Is the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism a school?
We’re a therapy centre that works closely with your child’s home school, whether it’s a traditional or online school. While we’re not part of the Ministry of Education or any school district, we collaborate with your child’s school to provide the best experience possible, with the academic portion handled by their school.
Is the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism a daycare?
We offer a school-based program from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, following the school calendar, rather than daycare services. If you’re looking for daycare options in Kamloops, the YMCA-YWCA’s Child Care Referral Service can be a great resource to explore.
Are you a for-profit organization?
We are a registered charity (125880401RR0001) and receive grants and government funding for the important work we do with children, youth, and adults with ASD. Throughout the year, we also hold fundraising events, with parents of children in our day program playing an active role in supporting our efforts.
How do I enroll my child in the day program?
To begin the process, reach out to your child’s school. The right contact may vary by school or district—this could be the principal, a learning assistance teacher, or your child’s classroom teacher. If your child is in School District #73, the Inclusive Education team at the Henry Grube Education Centre can be contacted at 250-376-2266.
How does someone enroll in the adult program?
Our adult program is designed for individuals with ASD who are 19 or older and members of Community Living British Columbia (CLBC). Please reach out to CLBC for more information on how to get started.
Are you an ABA-based centre?
We do not utilize ABA methods in our approach. We offer a variety of therapies based on each child’s unique needs, including music therapy, speech therapy, sensory integration, and life skills training. Our approach is eclectic, drawing from the best practices to support each individual.
What hours is the school-based program offered?
Our school-based program runs from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, from September through June. Children can attend this program in addition to or instead of their home school.
Does a child have to live in Kamloops to attend therapies at the Centre?
Children do not need to live in Kamloops to attend the Centre. Families are responsible for transportation, and we encourage coordination with your child’s school to confirm participation. For families looking to use autism funding, it’s a great idea to check with the Autism Funding Unit for further details. All children in our program have an ASD diagnosis.
How does the extended program work?
The extended program is available for children aged 6 to 18 and takes place outside of regular school hours, generally Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 5 PM, once a week, from September through June. This community-based program allows children to work on goals set with their family. We currently have a waitlist for this program.
Do you provide autism assessments?
While we don’t offer assessments ourselves, Autism BC has great resources to guide families seeking assessments (for both children and adults). For families who meet certain criteria, Variety BC offers grants to help with private assessments.
How do I apply for autism funding or seek assistance through the province for my child?
To get started with autism funding and resources, A Parent’s Handbook: Your Guide to Autism Programs offers helpful information. You can visit the Autism Spectrum Disorder page for more details. If your autism assessment was done outside of BC, it will need to be confirmed by a qualified BC specialist before applying for funding. (More information.)
Are there online resources or support groups in Kamloops for caregivers / families?
There are several great Facebook groups that offer peer-to-peer support, such as Autism IN Kamloops, Kamloops & Area ASD (Autism) Parent Support Group, and Kamloops-Caregiver/Respite Workers Unite. While we’re not directly affiliated with these groups, they have been valuable resources for other parents. The Canucks Autism Network also hosts events in Kamloops and other BC communities throughout the year.