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Updated: March 2026
In brief
Most of Ontario's 71,263 waiting children have no funded services while families seek community supports.
Registered
91,974
91,974Children registered
Total registered in the Ontario Autism Program
Funded
20,711
20,711Have active funding
Only 22.5% of registered children
Without active agreement
71,263
71,263Without an active funding agreement
An administrative status; it does not confirm current service delivery.
Verified · MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 91,974 |
| Have active funding | 20,711 |
| Without an active funding agreement | 71,263 |
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 commonly around $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 71,263 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 interim one-time 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
91,974 registered, 77.5% 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-ontarioNext steps
Camp is one of the few supports a family can arrange without an OAP invitation. Here is where to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified answers on autism camps, funding, and costs in Ontario.
Ontario offers several autism-specific and inclusive camp options. Kerry's Place Autism Services operates residential and day camps specifically for autistic individuals across multiple locations. Autism Ontario runs March Break and summer camp programs in various communities. Many mainstream camps offer inclusive programming with 1:1 support workers. Camp Kodiak, Camp Kirk, and Camp Kennebec are well-known camps specializing in developmental disabilities including autism.
OAP Core Funding can be used for eligible services related to a child's clinical plan, but it cannot typically be used for recreational camp fees directly. However, some therapeutic camp programs delivered by OAP-approved clinicians may qualify. Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding and Passport funding (for adults 18+) can be used for respite workers who accompany a child to camp. Families should check with their OAP service provider about eligible uses.
Costs vary significantly by program type. Day camps commonly range from around $200-$500 per week. Residential camps commonly range from roughly $1,500-$4,000 per week depending on support level (confirm current rates with camps). Some programs offer subsidies or sliding-scale fees. Autism Ontario community programs are often lower cost ($100-$300/week). Families can explore SSAH, Passport, and charitable bursaries to offset costs.
Several options exist for families with limited budgets. Autism Ontario offers subsidized programs in many regions. Easter Seals Ontario provides camperships for children with disabilities. Some municipalities offer inclusive recreation programs at reduced rates. The Ontario March Break and Summer Camp Tax Credit provides a 20% tax credit on eligible camp fees, with an enhanced credit for children with disabilities.
Start with Autism Ontario's community program listings at autismontario.com, which are organized by region. Kerry's Place camps serve families across Ontario from multiple locations. Contact your local Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) office for regional options. The Ontario Camp Association (ontariocamps.ca) allows filtering by special needs accommodation. Facebook parent groups for your region often have current recommendations.
Take Action
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What free autism resources are available in Ontario?
VerifiedFree 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 · Open source record
What are OAP Foundational Family Services?
VerifiedFoundational 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 · Open source record
Is there a maximum SSAH funding amount in Ontario?
VerifiedOntario does not publish a fixed province-wide SSAH minimum, maximum, typical amount, or standard monthly payment. For an eligible child under 18, MCCSS considers the child’s support needs, family circumstances, and available program resources. The family’s approval letter controls its amount, funding period, and claim deadline.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services — SSAH · Open source record
Sources on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
91,974
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
22.5%
Only 20,711 children have active funding agreements (22.5%), 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
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