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Peel Autism Services

Resources & funding

Autism resources for Ontario families

If you have just learned that your child is autistic, take a breath. You are not behind, and you are not alone. This is a calm, plain-language guide to the programs, funding, and supports available to families in Mississauga, across Peel Region, and throughout Ontario, gathered in one place so you can take the next step when you are ready.

A free, plain-language reference for families, educators, and professionals, share it freely.

Understanding autism in Canada

An autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first. It helps to know that many families are walking this path with you, and that early support after an autism diagnosis makes a real and lasting difference.

About 1 in 50
children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada are diagnosed with autism, the most recent national figure, so you are far from alone.1
About 1 in 66
was the earlier administrative figure for children and youth aged 5 to 17, which gives you a sense of how counts have grown as awareness improves.2
53.7%
of autistic children were diagnosed before the age of five, which is why early intervention starts so young.1
More common in boys
autism is identified about four times more often in boys, though girls are autistic too and are sometimes recognized later.1

Government of Canada

Start here for plain federal answers about what autism is, the national plan behind autism services, and the tax credits that can ease the cost of raising an autistic child.

What is autism: a plain federal overview The Public Health Agency of Canada explains autism in plain words as a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, including common signs and what is known about its causes. A calm, trustworthy place to begin reading after a diagnosis. Autism supports and services A federal guide to the kinds of help available, including behavioural therapy such as ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy, and why getting a diagnosis and early intervention as soon as possible matters so much. Canada's Autism Strategy Canada now has a national autism strategy built around screening and diagnosis, services, and economic inclusion. It is a sign that governments are working to make support easier to find for families like yours. Autism data in Canada (Health Infobase) The federal government's ongoing record of how many children and youth are diagnosed with autism across the country. Helpful if you want to see the most current national numbers for yourself. Disability Tax Credit (financial help) A federal tax credit that helps lower the income tax a family pays to offset the extra costs of raising a child with a severe and prolonged condition. Getting approved can also open the door to other benefits, so it is worth applying early. Canada Caregiver Credit (financial help) A second federal tax credit for parents and caregivers who support a child with a mental or physical condition, including autism. If your child is already approved for the Disability Tax Credit, claiming this is simpler.

Ontario programs and funding

Ontario runs the main funding programs your family can draw on, from the Ontario Autism Program for your child today to income and school supports that carry you through the years ahead.

Ontario Autism Program and AccessOAP The province's main program of needs-based funding for autism services such as ABA therapy, speech, and occupational therapy for children under 18. You register through AccessOAP, and your registration date sets your place in line, so it helps to register as soon as you have a diagnosis. Behaviour analysts are now regulated in Ontario Since July 2024, Behaviour Analyst is a protected, regulated title in Ontario. When you choose an ABA therapy provider, this lets you confirm your behaviour analyst is registered and accountable to a professional college. Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Monthly financial help for eligible parents with the day-to-day costs of caring for a child with a severe disability, such as travel to appointments and respite. Income-tested and meant for families raising a child at home. Special Services at Home (SSAH) Funding that helps your family buy support and respite services for a child with a developmental or physical disability, so you can build your child's skills and also rest. A regulated health professional confirms your child's needs. Passport program (for adulthood) When your child turns 18, the Passport program funds community activities, skill-building, support workers, and caregiver respite for adults with a developmental disability. Good to know about early as you plan for the future. Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Income and employment support, plus health benefits like help with prescriptions, for adults with a disability. A long-term support to keep in mind as your child grows toward independence. Individual education plans (IEP) at school A written plan that sets out the special education programs, accommodations, and services your child's school will provide. This is how an autistic child gets the supports they need in the classroom. Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) The single starting point for adult developmental services in Ontario, including Passport. DSO checks eligibility and connects your young adult to funded community supports, so it helps to begin the process early.

Here in Peel Region

Your child's therapy sits at the centre, and these Mississauga and Peel Region programs surround it with practical help: funding, inclusion at child care and school, recreation, and early support for your whole family.

Region of Peel inclusion in child care (PIRS) Free inclusion support for children 12 and under in licensed child care in Peel, with no diagnosis needed. Helpful for young children who are showing developmental or behavioural needs while you are still seeking answers. Healthy Babies Healthy Children A free Peel Public Health program of in-home nurse visits that supports your child's early development and connects you to community resources. Useful in the early-identification months before or around a diagnosis. City of Mississauga adapted programs Inclusive recreation made for children with autism and sensory needs, including sensory-friendly swims and adapted swimming, skating, and arts. A gentle way for your child to play, move, and belong in the community. InfoPeel autism portal (CDRCP) A Peel-specific guide from the Child Development Resource Connection Peel that explains local autism services and how to apply for Special Services at Home funding right here in our region. Dufferin-Peel Catholic DSB special education The special education entry point for the Catholic school board serving Mississauga and Peel, including a parent guide and consultants. A good starting place if your child attends a Catholic school and needs an IEP.

Autism research in Canada

If you want to understand where the science is heading, these Canadian research centres study autism with care, and several offer reassuring evidence about how autistic children grow and thrive.

Offord Centre and MacART (McMaster) A respected child and youth research institute at McMaster University, home to the McMaster Autism Research Team, which works to make autism care more personalized for newly diagnosed children and their families. POND Network An Ontario-wide research network studying the biology of autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions, bringing together hospitals and universities to translate findings into better treatments. Holland Bloorview Autism Research Centre A Toronto research hospital centre focused on improving outcomes and quality of life for autistic children and their families, working closely with the people it serves. CAMH Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre Canada's first centre devoted to care for autistic adults and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. A reminder that support continues across your child's whole life, not just the early years. Pathways in ASD study One of the world's longest-running studies following autistic children from around the time of diagnosis into the teen years, helping us understand the many different ways children develop after an autism diagnosis. SickKids: many autistic children are doing well A Canadian study from SickKids found that most autistic children showed growth in at least one developmental area by mid-childhood, and that strong family support helped. Hopeful reading for a parent who is just starting out.

Educators, agencies & families, share this guide

Point families to this page for trustworthy, plain-language autism resources. Need help applying any of these programs? Our team is happy to guide you.

Call +1 (416) 875-3450 Email our team

Sources

  1. 1. Autism spectrum disorder: Highlights from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth. Public Health Agency of Canada, using Statistics Canada data. View source
  2. 2. Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children and Youth in Canada 2018 (National ASD Surveillance System). Public Health Agency of Canada. View source