Who this affects
Over 70,000 children are waiting for OAP services — many with co-occurring diagnoses that complicate the wait.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Just 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified — CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
Yes, research consistently shows that 50–70% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD. Since the DSM-5 (2013), clinicians can diagnose both conditions simultaneously. Both conditions can be assessed together through a comprehensive developmental assessment. An additional ADHD diagnosis does not change OAP eligibility — services are based on the autism diagnosis. However, understanding both conditions helps clinicians create more effective treatment plans.
Children with both autism and ADHD often experience more pronounced daily functioning challenges and may benefit from combined behavioural and pharmacological treatment approaches.
Autism and ADHD share several features, which is why they frequently co-occur and can be challenging to distinguish:
Referral to a specialist
Ask your family doctor for a referral to a developmental paediatrician or registered psychologist experienced in both conditions.
Comprehensive assessment
Includes ADOS-2 (autism), ADHD rating scales (Conners/Vanderbilt), cognitive testing, adaptive behaviour assessment, and clinical interviews. Typical cost: $2,500–$5,000 privately.
Integrated report
The assessment report will clarify whether one or both diagnoses apply and provide tailored recommendations for treatment and school accommodations.
Wait times: Public assessment waitlists in Ontario average 1–2 years as of 2025. Private assessments are typically available within weeks but cost $2,500–$5,000 out of pocket. Some families use their OAP core funding to cover private assessment costs.
OAP context: With 88,175 children registered and only 23.4% receiving core services as of January 2026, children with dual diagnoses face the same multi-year wait for OAP services. ADHD medication management can often begin through a family physician while waiting for OAP behavioural services.
Co-occurrence Research
Rommelse, N. N., et al. (2010). "A review on cognitive and brain endophenotypes that may be common in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder." Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 34(3), 311-325. The 50-70% co-occurrence rate is widely cited in peer-reviewed literature.
DSM-5 Change
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Removed the exclusion preventing simultaneous autism and ADHD diagnoses.
As of January 2026, 67,509 children in Ontario are registered with the OAP but have no funded services — 76.6% of the total 88,175 registered. This does not include children awaiting an autism diagnosis who cannot yet register. The waitlist grows by approximately 402 children per month.
88,175 registered, 76.6% waiting for services
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provides provincial funding for autism services for children under 18 with an ASD diagnosis. As of January 2026, 88,175 children are registered. Only 23.4% have active funding. The program offers Core Clinical funding (up to $28,000/year for children under 6) and Childhood Budget (flexible community services funding).
Programs, eligibility, and how it works
While waiting for OAP with a dual autism/ADHD diagnosis: request an IEP that addresses both conditions, ask the psychiatrist for ADHD medication management (typically shorter wait), apply for SSAH for respite, pursue the Disability Tax Credit, and connect with Autism Ontario chapters for peer support groups. ADHD coaching may also be covered under some insurance plans.
Interim supports and resources available now
Why the 0-6 developmental window matters
APA Style:
End The Wait Ontario. (2026). Can My Child Have Both Autism and ADHD? Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://www.endthewaitontario.com/answers/autism-and-adhd-dual-diagnosisChildren with dual diagnoses face the same multi-year waits for services during critical developmental windows.
Take Action to Help End the WaitCommitment 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.
Verified Facts
Evidence supports autism screening and intervention commencing in the first 2 years of life — earlier identification directly enables earlier intervention during the highest neural plasticity window
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
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
88,175 — children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.4% — Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four