Choosing providers and understanding therapy

Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.

OAP gives you the funding and lets you choose your own providers. That means you need to figure out who to hire. The OAP Provider List at oapproviderlist.ca is one starting point, but it is voluntary, so many qualified, regulated providers are not on it. Families regularly find providers through community referrals, regional clinics, and the regulatory colleges as well. Ask the questions below and watch for the red flags. If your child is still on the waitlist, start researching now so you can move fast when funding arrives.

What questions should I ask an autism therapy provider

Ask about credentials, experience with your child's age group, how they set goals, how they involve parents, and their cancellation policy. A good provider answers these openly.

Practical questions

Are you registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario () as an , psychologist, or psychological associate? Are you on the OAP Provider List? (Joining the list is voluntary, so being off it does not by itself mean unqualified.)
What is your experience working with children my child's age?
What does a typical session look like?
How do you set goals and measure progress?
How often will I get updates on my child's progress?
How do you involve parents or caregivers?
What is your cancellation policy?
How many clients does the supervising (or in transition) oversee? (for )
What happens if my child is not making progress?

You are hiring this person

You are not asking for a favor. Providers work for you. If a provider will not answer basic questions about their approach, availability, or credentials, that is a sign to look elsewhere.

What are red flags when choosing an autism provider

No credentials or refuses to share them. Behaviour analysts practising ABA in Ontario must be registered with CPBAO as Registered Behaviour Analysts (RBAs) since July 1, 2024 (many also hold the international BCBA certification). SLPs should be registered with CASLPO. OTs should be registered with COTO.
One-size-fits-all approach. Your child should get an individualized plan. If the provider uses the same program for every child, ask why.
High-pressure sales tactics. If a provider pressures you to sign a long-term contract or buy a package before you have seen how they work, step back.
Unwillingness to involve parents. Good therapy includes parent coaching. If you are not welcome to observe sessions or ask questions, that is a concern.
No data or progress tracking. Therapy should have measurable goals. If the provider cannot explain how they track progress, ask.
Promises of a cure or guaranteed outcomes. No therapy can promise specific results. Providers who guarantee breakthroughs are overpromising.

What happens in the first therapy sessions

The first session is usually an assessment. The provider will observe your child, ask you questions, and start building a picture of strengths and needs.
You should receive a written plan within the first few sessions. It should include goals, how they will be measured, and how often sessions will happen.
Your child may need time to adjust. New environments and new people can be hard. A few difficult sessions at the start does not mean the provider is wrong.
It is okay to switch providers. If after a reasonable trial (4 to 6 weeks) you do not feel the provider is a good fit, you can change. You are not locked in.

Where do I find autism providers in Ontario

The OAP Provider List at oapproviderlist.ca is one common starting point. You can search by region and discipline (RBA/BCBA, SLP, OT). The list is voluntary, so qualified regulated providers may not appear on it. Many families also find providers through community recommendations, regional treatment centres, school referrals, and the regulatory colleges (CPBAO, CASLPO, COTO).

OAP Provider List

A voluntary directory where providers can list themselves to be searchable by OAP families. Helpful, but not the only place to look.

Search the OAP Provider List

Start looking before your invitation arrives

Good providers fill up quickly. If you are on the Core Clinical waitlist, start researching providers now so you are ready to move when funding arrives. You do not have to commit until you have funding. Even after invitation, you may face provider waitlists.

What therapy types does Core Clinical cover

Three main types: ABA (behaviour and skill building), speech language pathology (communication), and occupational therapy (daily living and sensory). Plus mental health services. Most families use some combination. Your child does not need all three.

What is ABA therapy and how does it work

ABA builds skills and reduces behaviors that interfere with learning or daily life. A Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA), a psychologist, or a psychological associate designs and supervises the program. Therapists work directly with your child, often for several hours per session. ABA is the therapy type most commonly funded through Core Clinical.

What it looks like in practice

Sessions can happen at home, at a clinic, or at school. The therapist works with your child on specific goals: communication, self-care, social skills, or managing challenging behaviors. Progress is tracked through data collection. The supervising RBA reviews data regularly and adjusts the program. Younger children often receive more hours per week.

ABA varies a lot: structured table work, play based naturalistic methods, or a mix. Ask the provider what their approach looks like and how they adjust it over time.

What does a speech language pathologist do for autism

An SLP helps with spoken language, understanding language, social communication, and alternative communication methods for children who are non-speaking or have limited speech. Sessions are typically 30 to 60 minutes, once or twice a week.

What it looks like in practice

Sessions are typically 30 to 60 minutes, once or twice a week. The SLP assesses your child's communication strengths and challenges, sets goals, and works on them through play, conversation practice, or structured exercises. They also coach you on strategies to use at home.

What does an occupational therapist do for autism

An OT helps with daily living skills, sensory processing, fine motor skills, and self regulation. If your child struggles with getting dressed, eating, handwriting, textures, or transitions, OT may help. Sessions are typically 30 to 60 minutes.

What it looks like in practice

Sessions are typically 30 to 60 minutes. The OT assesses your child's sensory needs, motor skills, and daily routines, then works on practical strategies. This might include sensory activities, fine motor exercises, or practicing self-care routines. Parents are usually coached on how to carry strategies into daily life.

What to do next

Search the OAP Provider List

One voluntary directory where providers can list themselves to be searchable by OAP families. Search by region and discipline. Use it alongside community referrals and the regulatory colleges. Start building a shortlist before your invitation arrives.

Read the Core Clinical guide for context →

Understand what Core Clinical covers

Know which expenses are eligible before you commit to a provider. Some services are covered, others are not.

Read the Core Clinical guide →

Apply for SSAH for respite

You choose your own respite workers too. SSAH is a separate Ontario program with its own eligibility rules; many families hold SSAH alongside OAP.

See how to apply for SSAH →

Not sure what other programs may apply?

Find programs