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Okanagan Parents Protest Autism Funding Model

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 16:21 GMT by Global News
      Locale: CANADA

KELOWNA, B.C. - February 17th, 2026 - Frustration is boiling over in the Okanagan Valley as parents of children with autism continue to voice strong opposition to British Columbia's current autism funding model. Now entering its fourth year, the regional service delivery system, implemented in 2023, is being widely criticized for creating significant access barriers and, according to many parents, actively hindering the developmental progress of their children.

The shift away from direct funding - where families could independently contract with therapists and specialists - to a regionally managed system has resulted in what many describe as a chaotic and ineffective support network. Parents report lengthy waitlists, cancelled appointments, and a general lack of consistent, individualized care for their children. The concerns, initially raised shortly after the model's introduction, have only intensified with time, prompting renewed calls for a return to the previous funding structure.

"It's been a nightmare," says Kyla Brough, mother to five-year-old Owen, who was diagnosed with autism at age three. "We've been navigating this system for nearly three years, and it feels like we're constantly running in circles. Appointments get cancelled with little notice, the therapists assigned often lack specific expertise in Owen's needs, and we simply can't secure the consistent, specialized support he requires to thrive." Brough's experience is echoed by numerous other families across the Okanagan region.

Nicole Schlosser, a mother of two children with autism, shares similar frustrations. "The intention behind regionalized service delivery might have been good, but the execution has been disastrous. It's not working. The delays in accessing support are directly impacting my children's progress, setting them back and causing unnecessary stress for the entire family. We are seeing regression in skills they had previously mastered."

The previous funding model, lauded by many parents as "beautiful and perfect," allowed families the autonomy to choose therapists best suited to their child's unique needs and learning style. This direct control fostered a collaborative relationship between families, therapists, and educators, leading to more effective and tailored interventions. Under the current system, parents feel powerless, reliant on a bureaucratic process they believe is failing their children.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) maintains the new funding model was designed to improve access and reduce wait times for autism services across the province. In a statement released to local media, the ministry acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition period, stating, "We know there have been challenges during this transition, and we are working to address them. We are committed to ensuring that children and youth with autism and their families receive the support they need." However, parents argue that despite these assurances, the issues persist, and the promised improvements have yet to materialize.

Advocacy groups are now intensifying their efforts to pressure the MCFD to reconsider the funding model. They point to a lack of transparency in the allocation of regional funds and a shortage of qualified therapists within the system as key contributing factors to the ongoing problems. There are concerns that regional budgets are insufficient to meet the growing demand for services, especially in rapidly growing communities like the Okanagan. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence suggests that the administrative burden placed on regional service providers is diverting resources away from direct client care.

"We're not asking for a handout," Brough emphasizes. "We simply want the ability to help our kids reach their full potential. Give us the resources, the funding, and the freedom to choose the therapies that work best for them. The current system is not only failing our children; it's actively harming them."

Experts in autism spectrum disorder highlight the critical importance of early intervention. Delays in accessing appropriate therapies can have long-lasting consequences, impacting a child's cognitive, social, and emotional development. The current situation in the Okanagan raises serious concerns about the potential for long-term developmental setbacks for a generation of children with autism. The call for a return to direct funding is not merely a matter of parental preference; it is a plea to prioritize the well-being and future of vulnerable children within the province.