Find your stage
Where to start with Ontario autism programs
Ontario has at least nine programs for autism families, and where you start depends on where you are in the process. Find your stage below — before diagnosis, just diagnosed, waiting for funding, or already receiving services — and see the actions that matter most right now.
Where are you? Tap to jump
Where are you? Click a stage to jump to it
If you do not have a diagnosis yet
You do not need to wait to start getting help.
- Some programs like SSAH and school IEPs do not require an autism diagnosis.
- The DTC is based on functional impairment, not on a specific diagnosis.
- Getting the assessment done is the most important step. A written ASD diagnosis lets you register with AccessOAP and start the wait for Core Clinical. Registration is the beginning of the process, not the end.
If your child was just diagnosed
Do the first three in order. The rest can wait a few weeks.
This week
- Register with AccessOAP. Invitations for Core Clinical are based on your child's OAP registration date. Register once you have a written ASD diagnosis. See how to register · Core Clinical guide
- Apply for SSAH. Separate provincial program for respite and daily supports. No autism diagnosis required — a developmental or physical disability is enough. See how
- Start the DTC application. Federal. DTC approval is required for RDSP access and Child Disability Benefit eligibility. Part B of the T2201 takes time for your practitioner to complete, so kick it off now. See how
This month
- Sign up for Foundational Family Services (free, no invitation needed).
- Check if your household income is under the current ACSD threshold (listed as $76,920 on the current Ontario application form) — if so, apply for ACSD.
- If your child is 12–48 months old, look at CMEY — the age window closes permanently.
- Bookmark the acronym glossary for the letters and programs you will keep seeing.
What you can ignore for now
- Locking in a specific ABA, speech, or OT provider. That can wait until after your invitation arrives, though research and a shortlist help, since provider waitlists are common even after invitation.
- Paying out of pocket for therapy you hope to claim later. Most of that is not reimbursable.
- Worrying about the exact mechanics of OAP expense claims before you have funding.
If you are waiting for funding
The Core Clinical waitlist is years. Do not just wait.
There are programs you can use now, funding you can apply for today, and things you can do to be ready when your invitation arrives.
If you already have funding
Three things to sort out now.
- Choose your providers. You pick your own qualified providers. The OAP Provider List is one place to look, but it is voluntary, so qualified providers may not appear on it. Not sure what to look for? Read the provider guide
- Know the expense rules. Report expenses before your next payment. Keep receipts for 7 years. Core Clinical guide
- Keep applying for other programs. You can hold OAP, SSAH, and the DTC at the same time. See all funding guides
Not sure which programs apply to you
The Program Finder asks seven questions about your child and your situation, then shows you which programs to look into. Your answers stay in your browser and disappear when you close the tab.
Keep these handy
Small references you will come back to at every stage. One printable page, one acronym list, one tracker, and the tool that routes your situation.
- Printable first-steps checklist — one page for the fridge
- Ontario autism glossary — every acronym you will keep seeing
- Free OAP Expense Tracker — spreadsheet for invoices and reconciliation
- Program Finder — 7 questions, tells you which programs to look into
Free OAP Expense Tracker
A simple spreadsheet to track therapy invoices, receipts, and reimbursements. Built for families managing OAP Core Clinical funding.
Your email is stored in a Google Sheet managed by KnowAutism.ca. We use it to send tracker updates and product news. No health information is collected. Privacy details
New to Canada?
If you are new to Canada, some of the programs and terms on this site may be unfamiliar. Most programs are run by the Ontario provincial government or the Canadian federal government. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen to access most of them. Your child needs to be living in Ontario and legally entitled to live in Canada.
Hover or tap on dotted-underlined terms throughout the site for a short explanation.
Resources in other languages
This site is currently in English only. For resources in French and other languages:
- Ontario Autism Program (French) (opens in new tab) — official Ontario government page in French
- AIDE Canada (opens in new tab) — national autism resource hub with content in English and French
- Autism Ontario (opens in new tab) — bilingual resources and regional support
What this site can and cannot do
Ontario's autism support system is under pressure. Families with high support needs may still face long waits, limited provider availability, and repeated applications. This site helps you understand what to apply for and what to ask next. It cannot guarantee approval, funding, or service access.
A note on accuracy
We are not the government. Program rules change. Every guide links to the official source so you can verify the details. If something on this site conflicts with the official government page, the official page is correct. See how we maintain this site for details on our verification process.