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Before you have a diagnosis
Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.
You do not need a diagnosis to start. SSAH, school IEPs, and the Disability Tax Credit are all available without an autism diagnosis. If you are waiting for an assessment, there are also free early intervention programs you can access now.
Getting the assessment done is still the most important step. It unlocks OAP and Core Clinical funding.
How do I get an autism assessment in Ontario
Two paths: public (free, longer wait) or private (faster, you pay). Both produce the written diagnostic report you need for AccessOAP. Wait times and costs vary by region and provider.
Public assessment (free, longer wait)
Your family doctor or pediatrician refers your child to a developmental pediatrician or a children's treatment centre. The assessment is publicly funded, so there is no cost. Wait times vary significantly by region. Ask your referring doctor for a current estimate in your area.
Private assessment (faster, you pay)
You can book directly with a registered psychologist who does autism assessments. Costs vary by provider and region. The wait is generally shorter than the public path. Make sure the psychologist is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario or the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. Ask about fees before booking.
Assessment costs and wait times are approximate and vary by region and provider. We do not publish specific figures because they change frequently. Ask your referring doctor or the provider directly for current estimates.
Both paths produce a written diagnostic report. That report is what you need to register with AccessOAP and access most Ontario autism programs.
What the report must include
The diagnostic report must include your child's full name, date of birth, date of assessment, a statement that your child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the professional's name and credentials. Without all of these, AccessOAP may not accept it.
What can I do while waiting for an autism assessment
Talk to your pediatrician, contact your local children's treatment centre, look into Healthy Babies Healthy Children, and request a school IEP. All of these are free and available without a diagnosis.
- Talk to your pediatrician or family doctor about your concerns. They can make referrals to specialists and early intervention programs.
- Contact your local children's treatment centre. Many offer developmental assessments and supports for children with suspected delays.
- Look into Healthy Babies Healthy Children and Infant and Child Development programs through your local public health unit. These are free, available without a diagnosis, and can start early.
- Talk to your child's school if they are school-age. You can request an Individual Education Plan (IEP) without a diagnosis.
Which Ontario programs do not require an autism diagnosis
Three programs on this site are available without a confirmed autism diagnosis: SSAH (respite and daily supports), school IEPs, and the Disability Tax Credit.
Special Services at Home (SSAH)
SSAH covers developmental and physical disabilities broadly. If your child has a documented developmental delay, you may be eligible even without an autism diagnosis.
See how to apply for SSAH →
School Supports and IEP
Your child's school can create an Individual Education Plan at any time. No diagnosis is required to request one.
See how to request an IEP →
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The DTC is based on functional impairment, not on a specific diagnosis. If your child has a prolonged impairment that restricts daily functioning, you may be eligible.
See how to apply for the DTC →
Most OAP programs do require a diagnosis
Core Clinical Services, Foundational Family Services, CMEY, and Entry to School all require OAP registration, which requires a written autism diagnosis. That is why getting the assessment done matters.
What should I do the day I get the diagnosis
Register with AccessOAP, apply for the DTC, and apply for SSAH. All three are time-sensitive. Your place in line for Core Clinical starts the day you register.
Do not wait on any of these
- Register with . Your place in line for Core Clinical Services starts the day you register. Every day you wait pushes your invitation back. You can register online at accessoap.ca or by calling 1-833-425-2445.
- Apply for the Disability Tax Credit. Federal. Opens the RDSP and Child Disability Benefit. You can apply retroactively for up to 10 years.
- Apply for SSAH if you have not already. It is separate from OAP.
A diagnosis can bring a lot of feelings. That is normal. But the registration and application steps above are time-sensitive, so try to get them started within the first week if you can.
Start Here
The full post-diagnosis action sequence. What to do, in order.
Go to Start Here →
What to do next
Use the Program Finder
Answer a few questions about your situation and see which programs may be relevant. It handles 'no diagnosis' and 'in progress' answers. Runs in your browser, nothing stored.
Go to the Program Finder →
Apply for SSAH now
SSAH does not require an autism diagnosis. If your child has a developmental delay, you may be able to apply today. Covers respite and daily supports.
See how to apply for SSAH →
Request a school IEP
No diagnosis required. Your child's school must consider your request. You can start this at any point during the school year.
See how to request an IEP →
Read the Start Here guide
The full post diagnosis action sequence. What to do at every stage, from before diagnosis through receiving funding.
Go to Start Here →
Not sure what other programs may apply?
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