What is the Ontario Autism Program?
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is the Government of Ontario’s program for children and youth under 18 who have a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional.
It is run by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and includes:
- Core clinical services: funding families use to buy therapy such as applied behaviour analysis (ABA), speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and mental health services, plus related equipment when a regulated professional recommends it.
- Foundational family services: free workshops, coaching, peer support and resources, offered by regional providers in person and online.
- Caregiver-mediated early years programs: for children 12 to 48 months old, teaching caregivers strategies for social communication and play.
- Entry to School: for children 3 to 6 who are starting kindergarten or grade one for the first time.
- Urgent response services: short-term, fast support when a child is at urgent risk of harming themselves, others or property.
Source: Ontario Autism Program, Government of Ontario.
How do I register for the OAP?
Register with AccessOAP, the province’s independent intake organization, as soon as your child has a written autism diagnosis.
- Get a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional, such as a physician or psychologist.
- Register with AccessOAP online or by phone. It’s free.
- Use the free OAP family services straight away while you wait for core clinical services.
- Complete the Determination of Needs when AccessOAP invites you. A care coordinator meets with your family to understand your child’s needs, which sets your funding amount.
- Choose your providers and use your funding for eligible services.
Register early. AccessOAP invites families to core clinical services in the order they registered, and the wait can be several years.
How does OAP core clinical services funding work?
After the Determination of Needs, you receive a funding amount and choose qualified providers for eligible services, including ABA therapy.
In the Determination of Needs, your care coordinator talks with you about your child’s strengths, support needs and priority goals in ten areas: communication, social interaction, play and leisure, activities of daily living, motor skills, cognitive skills, sensory needs, interfering behaviours, mental health, and adaptability and resilience. They then explain the funding amount and the rules for using it.
Eligible services include applied behaviour analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and mental health services from qualified clinicians. The province keeps a voluntary OAP provider list. Full details are on the OAP core clinical services page.
What can we do while we wait for OAP funding?
You don’t have to wait to start. Families commonly:
- use workplace benefits, which often cover part of the cost of ABA or behavioural therapy
- start with a focused program or parent training, which needs fewer hours
- use the free OAP family services and early years programs they qualify for
- apply for the programs below, which have separate applications
Other funding programs in Ontario
| Program | Run by | What it helps with |
|---|---|---|
| Special Services at Home (SSAH) | Government of Ontario | Respite and skill-building services for children with a developmental or physical disability. |
| Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) | Government of Ontario | Monthly, income-tested help with the extra costs of caring for a child under 18 with a severe disability. |
| Disability Tax Credit (DTC) | Canada Revenue Agency | A non-refundable tax credit that can also open the Child Disability Benefit and the RDSP. |
| Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) | Government of Canada | Long-term savings with matching government grants and bonds. |
| Workplace benefits | Your employer or insurer | Many plans cover some ABA, behavioural therapy, speech therapy or OT. Check the yearly limit and whether you need a doctor’s note. |
| Medical Expense Tax Credit | Canada Revenue Agency | Some therapy costs may count as medical expenses. Ask a tax professional about your situation. |
Using your funding at Oakridge
Our ABA services are eligible for OAP funding, and every program is supervised by a Registered Behaviour Analyst. Tell us which funding you have or are applying for. We’ll explain how billing works, give you the documents your insurer or the OAP needs, and plan a schedule that fits your budget.
Funding questions
How can I pay for ABA therapy in Ontario?
Many families use Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding. Other options include Special Services at Home (SSAH), Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and workplace benefits, since many employer plans cover some ABA therapy. We can help you work out which apply to your family.
Can I use OAP funding at Oakridge Children Services?
Yes. Oakridge Children Services provides ABA services that are eligible for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding. Contact us to talk through how your funding can be used.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Autism Program?
Children and youth under 18 who live in Ontario and have a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional can register for the OAP through AccessOAP.
Does private insurance cover ABA therapy in Ontario?
Many employer health plans cover some ABA or behavioural therapy, but coverage and yearly limits vary. Ask your insurer what’s covered, whether the provider needs a specific designation, and whether you need a doctor’s note.