Is the Autism Funds Processing unit run by trolls?
Probably not, but I have heard many horror stories.
I have spoken to some people who were incredibly helpful. I have also heard dozens of stories from parents and therapists with nightmare scenarios. Invoices are "lost" and payments delayed in some cases for months. It is becoming a serious problem because therapists are not being paid on time and many are now looking for work elsewhere.
What seems to be their hot button issues these days?
They are sometimes taking exception to interns working with your child. The interns are highly experienced therapists who are under the supervision of Behaviour Consultants. The interns are generally working toward becoming consultants in their own right. It's a good solution to a shortfall of consultants in BC. It's important to remember when communicating with the government that you have a Behaviour Consultant on the
Registry for Autism Service Providers List (RASP) who is in charge.
You should avoid titles such as "Junior Consultant". They should be referred to as a Lead or Senior Therapist.
Material funding is always an item of contention. Items such as computers, bicycles, trampolines etc, may be approved for one family and denied to another. Ensure that all material requests are made in writing and justified by your consultant.
MCFD has now added a
FAQ section to clarify some of their policies.
Who can deal with them? Only the parent who has signed the funding agreement can discuss stuff over the phone, unless he/she sends or faxes a consent to the unit authorizing the other parent to speak with them.
Final bits of advice
- Make sure your paperwork is bulletproof. Have receipts for everything. If your consultant doesn't provide you with receipts, then make up your own and have them sign it.
- Always keep a copy of signed receipts for your own reference. Have available all cancelled cheques for further proof of payment.
- I would suggest getting an online bank account, which will allow you to look up any cheque and print a copy of the cleared cheque, as sometimes they will require this as proof of payment.
- Keep track of all requests made and if you have been aggrieved, then you should seek help from your local MLA.