Important note
The OAP has undergone significant changes in recent years. This guide reflects the program as of 2025. Always verify details at ontario.ca/autism or by calling 1-888-562-1135, as policies can change.
What is the OAP?
The Ontario Autism Program is a government-funded program that provides financial support and services to families of autistic children and youth under age 18. It was redesigned in 2021 to give families more direct control over their funding.
There are two main pathways in the OAP:
- Core Clinical Services: Direct funding that goes to your family to spend on approved services
- Foundational Family Services: Free supports available to all registered families regardless of funding status
How much funding can your family receive?
$140,000
Childhood Budgets (ages 0–5)
Up to $140,000 total for children under 6, with higher annual amounts available for intensive early intervention.
$55,000
Per year maximum (intensive)
Families can access up to $55,000 per year for intensive therapy services for younger children.
$35,000
School-age (6–17)
School-age children can access up to $35,000 annually in core clinical funding.
Free
Foundational Services
All registered families access free caregiver coaching, group programming, and navigation support regardless of wait times.
Important: Funding is not automatic
Receiving OAP funding requires registration, an approved diagnosis, and going through a needs assessment process. Simply registering does not mean money arrives immediately. Read the steps below carefully.
Step-by-step: how to access the OAP
1
Get a diagnosis from a qualified professional
Your child must have a formal autism diagnosis from a registered psychologist, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. The diagnosis must follow DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria. If you do not have a diagnosis yet, CHEO in Ottawa offers autism assessment services.
2
Register on the OAP portal
Go to
ontario.ca/autism and create an account. You will need your child's diagnosis report, their Ontario health card number, and your own identification. Registration is free and marks your spot in the system.
3
Complete a Needs-Based Assessment
Once registered, you will be contacted to complete a standardised assessment called the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). This determines your child's level of need and how much funding they are eligible for. An assessor from the OAP will guide you through this.
4
Access Foundational Services immediately
While you wait for your core clinical funding, you can immediately access free Foundational Family Services. These include caregiver workshops, navigation support, and group programs. You do not need to wait for funding to start these.
5
Receive your funding decision and choose providers
Once your needs assessment is complete, you receive a funding decision. You then choose OAP-approved service providers to deliver therapy. You manage the funding through the OAP portal. You can choose from a list of approved providers or apply to have a specific provider approved.
6
Submit claims and track your budget
Providers submit claims directly to the OAP on your behalf, or you can submit receipts for reimbursement. The OAP portal shows your remaining budget and claim history. Keep all invoices and receipts.
What can OAP funding be used for?
Core clinical funding must be used for OAP-approved services. These include:
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy
- Speech-Language Therapy (SLP)
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Psychological assessments and services
- Social skills programming
- Respite services (caregiver relief)
- Assistive technology and communication devices
- Caregiver training and support
What it cannot be used for
- Non-approved providers or therapies not on the OAP approved list
- School-based services (the school board funds those separately)
- Medical equipment covered by other health programs
- General childcare or babysitting
While you wait: Foundational Family Services
Many families feel stuck waiting for core clinical funding. But Foundational Services are available immediately after registration and they are genuinely useful.
Caregiver coaching
Free one-on-one coaching sessions with a trained professional to help you understand your child's needs and develop strategies for home, school, and community situations. You do not need to wait for a funding decision to access this.
Group programs
Free group sessions for parents and caregivers covering topics like behaviour support, communication strategies, and navigating school. These are great for meeting other families and building your knowledge base.
Navigation services
A dedicated OAP navigator can help you understand the system, complete paperwork, and connect to community resources. If you are finding the OAP confusing, ask for a navigator directly. They are there to help.
School support: what the OAP does not cover
A common misconception is that OAP funding covers school support. It does not. School accommodations and support are funded separately through your local school board under Ontario's Education Act.
Your child is entitled to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) if they have a diagnosis. Contact your school's special education resource teacher (SERT) to start this process. The IEP outlines specific accommodations, modified expectations, and additional support in the classroom.
What to ask for at school
- An IEP review meeting to understand what support is in place
- A transition plan for moving between grades or schools
- An Educational Assistant (EA) if your child requires one-to-one support
- Sensory accommodations (quiet space, headphones, flexible seating)
- Communication with the classroom teacher about your child's specific needs
Frequently asked questions
My child was diagnosed as an adult. Do they still qualify for the OAP?
The OAP covers children and youth up to age 18. For adults, the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and the Passport Program are the primary supports. Contact your local Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) office for adult services.
We are new to Canada. Can we access the OAP?
Your child must have a valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP) to register. Permanent residents, refugees, and most newcomers with OHIP coverage are eligible. If your child does not yet have OHIP, contact ServiceOntario first to enrol.
The wait time is years. What do we do in the meantime?
Access Foundational Services immediately. Look into community organisations like Ottawa Autism Resource Centre and CHEO for bridge programs. Some families fund private therapy while waiting. Ask your OAP navigator about interim options.
Can I use funding for Tamil-speaking providers?
Yes, as long as the provider is OAP-approved. You can request that a specific provider be added to the approved list if they are not already on it. Acceptance Haven can help connect you to South Asian providers in Ottawa.
What if I disagree with the funding decision?
You have the right to appeal. Contact the OAP directly and ask about the appeals process. A navigator or advocacy organisation can support you through this.
Need help navigating all of this?
The OAP system is complex and can feel designed for people who already know how it works. Acceptance Haven connects South Asian families with other parents who have been through this process. You do not have to figure it out alone.