Funding guides
Ontario autism funding programs
Ontario has nine main funding programs for autism families. They are run by different parts of government, so applying for one does not affect the others. Start with OAP Core Clinical, SSAH, and the Disability Tax Credit. Those three cover the most ground and can all be applied for at the same time.
Applying for one does not block the others. You can apply for multiple programs at once. The biggest mistake is waiting.
How programs relate
OAP streams
- Core Clinical — invitation needed, long wait
- FFS — free, no waitlist
- CMEY — ages 12-48 months
- Entry to School — ages 3-6, invitation
- Urgent Response — crisis
Separate provincial
- SSAH — separate from OAP
- ACSD — income tested
- ADP — equipment, devices
Federal & School
- DTC — federal, opens RDSP
- IEP — school-based
All programs can be held at the same time.
Apply for these first
These cover the most ground. Start all three at the same time.
Long wait, register now
OAP Core Clinical Services
The main therapy funding. Covers ABA, speech, OT, and mental health. Register with AccessOAP immediately. Invitations go out in registration order and the wait is years.
See how to register →
Separate from OAP
Special Services at Home (SSAH)
Provincial funding for respite, camps, and daily supports. Does not require OAP registration. Does not reduce your OAP funding.
See how to apply →
Federal, retroactive 10 years
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Federal tax credit that opens the RDSP and Child Disability Benefit. Not income tested. Apply now, even if your income is low.
See how to apply →
Use while you wait
Free programs available now. No invitation needed for FFS.
Free, no waitlist
Foundational Family Services
Workshops, mentoring, and consultations for all OAP families. No invitation needed. Contact a provider in your region and sign up directly.
See what is available →
Ages 12 to 48 months
Caregiver Mediated Early Years (CMEY)
Play-based program where caregivers learn therapeutic strategies from a clinician. Free. Available while waiting for Core Clinical.
See how to enroll →
Ages 3 to 6, invitation needed
Entry to School Program
Six-month group program to build school readiness before kindergarten or Grade 1. Invitation from OAP required.
See how it works →
Other programs worth checking
Separate from OAP. Each has its own eligibility.
Income tested
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)
Monthly provincial payment of $25 to $665 for families with household income under $76,920. Separate from SSAH and OAP.
See how to apply →
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
Helps pay for communication aids, wheelchairs, and hearing aids. Check ADP before using OAP funds for devices.
See what it covers →
School Supports and IEP
Your child's school can create an Individual Education Plan with accommodations. You can request this at any time. No diagnosis required.
See how to request one →
If your child is in crisis
Sudden behavior changes, safety risks, or urgent concerns.
If your child has sudden behavior changes, safety risks, or other urgent concerns that started or worsened recently, OAP Urgent Response Services can provide up to 12 weeks of free support. You do not need a Core Clinical invitation.
See how to access urgent responseWhat to do next
Use the Program Finder
Answer a few questions about your child and situation. It shows which programs to look into first, in order. Takes under 3 minutes.
Go to the Program FinderRegister with AccessOAP today
Your place in line for Core Clinical starts the day you register. Every day you delay pushes your invitation back.
See how to register for Core ClinicalApply for the DTC now
The Disability Tax Credit is federal and separate from everything else. It opens the RDSP and Child Disability Benefit. You can apply retroactively for 10 years.
See how to apply for the DTCAlready registered? Use free supports while you wait
Foundational Family Services, CMEY, and SSAH are available now. Do not wait years doing nothing.
See what to do while waiting