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Peel Autism Services

Financial aid

A step-by-step guide to Ontario autism funding

If you have just learned that your child is autistic, the road ahead can feel overwhelming. Take a breath. You are not alone, and you do not have to figure this out by yourself. Here is how government funding for autism care works in Ontario, explained in plain language, with our team in Mississauga ready to walk beside you at every step.

Six steps to Ontario Autism Program funding

  1. Understand who qualifies

    The Ontario Autism Program supports children and youth up to age 18 who have a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional and who live in Ontario. Autism is more common than many families realize, so know that there is a wide community walking this road with you.2

  2. Register with AccessOAP

    Families enter the Ontario Autism Program by registering with AccessOAP, the independent organization that guides you through the program. You can register online or by phone at 1-833-425-2445. Registering early matters, because your place on the waitlist is set by the date you register, so it helps to take this step as soon as you have a diagnosis.3

  3. Gather your documents

    Have your child's written autism diagnosis and proof of Ontario residency ready. Keeping these together in one folder makes the next steps calmer and faster. If you are missing anything, your AccessOAP care coordinator can tell you exactly what is needed.

  4. Meet your care coordinator

    Once you are registered, a care coordinator works with you to understand your child and your family. The Ontario Autism Program is needs-based, which means the funding and core clinical services reflect your child's age and assessed needs rather than a fixed amount for everyone.2

  5. Plan your child's services

    Together with your coordinator you choose the evidence-based supports that fit your child, which can include applied behaviour analysis, also known as ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and early intervention. ABA is a long-established, widely used autism therapy, and in Ontario behaviour analyst became a regulated, protected title on July 1, 2024, so the people delivering it are accountable to a professional college.4

  6. Begin services with support

    When your funding is in place, you can start your child's autism services. Our team of behaviour analysts in Peel Region can help you put the plan into action, answer your questions, and adjust as your child grows. You set the pace, and we are here when you are ready.

New to the Ontario Autism Program? Our resources guide explains each program in plain language.

Other funding you may qualify for

The Ontario Autism Program is not the only help available. Many families combine it with other provincial programs. You can explore these when you feel ready, and you can apply for more than one.

  • Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)

    ACSD helps low to moderate income families with some of the extra costs of caring for a child under 18 who has a severe disability, such as travel to appointments and special supplies.5

  • Special Services at Home (SSAH)

    SSAH can help pay for services that support a child living at home, such as a worker who helps your child learn new skills or who gives your family some respite.6

  • Passport program

    Passport supports adults with a developmental disability to take part in their community and live as independently as they can, and it can help with the transition out of school.7

  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

    ODSP offers income and employment support to people with disabilities, including young adults as they move toward adulthood.8

  • Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)

    DSO is the place to connect with adult developmental services and to plan the transition to adult supports as your child grows up.9

Feeling overwhelmed? We know the steps.

Our team can help you understand who qualifies, register with AccessOAP, gather your documents, and apply with confidence. Reach out whenever you are ready, and we will walk you through it.

Get help with your application Call +1 (416) 875-3450

Sources

  1. 1. Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children and Youth in Canada 2018. Public Health Agency of Canada. View source
  2. 2. Ontario Autism Program. Government of Ontario. View source
  3. 3. Ontario Autism Program registration. AccessOAP. View source
  4. 4. Behaviour analysts. College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. View source
  5. 5. Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities. Government of Ontario. View source
  6. 6. Special Services at Home. Government of Ontario. View source
  7. 7. Passport program. Government of Ontario. View source
  8. 8. Ontario Disability Support Program. Government of Ontario. View source
  9. 9. Developmental Services Ontario. Developmental Services Ontario. View source