What are autism diagnosis wait times in Ontario?

Autism diagnosis wait times in Ontario range from 12-30 months for publicly-funded assessments through hospitals and developmental clinics. Private assessments cost $2,000-$4,000 but have shorter wait times of 2-6 months. The diagnosis bottleneck is a significant barrier because a confirmed autism diagnosis is required for OAP registration. This means children may wait 18+ months just to begin the 5-7 year OAP waitlist, effectively waiting 7-9 years total from initial concern to service access. Many families cannot afford private assessments, forcing them into the public waitlist.

How do I get an autism diagnosis for my child in Ontario?

To get an autism diagnosis in Ontario, you can: (1) Request a referral from your family doctor to a hospital autism assessment clinic (publicly funded, 12-30 month wait); (2) Contact a private psychologist or psychological associate who specializes in autism assessment ($2,000-$4,000, 2-6 month wait); (3) Some developmental pediatricians offer autism assessments; (4) Ensure the diagnosing professional is qualified (psychologist, psychological associate, psychiatrist, physician) and uses DSM-5/ICD-11 criteria. Private assessments are faster but expensive; public assessments are free but have long waits.

Does private autism diagnosis qualify for OAP?

Yes, private autism diagnoses qualify for the Ontario Autism Program. OAP accepts diagnoses from qualified private practitioners including psychologists, psychological associates, psychiatrists, and physicians who are registered to practice in Ontario. Ensure the diagnosis clearly states Autism Spectrum Disorder, includes diagnostic criteria (DSM-5 or ICD-11), is on letterhead, and includes the professional credentials and registration number. Private assessments can significantly reduce total wait time by avoiding the 12-30 month public assessment queue.

Where can I get a private autism assessment in Ontario?

Private autism assessments in Ontario are available from: registered psychologists and psychological associates in private practice; some developmental pediatricians; psychological assessment clinics; and some children mental health centres. Costs range from $2,000-$4,000 for a comprehensive autism assessment. Search the College of Psychologists of Ontario directory for qualified practitioners. When contacting providers, ask about: autism assessment experience, wait times, total costs, and whether assessments meet OAP requirements.

What are autism diagnosis wait times in Ontario?

Autism diagnosis wait times in Ontario range from 12-30 months for publicly-funded assessments through hospitals and developmental clinics. Private assessments cost $2,000-$4,000 but have shorter wait times of 2-6 months. The diagnosis bottleneck is a significant barrier because a confirmed autism diagnosis is required for OAP registration. This means children may wait 18+ months just to begin the 5-7 year OAP waitlist, effectively waiting 7-9 years total from initial concern to service access. Many families cannot afford private assessments, forcing them into the public waitlist.

How do I get an autism diagnosis for my child in Ontario?

To get an autism diagnosis in Ontario, you can: (1) Request a referral from your family doctor to a hospital autism assessment clinic (publicly funded, 12-30 month wait); (2) Contact a private psychologist or psychological associate who specializes in autism assessment ($2,000-$4,000, 2-6 month wait); (3) Some developmental pediatricians offer autism assessments; (4) Ensure the diagnosing professional is qualified (psychologist, psychological associate, psychiatrist, physician) and uses DSM-5/ICD-11 criteria. Private assessments are faster but expensive; public assessments are free but have long waits.

Does private autism diagnosis qualify for OAP?

Yes, private autism diagnoses qualify for the Ontario Autism Program. OAP accepts diagnoses from qualified private practitioners including psychologists, psychological associates, psychiatrists, and physicians who are registered to practice in Ontario. Ensure the diagnosis clearly states Autism Spectrum Disorder, includes diagnostic criteria (DSM-5 or ICD-11), is on letterhead, and includes the professional credentials and registration number. Private assessments can significantly reduce total wait time by avoiding the 12-30 month public assessment queue.

Where can I get a private autism assessment in Ontario?

Private autism assessments in Ontario are available from: registered psychologists and psychological associates in private practice; some developmental pediatricians; psychological assessment clinics; and some children mental health centres. Costs range from $2,000-$4,000 for a comprehensive autism assessment. Search the College of Psychologists of Ontario directory for qualified practitioners. When contacting providers, ask about: autism assessment experience, wait times, total costs, and whether assessments meet OAP requirements.

Updated: December 2025

Autism Diagnosis Wait Times in Ontario

Direct Answer

Public diagnosis wait: 12-30 months. Private diagnosis wait: 2-6 months ($2,000-$4,000).

Diagnosis is required for OAP registration. The diagnosis wait effectively adds to the 5-7 year OAP wait, creating a 7-9 year total wait from initial concern to services.

Public Assessment

12-30 mo

Wait time

Free with health card

Private Assessment

2-6 mo

Wait time

$2,000-$4,000

Getting a Diagnosis

Public Path (Free, Long Wait)

Request referral from family doctor to hospital autism assessment clinic. 12-30 month wait.

Private Path (Cost, Faster)

Contact registered psychologist. $2,000-$4,000, 2-6 month wait. Search College of Psychologists of Ontario directory.

Autism Diagnosis Wait Times in Ontario

Direct Answer

Public diagnosis wait: 12-30 months. Private diagnosis wait: 2-6 months ($2,000-$4,000).

Diagnosis is required for OAP registration. The diagnosis wait effectively adds to the 5-7 year OAP wait, creating a 7-9 year total wait from initial concern to services.

Public Assessment

12-30 mo

Wait time

Free with health card

Private Assessment

2-6 mo

Wait time

$2,000-$4,000

Getting a Diagnosis

Public Path (Free, Long Wait)

Request referral from family doctor to hospital autism assessment clinic. 12-30 month wait.

Private Path (Cost, Faster)

Contact registered psychologist. $2,000-$4,000, 2-6 month wait. Search College of Psychologists of Ontario directory.

End The Wait Ontario

Autism Diagnosis Wait Times in Ontario

Direct Answer

Public Assessment

Private Assessment

Getting a Diagnosis

Public Path (Free, Long Wait)

Private Path (Cost, Faster)

Related Questions

How long is the wait for autism services?

Options while waiting for autism services

How to Cite

End The Wait Ontario

Autism Diagnosis Wait Times in Ontario

Direct Answer

Public Assessment

Private Assessment

Getting a Diagnosis

Public Path (Free, Long Wait)

Private Path (Cost, Faster)

Related Questions

How long is the wait for autism services?

Options while waiting for autism services

How to Cite

End The Wait Ontario

Autism Diagnosis Wait Times in Ontario

Direct Answer

Public Assessment

Private Assessment

Getting a Diagnosis

Public Path (Free, Long Wait)

Private Path (Cost, Faster)

Related Questions

How long is the wait for autism services?

Options while waiting for autism services

How to Cite

Autism Diagnosis Wait Times in Ontario

Direct Answer

Public Assessment

Private Assessment

Getting a Diagnosis

Public Path (Free, Long Wait)

Private Path (Cost, Faster)

Related Questions

How long is the wait for autism services?

Options while waiting for autism services

How to Cite