Transition to adulthood and DSO

Does OAP continue after my child turns 18?

No. The OAP is for children and youth under 18, and it ends at 18. There is no version of OAP that continues into adulthood, and OAP funding does not transfer into adult services. Support needs can continue well past 18, so the goal before the birthday is to understand which adult supports may apply and to start anything that takes time.

When should we start planning for adult services?

Start before 18, not at 18. For adult developmental services through DSO, families are advised to begin around age 16. A young person can be found eligible at 16, but adult services do not start until 18. Starting early helps reduce the gap between youth supports ending and adult supports beginning.

What is Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)?

Developmental Services Ontario is the provincial access point for adult developmental services and supports in Ontario, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). DSO is where families apply, where eligibility is determined, and where people are connected to available adult services. It is a separate system from the OAP, with its own application and its own rules.

Is my child automatically eligible for DSO?

No. DSO eligibility is for people with a developmental disability and is determined through DSO's application process, not granted automatically. An autism diagnosis on its own does not confirm DSO eligibility. DSO requires documentation, including a written psychological assessment completed by a psychologist or psychological associate, to determine whether someone meets the criteria.

What happens to SSAH and other supports at 18?

Special Services at Home (SSAH) also ends at 18. If your family receives SSAH, talk to your regional MCCSS office about adult options well before the birthday. Other supports your family uses may have their own age rules, so check each one as part of planning.

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