Why you're hearing from us

The Autism Funding Unit (AFU) has changed how Justification for Equipment and Supplies (JFE) requests work as of Monday June 15, 2026.

What's changing with JFE requests

• A new form. The JFE form no longer asks for item prices or set categories/domains. Instead, it asks for a clearer description of the skill an item supports and how it helps your child build that skill.

• Some items no longer need a JFE. A number of items can now be reimbursed without a signed JFE form. These are items commonly used to support children and youth with their functional goals, and no longer require a JFE submission for preapproval.

  The parent (Agreement Signatory) must submit receipts with sufficient detail for Autism Funding adjudicators to verify the item.

You do not need Everyday OT to complete a JFE for the following items.

No JFE pre-approvals are required for: (🔗 MCFD Reference)

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Communication & Learning Tools

Items to help support communication, literacy, and learning at home:

• AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) apps
• Educational or skill‑building apps
• Tablet, phone and laptop accessories that support communication or learning (e.g., protective cases, stylus, keyboards) </aside>

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Sensory & Regulation Supports

These items help children manage sensory needs, stay regulated, and participate in daily activities.

• Fidgets (e.g., stress balls, tactile fidgets, clothing) → Duplicates/multiples allowed per AFU (per AFU June 18, 2026)

• Chewelry made from safe, food‑grade materials → Duplicates/multiples allowed per AFU (per AFU June 18, 2026)

• Inflatable therapy balls (e.g., peanut balls, yoga balls, BOSU‑style balance balls)

• Play couches (e.g., Yogibo, modular foam couches)

  → Play couch add-ons still require JFE (per AFU June 23, 2026)

• Noise‑reducing or noise‑cancelling headphones → Includes ANC (e.g. AirPods) and passive (e.g., Loop earplugs)

• Visual timers (e.g., Time Timer) </aside>

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Play‑Based Learning & Fine Motor Development

These items support creativity, problem‑solving, motor skills, and social play.

• Lego, magnetic tiles, and other building sets → As long as no duplicates and age-appropriate (per AFU June 18, 2026)

• Developmentally‑appropriate puzzles

  → As long as no duplicates and age-appropriate (per AFU June 18, 2026)

• Board games that support communication, turn‑taking, or cognitive skills

  → As long as no duplicates and age-appropriate (per AFU June 18, 2026)

• Books, including books about autism, emotional regulation, or social skills

  → Books for interest / regulation / leisure require JFEs to assess appropriateness for age and goals (per AFU reps June 18, 2026)

• Arts and craft supplies (e.g., markers, paper, scissors, modelling clay)

  → Printer Paper eligible under this category

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Executive Function & Daily Living Supports

These items help children build routines, independence, and organization skills.

• Digital visual calendars (e.g., Skylight calendar) → Purchase without Monthly subscription add-ons (e.g., Skylight Add-On). AFU will not approve monthly subscription plans.
• Visual schedule tools
• Organizational aids that support routines and transitions </aside>

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Gross Motor & Movement Supports

These items encourage safe movement, balance, and body awareness.

• Low‑profile balance beams
• Stepping stones
• Other small, low‑risk gross motor items intended for home use (not gymnastics equipment) </aside>

When do you still need JFE pre-approval?

• Any items not listed above
• Laptops, tablets, smart phones, desktop computers and other major electronic items
• Books (for reading/interest) — not educational about autism, emotional regulation, etc.)
• Weighted and compression items — including blankets, stuffies, clothing, bed sheets, etc.
• Multiples of consumables

What's changing with funding amounts