End the Wait Ontario
Find what you need quickly. Whether you are waiting for services, looking for resources, or ready to advocate for change.
Estimate how long you might wait for OAP services based on current data and your region.
Learn how the Ontario Autism Program works, funding levels, and what to expect when invited.
Email your MPP, share your story, and join the fight for timely autism services in Ontario.
Curated research, WHO guidelines, and primary sources for advocacy and understanding.
Understanding human rights, education rights, and options while waiting for services.
End the Wait Ontario
Find what you need quickly. Whether you are waiting for services, looking for resources, or ready to advocate for change.
Estimate how long you might wait for OAP services based on current data and your region.
Learn how the Ontario Autism Program works, funding levels, and what to expect when invited.
Email your MPP, share your story, and join the fight for timely autism services in Ontario.
Curated research, WHO guidelines, and primary sources for advocacy and understanding.
Understanding human rights, education rights, and options while waiting for services.
At age 18, the law presumes every adult is capable. For families of autistic adults with high support needs, assuming legal decision-making authority requires specific legal steps.
Understand the hierarchy of decision-making supports from least to most restrictive.
A legal document where a capable adult appoints someone to make decisions for them.
Court-appointed authority to make decisions for someone found mentally incapable.
Informal arrangement where trusted people help an individual understand and make choices.
In Ontario, guardianship is divided into two distinct categories. You can apply for one or both.
Managing bank accounts, paying bills, signing contracts, managing investments.
Medical consent, housing decisions, safety, nutrition, and hygiene.
A formal assessment by a designated Capacity Assessor ($500-$900 cost) proving incapacity.
You must submit a detailed plan to the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) on how you will manage decisions.
A lawyer files your application with the Superior Court of Justice. PGT reviews and comments.
A judge grants the guardianship order. You are now legally accountable for decisions.
No. In Ontario, at age 18, a child becomes a legal adult. Parents lose automatic rights to make medical/financial decisions unless they establish "Power of Attorney" (if child is capable) or legal "Guardianship" (if child is incapable). This legal process is complex and costly.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Attorney GeneralYes. In Ontario, at age 18, all individuals are presumed capable of making their own decisions unless a court or capacity assessor determines otherwise. Parents do not automatically remain guardians.
Power of Attorney (POA) is voluntary—the individual chooses you while they are capable. Guardianship is court-ordered—a judge appoints you because the individual is verified as mentally incapable of making that specific type of decision.
Yes. For ODSP specifically, you can apply to be a "Trustee" just for those government payments. This is a simpler process than full guardianship of property.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: October 30, 2025.
At age 18, the law presumes every adult is capable. For families of autistic adults with high support needs, assuming legal decision-making authority requires specific legal steps.
Understand the hierarchy of decision-making supports from least to most restrictive.
A legal document where a capable adult appoints someone to make decisions for them.
Court-appointed authority to make decisions for someone found mentally incapable.
Informal arrangement where trusted people help an individual understand and make choices.
In Ontario, guardianship is divided into two distinct categories. You can apply for one or both.
Managing bank accounts, paying bills, signing contracts, managing investments.
Medical consent, housing decisions, safety, nutrition, and hygiene.
A formal assessment by a designated Capacity Assessor ($500-$900 cost) proving incapacity.
You must submit a detailed plan to the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) on how you will manage decisions.
A lawyer files your application with the Superior Court of Justice. PGT reviews and comments.
A judge grants the guardianship order. You are now legally accountable for decisions.
No. In Ontario, at age 18, a child becomes a legal adult. Parents lose automatic rights to make medical/financial decisions unless they establish "Power of Attorney" (if child is capable) or legal "Guardianship" (if child is incapable). This legal process is complex and costly.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Attorney GeneralYes. In Ontario, at age 18, all individuals are presumed capable of making their own decisions unless a court or capacity assessor determines otherwise. Parents do not automatically remain guardians.
Power of Attorney (POA) is voluntary—the individual chooses you while they are capable. Guardianship is court-ordered—a judge appoints you because the individual is verified as mentally incapable of making that specific type of decision.
Yes. For ODSP specifically, you can apply to be a "Trustee" just for those government payments. This is a simpler process than full guardianship of property.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: October 30, 2025.