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End The Wait Ontario is a parent-led advocacy organization. We publish FOI-verified data on the Ontario Autism Program waitlist and push for evidence-based reform. Built for Ontario families, researchers, and journalists.

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Legal Disclaimer: This website presents advocacy arguments based on publicly available data and legal frameworks. While we strive for accuracy, this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Nothing on this website should be construed as a guarantee of any specific legal outcome.

Independence: End The Wait Ontario is a parent-led advocacy group. We are not affiliated with the Ontario government, the Ontario Autism Coalition, Autism Ontario, or the World Health Organization. We cite FOI data obtained by the Ontario Autism Coalition as a matter of public record. This does not constitute affiliation. References to these organizations are for informational purposes; no endorsement is implied.

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Statistics are current as of the dates cited and may change. For specific legal guidance, consult a licensed attorney. For medical advice, consult qualified healthcare professionals. Last updated: 2026.

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Founded by the family behind Carroll v. Ontario, a human-rights case about autism wait times (HRTO 2025-62264-I, not yet decided).

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  1. Home
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  3. ›Autism vs ADHD: Dual Diagnosis & Treatment in Ontario
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Direct answer

Autism vs ADHD: Dual Diagnosis & Treatment in Ontario

Verified answerVerified 2026-05-13

Direct answer

Research indicates 50-70% of autistic individuals also meet criteria for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). In Ontario, both conditions can be diagnosed simultaneously — the DSM-5 removed the previous restriction against dual diagnosis in 2013. An autism + ADHD dual diagnosis qualifies for OAP services. ADHD medication can be prescribed alongside ABA and other autism therapies.

50-70%
ADHD Comorbidity
Lai et al., 2019
Since DSM-5 (2013)
Dual Diagnosis Allowed
Yes (autism diagnosis)
OAP Eligible
OHIP-covered
ADHD Medication

This is an independent advocacy resource providing publicly available information. It does not represent any government body, professional organization, or service provider.

FOI & Government Data
Last verified: May 13, 2026Sources: FAO Report 2023-24 (Financial Accountability Office of Ontario) · 2026 Ontario Budget (tabled March 26, 2026) · CBC News FOI investigation — bi-weekly OAP progress reports, Jun 2024 – Jan 2026, published Mar 30, 2026 (Nicole Brockbank & Angelina King) · MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports, Dec 10, 2025 – Mar 4, 2026, obtained under Freedom of Information (release CSS2026-0749) · MCCSS Ontario Autism Program figures as of May 13, 2026, released under Freedom of Information to the Ontario Autism Coalition and published in the OAC "OAP At A Glance" update, July 2026 (ontarioautismcoalition.com)

Autism vs ADHD: Dual Diagnosis & Treatment in Ontario

  • ADHD Comorbidity: 50-70% (Lai et al., 2019)
  • Dual Diagnosis Allowed: Since DSM-5 (2013)
  • OAP Eligible: Yes (autism diagnosis)
  • ADHD Medication: OHIP-covered

How Autism and ADHD Overlap

Autism and ADHD share several features that can make differential diagnosis challenging: difficulty with attention, social challenges, executive function deficits, and sensory sensitivities. Key distinguishing features include the quality of social differences (autism involves qualitative social communication differences; ADHD involves difficulty sustaining attention in social contexts) and the presence of restricted/repetitive interests (more characteristic of autism).

A comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional can distinguish between autism-only, ADHD-only, and dual diagnosis. This distinction matters for treatment planning, as each condition benefits from different interventions.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Research shows 50-70% of autistic individuals also have ADHD. Since DSM-5 (2013), clinicians can diagnose both conditions simultaneously. A dual diagnosis qualifies for OAP and ADHD-specific treatments.

ADHD medication (such as methylphenidate) can help manage attention and hyperactivity symptoms in autistic children who also have ADHD. It does not treat autism core features. Discuss with your child's physician, as response and side effects may differ from non-autistic children.

No. OAP eligibility is based on the autism diagnosis. Having co-occurring ADHD does not change OAP eligibility or funding amounts. The dual diagnosis may inform therapy planning to address both conditions.

Sources

1

Research

Lai et al. (2019), "Autism and ADHD across the lifespan," The Lancet Psychiatry, 6(8), 677-686

2

APA

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association (2013)

Related questions

What Does an Autism Assessment Include in Ontario?

A comprehensive autism assessment includes developmental history, standardized testing (ADOS-2, ADI-R), cognitive assessment, and clinical observation.

Autism Levels 1, 2, and 3: What Do They Mean?

Autism levels 1, 2, and 3 explained: what each DSM-5 support level means and how all three qualify for Ontario Autism Program funding.

Why Are Girls Diagnosed with Autism Later in Ontario?

Girls are diagnosed with autism an average of 1.5 years later than boys. Learn about masking, diagnostic bias, and how to advocate for assessment.

Verified References & Sources

Updated: Mar 2026

Government Reports & Data

  • [2024]
    Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan ReviewVerified FAO Data
    Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2024-06-05
    View
  • [2026]
    Ontario Autism Program figures as of May 13, 2026 (MCCSS, released under Freedom of Information to the Ontario Autism Coalition; published in the OAC "OAP At A Glance" update, July 2026)Verified FAO Data
    Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario), obtained by the Ontario Autism Coalition • Report • 2026-05-13
    View

Official Organizations

  • [2023]
    Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact SheetOfficial Source
    World Health Organization (WHO) • Official • 2023-11-15
    View

Commitment 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.

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Next Steps

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Related Resources

  • Questions Answered
  • FAQ
  • Verified Facts (Citation-Ready)
  • Evidence & Research
Citable source facts(3)Question-and-answer pairs with their source and verification link.

How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?

Verified

As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents approximately 290% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.

Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link

How long do families wait for Ontario autism services?

Verified

Ontario autism wait times for core clinical services now exceed 5+ years (2026). Most families currently receiving invitations registered in 2020 or earlier. This delay far exceeds the sensitive early intervention window recommended by developmental specialists.

Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link

Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?

Verified

Yes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated $965 million, leaving an estimated $385M+ annual shortfall. This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 91,974+ child waitlist.

Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO] · Verify Link

About This Article

Written by Spencer Carroll

Founder & Autism Advocate

Parent of autistic child navigating OAP system