Who this affects
School supports are often the only intervention available to the 70,000+ children waiting for OAP services.
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 |
Ontario schools must provide IEP accommodations for autistic students, including educational assistant (EA) support, sensory accommodations, modified instruction, and ABA-informed strategies under PPM 140 (Policy/Program Memorandum 140). No autism diagnosis is required to receive an IEP — accommodations are based on demonstrated need.
With 67,509 children waiting for OAP core services, school-based supports are often the only structured intervention autistic children receive. Parents should request an IEP meeting with their school principal as soon as possible.
Request a Meeting
Contact your school principal in writing to request an IEP meeting. Keep a copy of your request.
Gather Documentation
Bring any assessments, diagnostic reports, therapy records, and your observations of your child's challenges and strengths.
Attend the IEP Meeting
Work with the school team to identify specific accommodations, modifications, and goals. You are a full member of the IEP team.
Review the Written IEP
The school must provide a written IEP within 30 school days. Review it carefully and request changes if needed. The IEP is reviewed each reporting period.
Policy/Program Memorandum 140 requires all Ontario school boards to:
Source: ontario.ca — PPM 140
Put your request in writing to the principal and keep copies of all communication.
Request a formal IPRC meeting if your child has not been identified as exceptional.
Escalate to the school board special education department and/or your school board trustee.
Contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission — schools have a legal duty to accommodate disabilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Free resources for families waiting for OAP include: IEP and EA support through the school board, Autism Ontario's free workshops and social skills groups, Kerry's Place and Kinark family support programs, Community Health Centre speech therapy (income-based), SSAH respite funding, and the Disability Tax Credit. None replace clinical ABA therapy, but each reduces the burden.
Foundational Family Services, EarlyON, financial supports
Interim funding, private therapy, community resources
To appeal an OAP funding decision: (1) Request written reasons for the decision from your OAP provider within 10 business days. (2) Submit a formal internal appeal to the provider's management. (3) If unresolved, escalate to the MCCSS regional office. (4) Contact the Ontario Ombudsman or consider an HRTO application for discrimination-based refusals.
ICR process, timelines, what to expect
Brain development, research evidence, outcomes
School accommodations are a right, not a privilege. Every autistic student deserves support.
Learn About Your RightsCommitment 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
Under the Ontario Education Act, every student with special needs is entitled to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and access to an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC)
88,175 — children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
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
23.4% — Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — 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