High-functioning autistic adults who don't qualify for government help in 2011 might get help down the road if provincial revenues continue to increase, Minister of Social Development Harry Bloy told the Times on Tuesday.

Last week, the Times wrapped up a three-part series on autistic adults and teenagers in Chilliwack. A growing number of men and women (but mostly men) diagnosed with autism are entering adulthood. But their parents, and several support workers, have said that few resources are available to those autistic adults whose higher IQ scores and adequate social skills disqualify them from provincial support. Even mild autism, however, can make it difficult to get or retain a job and allow those with the disability to be led astray by adults of dubious intent.

In an interview on Tuesday, Bloy said "I think it's as important to help the low functioning and high functioning, to get them moving in the right direction because for them, if they're able to go through certain programs, and able to go out and work in the community, they're contributing back to the community [and] their own self-esteem."

But he said Community Living BC, the entity that provides funding to disabled men and women, is currently focused on those who need day-to-day help.

Bloy noted the province has expanded eligibility for funding, with its $23 million personalized supports initiative (PSI) for those with autism or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

"It's all weighted again, like the individual, to those who are most in need, those who most need the services now, for everyday assistance," said Bloy.

Funding for the PSI ends next year, but Bloy--who was only named minister in March--said extending the program "would be my will, but I can't speak that far out yet."

Asked if there are any plans to help those who need occasional support, Bloy said: "It's part of the process. The economy has been tight for the last couple of years and when we opened up to bring in more people to Community Living BC, even though we added $23 million to the program for three years, we're trying to catch up now.

"As minister I'm working to try and speed that process up so those people who are eligible for those services will be able to get them."

If the economy continues to improve, that eligibility could be expanded, he said.

As for parents who say that they have been told that no help exists for high-functioning adults over 19, Bloy encouraged them to contact Community Living BC or, if that doesn't work, email him directly.