How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
Latest FOI data shows 87,692 children registered with the Ontario Autism Program (Dec 2025), up from 70,176 reported by the Financial Accountability Office in March 2024. Only ~19,600 children receive core clinical services (23%), leaving 68,000+ waiting for evidence-based care during critical developmental years.
Source: FOI Data Dec 2025, FAO Report 2023-24 · View SourceHow long do families wait for Ontario autism services?
Ontario autism wait times average 5+ years (Jan 2026). Families are currently invited based on registration dates from 2020. The wait is universal across the province, frequently missing the sensitive early intervention period.
Source: FOI Data Dec 2025, Parent Surveys · View SourceHow do I register for the Ontario Autism Program?
To register for the OAP, contact AccessOAP (1-833-425-3445) or create an account at accessoap.ca. You must provide a valid ASD diagnosis letter. Registration date determines your waitlist priority. Once registered, you can immediately access Foundational Family Services while waiting for Core Clinical Services.
Source: AccessOAP · View SourceYour child must have a written diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on DSM-5 criteria from a qualified professional before registering for OAP.
Public Assessment
Cost: Free
Wait: 12-24 months
Private Assessment
Cost: $2,000-$4,500
Wait: 2-4 months
Before contacting Access OAP, collect all necessary documents to avoid delays.
Diagnosis Document*
Written ASD diagnosis on professional letterhead with DSM-5 criteria statement
Child's Birth Certificate or Passport*
Proof of age (child must be under 18)
Child's Ontario Health Card
Health number if available (not required but helpful)
Proof of Ontario Residency*
Utility bill, lease agreement, or government document with Ontario address
Parent/Guardian ID*
Your identification and contact information
Register immediately after diagnosis — your waitlist position is based on registration date, NOT diagnosis date.
TTY available: 1-833-427-6869
Provide your child information and submit required documents. You will receive a reference number — save this for future follow-up.
Wait 4-6 weeks for eligibility confirmation. Access OAP will review your documents and send written confirmation.
You will receive:
Haven heard back after 6 weeks? Contact Access OAP at 1-833-425-2445 to follow up on your application status.
When your turn approaches on the waitlist, Access OAP will contact you to complete a needs assessment to determine funding allocation.
Once approved for core clinical services or interim funding, choose OAP-approved service providers and create your service plan.
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything ready before contacting Access OAP. Being prepared will help avoid delays in your registration.
Print this checklist and check off each item as you gather your documents. When everything is ready, contact Access OAP at 1-833-425-2445 or visit oapportal.ca.
These are the current wait times for OAP core clinical services. This is why registering immediately after diagnosis is so important — your position on the waitlist is based on your registration date.
After submitting your registration to Access OAP, eligibility confirmation typically takes 4-6 weeks. You will receive written confirmation of your child registration and their position on the waitlist. The entire process from diagnosis to active funding can take 5+ years due to wait times.
No. A confirmed, written diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder from a qualified professional is required to register for OAP. Pending diagnoses, suspicions, or being on an assessment waitlist do not qualify. You must have the formal diagnosis document before contacting Access OAP.
You can contact Access OAP at 1-833-425-2445 (toll-free) or 1-833-427-6869 (TTY). Their hours are typically Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. You can also email accessoap@ontario.ca or visit oapportal.ca for online registration.
There is no strict deadline, but you should register immediately after receiving the diagnosis. Your position on the OAP waitlist is determined by your registration date, not the diagnosis date. Every day of delay potentially means months longer waiting for core clinical services.
Yes. Children can be registered at any age after receiving a diagnosis, including infants and toddlers. Early registration is strongly encouraged because wait times for OAP funding are 5+ years. Registering early maximizes the time your child may receive services before aging out at 18.
Diagnosis documents not in English or French must include a certified translation. The translation should be attached to the original diagnosis document when submitting to Access OAP. Contact Access OAP if you need guidance on translation requirements.
No. Once registered, your child remains on the OAP waitlist until they turn 18 or begin receiving services. However, you should keep your contact information updated with Access OAP to ensure you receive important notifications about your child status.
Yes. Foster parents, legal guardians, or Children Aid Society representatives can register a child for OAP if the child has an autism diagnosis and is under 18. You will need to provide documentation of your legal guardianship or placement status along with the diagnosis document.
Contact Access OAP at 1-833-425-2445 to follow up on your application status. Have your reference number ready if you received one. Wait times for eligibility confirmation can be 4-6 weeks, but if it been longer, follow up is recommended. Document all calls with dates and names of representatives you speak with.
Contact the diagnosing professional to request an updated letter with all required information. OAP requires: child full name, date of birth, assessment date, clear ASD diagnosis statement (DSM-5 criteria), and the professional name and credentials. Incomplete documents will delay registration and affect your waitlist position.
Contact Access OAP at 1-833-425-2445 or accessOAP@ontario.ca to request a replacement confirmation letter. You will need to verify your identity and provide your child information. If you registered online through the OAP Portal, you may also be able to download documents from your account.
Yes. Diagnoses from other jurisdictions (including other countries) are accepted if they meet DSM-5 criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder and are from a qualified professional. The diagnosis document should be in English or French, or include a certified translation. OAP does not require the diagnosis to be from an Ontario-based professional.
Update your contact information with Access OAP as soon as possible. Contact them at 1-833-425-2445 or update your information online through the OAP Portal. Keeping your information current ensures you receive important notifications and that your child remains eligible for services in your new region.
Children remain eligible for OAP until their 18th birthday. If your child is approaching 18, you should register immediately if you have not already. Once a child turns 18, they are no longer eligible for OAP Childhood Budget or Core Clinical Services. Adults must access supports through ODSP, Passport Funding, or adult developmental services.
Access OAP requires specific information on your diagnosis document. Incomplete documents will cause delays or rejection of your registration.
Critical: If your diagnosis document is missing any required information, contact the diagnosing professional immediately to request an updated letter. Do not wait — every day of delay affects your waitlist position.
All of the following qualify under Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Who qualifies for OAP funding, age requirements, residency rules, and diagnosis criteria.
How to get an autism assessment in Ontario, public vs private options, and what to expect.
What to do while waiting for OAP funding, interim funding options, and advocacy steps.
How to find OAP-approved service providers, questions to ask, and what to look for.
Private insurance, DTC, ACSD, and other funding sources while waiting for OAP.
Current waitlist data, historical trends, and how to take action to end the wait.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.