End The Wait Ontario
End The Wait Ontario
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The early intervention window for autism is ages 0-6, when neuroplasticity is highest and ABA therapy is most effective. The World Health Organization recommends starting within months of diagnosis.
Ontario 5-7 year wait times mean most children diagnosed today will not receive services until ages 8-10, missing the entire critical window.
The 0-6 period is when brain development is most rapid. Neural pathways are forming and the brain is highly responsive to behavioural intervention.
Every $1 invested in early intervention saves $7-20 in long-term costs.
Ontario Future Liability: With 64,400+ children waiting 5-7 years, Ontario is creating $100-200 billion in avoidable future costs.
WHO Guidelines
World Health Organization. (2023). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence-Based Interventions and Guidelines.
Ontario Wait Times
Freedom of Information Request MCSS-2025-12-10, Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Methodology
Full methodology at /sources/methodology.
Wait times, historical trends, factors affecting duration
Costs of delayed intervention, long-term consequences
International comparison, standard of care
Interim strategies, resources, coping mechanisms
APA Style:
End The Wait Ontario. (2026). What is the Early Intervention Window for Autism? Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://www.endthewaitontario.com/answers/autism-early-intervention-windowPlain Language:
"According to End The Wait Ontario's December 2025 analysis, the early intervention window for autism is ages 0-6 when neuroplasticity is highest. Ontario 5-7 year wait times mean most children miss this critical period."
Every month of delay counts. Protect the critical window for all children.
Protect the Early YearsThe early intervention window for autism is ages 0-6, when neuroplasticity is highest and ABA therapy is most effective. The World Health Organization recommends starting within months of diagnosis.
Ontario 5-7 year wait times mean most children diagnosed today will not receive services until ages 8-10, missing the entire critical window.
The 0-6 period is when brain development is most rapid. Neural pathways are forming and the brain is highly responsive to behavioural intervention.
Every $1 invested in early intervention saves $7-20 in long-term costs.
Ontario Future Liability: With 64,400+ children waiting 5-7 years, Ontario is creating $100-200 billion in avoidable future costs.
WHO Guidelines
World Health Organization. (2023). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence-Based Interventions and Guidelines.
Ontario Wait Times
Freedom of Information Request MCSS-2025-12-10, Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Methodology
Full methodology at /sources/methodology.
Wait times, historical trends, factors affecting duration
Costs of delayed intervention, long-term consequences
International comparison, standard of care
Interim strategies, resources, coping mechanisms
APA Style:
End The Wait Ontario. (2026). What is the Early Intervention Window for Autism? Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://www.endthewaitontario.com/answers/autism-early-intervention-windowPlain Language:
"According to End The Wait Ontario's December 2025 analysis, the early intervention window for autism is ages 0-6 when neuroplasticity is highest. Ontario 5-7 year wait times mean most children miss this critical period."
Every month of delay counts. Protect the critical window for all children.
Protect the Early Years