention, camp, post-secondary supports, and gift card programs (see relevant sections). 

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How long does it take to review an application? 

  • Applications are typically reviewed within 2-4 weeks. 

  • Once approved, services can begin immediately. 

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How long does a service provider have to use the allocated funds? 

  • Each service provider has six months from the effective date of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to utilize the funds. 

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Can CAP funding supplement government-funded programs? 

  • If a family is not eligible for government programs like FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) in Alberta, they may still qualify for CAP. 

  • CAP is designed to fill gaps where government funding is limited or unavailable. 

 

Does CAP funding reset each year? 

  • Yes, CAP operates on a calendar year (January – December). 

  • Families can reapply for new funding each year if funds are available. 

 

For Service Providers 

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Who is qualified to apply on behalf of a family? 

Applications must be submitted by qualified service providers who are provincially registered and possess the appropriate credentials. This includes: 

  • Psychologists 

  • Occupational Therapists 

  • Speech-Language Pathologists 

  • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) 

  • Registered Social Workers 

  • Other licensed professionals relevant to autism support services 

 

Note: Service providers must be in good standing with their respective provincial regulatory bodies. 

 

How does the registration process work? 

  • Each service provider must register individually, rather than applying on behalf of an entire organization. 

  • This ensures Autism Canada can verify credentials and licensing. 

 

Who submits the application for CAP funding? 

  • Applications must be initiated, submitted, and tracked by the clinician or service provider. 

  • Families cannot apply directly. 

 

Can multiple therapists split the funding for early intervention? 

  • Yes, but only if all therapists work under the same organization. 

  • If a client receives SLP and OT services from the same clinic, the funding can be shared between providers. 

  • The organization must submit one invoice covering all services for that client. 

 

When can invoices be submitted? 

  • Once all services rendered meet the amount allocated to that client, an invoice can be sent to CAP@autismcanada.org

  • Invoices cannot be submitted before the full allocated amount has been reached but must be submitted before the 6-month deadline as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). 

 

What should be included in the invoice? 

  • The client(s) served 

  • The type of services provided 

  • The total amount billed 

 

How long does it take to process payments? 

  • Payments are processed within 30 days of receiving a properly completed invoice. 

 

Does funding cover both direct and indirect time? 

  • Yes, CAP primarily covers direct service time, but necessary indirect time (such as brief documentation required for service delivery) may be eligible. 

  • Any indirect time must be clearly outlined in the invoice and is subject to approval. 

 

Will Autism Canada require clinicians to submit therapy goals or plans? 

  • No, but feedback and a survey must be completed by the service provider, detailing how CAP benefited the client and their family. 

 

CAP - Psychological Assessments 

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What is the Autism Assessment Support under CAP? 

CAP provides funding for autism assessments on a case-by-case basis to support individuals in obtaining a formal diagnosis. 

 

Who is eligible? 

  • The individual must be suspected to be on the autism spectrum. 

  • The application must be submitted by a registered service provider. 

  • Two (2) referral letters must be provided from two other registered specialists who advocate for the benefits of an autism assessment. 

 

How is funding provided? 

  • Funding is allocated directly to the registered psychologist conducting the assessment. 

  • Families cannot receive direct funding—assessments must be scheduled through a CAP-approved provider. 

 

CAP - Early Intervention Support 

 

Who is eligible? 

  • The child must be under the age of 6. 

  • The child must be on the autism spectrum or suspected of being autistic. 

  • The application must be submitted by a registered service provider on behalf of the family. 

 

What services are covered? 

  • Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) 

  • Occupational Therapy (OT) 

  • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) 

  • Mental Health Therapists (e.g., Psychologists, Registered Social Workers) 

 

CAP - Camp Program 

 

Who is eligible? 

  • The child or youth must be on the autism spectrum. 

  • The camp must provide: 

  • Neurodivergent-inclusive programming, or 

  • One-on-one direct support for the child/youth attending. 

 

How is funding provided? 

  • Funds are paid directly to the camp to cover: 

  • The cost of a direct support worker, or 

  • The camp fees. 

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CAP - Post-Secondary Transition Supports 

 

Who is eligible? 

  • The individual must be on the autism spectrum. 

  • The individual must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution. 

 

What services are covered? 

Funding can help cover one-on-one support services for: 

  • Laundry and household maintenance 

  • Meal preparation and grocery management 

  • Housekeeping and organization 

  • Time management and executive functioning coaching 

 

CAP - Gift Card Program 

 

What is the Gift Card Program? 

The Community Assistance Program (CAP) Gift Card Program provides financial assistance on a case-by-case basis to help families access essential items that support the well-being and daily needs of an Autistic individual. Gift cards are intended to supplement existing resources and fill gaps where other funding may not be available. 

 

Who is eligible? 

  • The individual must be on the autism spectrum. 

  • A registered service provider must apply on behalf of the family. 

  • Gift card support is determined on a case-by-case basis, with funding assessed based on individual needs and circumstances. 

 

What can gift cards be used for? 

Gift cards may be approved for essential items that directly support the individual’s daily functioning, sensory regulation, and communication needs, including: 

  • Sensory tools (e.g., weighted blankets, fidget items) 

  • Visual supports (e.g., schedules, communication boards) 

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) applications 

  • Specialized equipment or assistive technology 

 

How is gift card assistance provided? 

  • Gift cards are issued directly to the registered service provider, not the family. 

  • The service provider is responsible for ensuring the cards are used for approved purposes. 

  • Gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash or used for unapproved purchases. 

 

For any questions regarding gift card eligibility, application requirements, or approved purchases, please contact CAP@autismcanada.org

Advocating alongside and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and caregivers living in Canada

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 © 2024 Autism Society Canada Société canadienne de l’autisme. All materials, written and presented, are the sole property of Autism Canada, the SARA Project and any licensed training delivery partners or programs within Autism Canada. No materials, written or presented, may be rebranded, redistributed or otherwise marketed or shared without the express written consent of Autism Canada or its authorized representative. Any logo, similar depiction, assumed affiliation with Autism Canada or any of its programming will be addressed through legal representation as a violation of copyright and intellectual property owned by Autism Canada | Registered Charitable Number: 13160 7657 RR0001

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