3-6 years
Age Range
Ontario Autism Program
77% waiting
Province-wide waitlist
MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (to Mar 4, 2026), obtained under Freedom of Information (release CSS2026-0749); corroborated by CBC News.
5+ years
Average OAP wait time
OAC Community Survey 2025
89,799
Registered province-wide
MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (to Mar 4, 2026), obtained under Freedom of Information (release CSS2026-0749); corroborated by CBC News.
The preschool years are critical for school readiness and intensive intervention. Children in this age range may access the OAP Entry to School Program and begin intensive therapy services during a key developmental window.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Related Resources
Where do you start?
The quickest routes to diagnosis guidance, evidence, practical support, and advocacy.
Verified Facts
Under the Ontario Education Act, every student with special needs is entitled to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and access to an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC)
89,799, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50, According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23%, Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements — less than one in four
$965M, Ontario allocated to the Ontario Autism Program in 2026-27