Privacy, on your terms.Analytics run by default. Decline any time.
Direct answer
ABA and occupational therapy target different needs and work best together. ABA targets communication, social skills, and behaviour using reinforcement-based learning (hours vary; set by the clinician after assessment). OT targets sensory processing, fine motor development, self-care, and environmental adaptation (hours also set after assessment). Both are funded within OAP Core Clinical Services.
About This Article
Published:
Scroll the table horizontally on a small screen.
| Therapy | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ABA | ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) targets communication, social skills, behaviour patterns, skill acquisition, and reducing harmful behaviours. Approach: reinforcement-based learning; structured trials or naturalistic play. In the OAP, ABA must be delivered or supervised by a behaviour analyst, psychologist or psychological associate registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. Evidence base: Cochrane 2018 EIBI review - gains in adaptive behaviour and communication for children who started before age 6 (low-quality evidence). OAP funded within Core Clinical Services. | Cochrane Collaboration; BACB |
| OT | OT (Occupational Therapy) targets sensory processing, fine motor development, self-care skills (dressing, eating, hygiene), handwriting, and environmental adaptations. Approach: sensory integration, task analysis, environmental modification, child-led activities. Delivered by Registered Occupational Therapist (OT Reg. - Ontario), regulated by COTO. OAP funded within Core Clinical Services. | College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario |
ABA and OT address different but overlapping layers of a child's development. Sensory dysregulation - a core area for OT - can make ABA sessions much harder. A child who is overwhelmed by sound, touch, or visual input may struggle to attend to and benefit from structured ABA learning.
In the OAP, ABA providers and OTs are encouraged to work toward shared goals in the child's treatment plan.
Start with OT first if sensory sensitivities are significantly disrupting daily life, self-care skills are the primary daily struggle, or your child has difficulty sitting or tolerating touch - which will also interfere with ABA sessions.
Start with ABA first if communication is the primary barrier (limited or no functional language), safety-related behaviours are present, or social skills and play skills are the primary developmental priority for the child's age group.
Start both simultaneously if your child has both sensory and communication needs (common), you have funding for both, and your providers are willing to coordinate goals. Always involve your child's diagnostic team in this decision.
ABA targets behavioural patterns, communication, social skills, and skill acquisition using reinforcement-based learning. OT targets sensory processing, fine motor development, self-care skills (dressing, eating, handwriting), and environmental adaptations. The clinician sets the hours after assessment.
Yes - ABA and OT are often used together, and are considered complementary rather than competing. OT can address sensory processing issues that, if unmanaged, create barriers in ABA sessions. Many Ontario children receive both simultaneously or sequentially, with the clinical team coordinating goals.
Yes - the OAP Core Clinical Services budget can fund both ABA and OT within a child's individualized service plan. However, most families are still on the waitlist. Families currently funded by OAP should confirm with their AccessOAP care coordinator which therapy types are eligible under their funding.
There is no universal answer - it depends on the child's current profile of strengths and needs. OT tends to be the first recommendation when sensory processing and self-care are the primary barriers. ABA tends to be the first recommendation when communication, social skills, and behaviour are the primary targets. Ideally, both are assessed and a coordinated plan is developed.
The Cochrane Collaboration (2018) found evidence that Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) may produce gains in adaptive behaviour, cognitive skills, and communication (low-quality evidence). Evidence for OT sensory-based approaches is mixed and still developing; fine-motor and daily-living goals are a standard OT scope. Both have evidence bases; neither is a cure.
Cochrane Collaboration
Reichow et al. (2018), Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism
College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
COTO regulation of OT practice in Ontario
BACB
Behavior Analyst Certification Board - RBT and BCBA registry
Private ABA and OT costs add up fast. See what families are actually paying.
Private ABA prices vary by provider, clinician role, location, goals, and schedule. Learn what to request in an itemized quote and which funding rules to confirm.
What private OT for autism costs in Ontario, what OHIP and OAP cover, and tax credits.
ABA quotes may omit supervision, assessment, reporting, parent coaching, materials, travel, and cancellation charges. Request every fee in writing before signing.
How much does ABA therapy cost in Ontario?
Private ABA fees in Ontario vary by provider, credentials, setting and intensity. Ask for a complete written quote. OAP Core Clinical Services may fund eligible services after a funding invitation ($6,600–$65,000/year).
Source: Ontario Autism Program: guidelines for core clinical services and supports · Open source record
How many hours of ABA therapy does a child need?
There is no single right number of hours. A Cochrane review (Reichow et al., 2018) found EIBI may improve adaptive behaviour and communication, with low-certainty evidence. Intensity should follow an individual assessment.
Source: Reichow et al., Cochrane 2018 (PMID 29742275) · Open source record
What services are included in the OAP?
The OAP includes: 1) Core Clinical Services (needs-based therapy funding), 2) Foundational Family Services (free webinars/coaching), 3) Caregiver-Mediated Early Years (parent coaching for toddlers), 4) Entry to School (school readiness), and 5) Urgent Response Services (short-term crisis intervention).
Source: Ontario Autism Program Service Streams
Check the author’s context, review method, and how to report an error.
Founder & Autism Advocate
Lived experience: Parent of autistic child navigating OAP system