The waiting reality
Most of Ontario's 69,166 waiting children have no funded services while families seek community supports.
Registered
89,799Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Funded
20,633Have active funding
Only 23% of registered children
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Waiting
69,166Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Verified , MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 89,799 |
| Have active funding | 20,633 |
| Still waiting | 69,166 |
Ontario offers specialized autism camps through Kerry's Place Autism Services, Autism Ontario March Break and summer programs, and inclusive camps with 1:1 support workers. Specialized residential camps (Camp Kodiak, Camp Kirk, Camp Kennebec) also serve autistic campers. Costs range from $200–$500/week for day camps to $1,500–$4,000/week for residential programs. Funding may be available through SSAH, Passport, Easter Seals camperships, and the Ontario camp tax credit.
For the 69,166 children waiting for OAP core services, camp programs can provide valuable social, recreational, and skill-building opportunities during the wait.
Ontario's largest autism-specific service provider operates residential and day camp programs with trained staff experienced in autism support. Programs run during March Break and summer across multiple Ontario locations.
Website: kerrysplace.org
Autism Ontario offers March Break camps, summer day programs, social skills groups, and recreational activities in communities across the province. Programs are often lower cost and may offer subsidies for families in financial need.
Website: autismontario.com
Camp Kodiak (McKellar), serves children and teens with learning differences and autism. Camp Kirk (Kirkfield), specializes in learning disabilities and ADHD, with autism-aware programming. Camp Kennebec(Arden), one of Canada's oldest camps for children with special needs, including autism. These camps typically offer 1–2 week sessions with trained support staff.
| Camp Type | Typical Cost | Funding Options |
|---|---|---|
| Day Camp (community) | $200–$500/week | SSAH, camp tax credit, subsidies |
| Autism Ontario Programs | $100–$300/week | Subsidized, sliding scale available |
| Residential (specialized) | $1,500–$4,000/week | Easter Seals, SSAH, Passport (18+) |
| Inclusive camp with 1:1 | $500–$1,500/week | SSAH for support worker costs |
Tax credit: Ontario provides a 20% tax credit on eligible camp fees (Ontario Childcare and Camp Tax Credit), with an enhanced amount for children with disabilities.
Check Autism Ontario
Visit autismontario.com and navigate to your local chapter for regional camp listings and community programs.
Ontario Camp Association
Use ontariocamps.ca to search by location and filter for camps with special needs accommodation and trained staff.
Contact your DSO
Developmental Services Ontario offices maintain listings of regional programs and can connect you with funded options.
Ask your municipality
Many municipal recreation departments offer inclusive camp programs with support worker options at subsidized rates.
Camp Programs
Kerry's Place Autism Services (kerrysplace.org) and Autism Ontario (autismontario.com). Costs are approximate ranges based on publicly listed program fees.
Funding Information
Ontario SSAH and Passport program guidelines, Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Tax credit: Ontario Childcare and Camp Tax Credit (ontario.ca).
While waiting for OAP, Ontario families can access autism-specific summer camps, many of which are subsidized through Autism Ontario chapters or privately run with sliding-scale fees. OAP Childhood Budget funding (once received) can cover some camp costs. Look for camps specifically designed for autistic children, they offer trained staff and sensory-friendly programming.
Interim supports, resources, community programs
Core funding amounts and eligible uses
89,799 registered, 77% still waiting
ABA, speech therapy, OT costs in Ontario
APA Style:
End The Wait Ontario. (2026). What Autism-Friendly Camps Are Available in Ontario? Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://www.endthewaitontario.com/answers/autism-camps-ontarioCamp programs provide valuable social and recreational opportunities for children waiting years for OAP services.
Explore Resources for Waiting FamiliesWhat free autism resources are available in Ontario?
Free autism resources in Ontario include: EarlyON Child and Family Centres (drop-in), Preschool Speech and Language (assessment/therapy), OAP Caregiver Workshops (training), and Foundational Family Services. These are available without the main OAP waitlist but do not replace intensive clinical therapy.
Source: Ontario.ca · Verify Link
What are OAP Foundational Family Services?
Foundational Family Services (FFS) are free OAP supports available without a waitlist, including parent workshops, coaching, and resource navigation. While valuable for learning strategies, FFS does NOT include direct therapy for children—families still face multi-year waits for Core Clinical Services that address skill development.
Source: Ontario Autism Program · Verify Link
What is Special Services at Home (SSAH)?
SSAH provides funding for respite and personal growth programming for children with physical or developmental disabilities. It is separate from OAP. Families can receive funding to hire respite workers or pay for camps/classes. Waitlists for SSAH can also be 1-2 years.
Source: MCCSS SSAH Program
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Evidence on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
89,799
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23%
Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements (23%) — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement