Direct answer
Yes, the Ontario Autism Program covers Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy through core clinical childhood budgets up to $6,600–$65,000/year. Families need an OAP invitation first, after waits of 5+ years (ETWO analysis of MCCSS FOI data). Private ABA therapy in Ontario typically costs $50-80/hour for a registered behaviour technician (RBT) and $120-200/hour for BCBA supervision.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is one of the primary therapies covered by OAP core clinical childhood budgets. When a family receives their OAP invitation, they work with an approved provider to develop an individualized therapy plan that may include ABA, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or a combination.
The OAP requires that ABA services be delivered by qualified professionals: Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) for program design and supervision, and Registered Behaviour Technicians (RBTs) for direct service delivery.
Many families pay for private ABA therapy while waiting for their OAP invitation. Private ABA costs in Ontario typically range from $50-80/hour for direct RBT service and $120-200/hour for BCBA consultation and program design. Intensive ABA programs (20-40 hours/week) can cost $50,000-$80,000 per year privately.
Some private insurance plans cover a portion of ABA therapy costs. Check your employer benefits plan for "psychology" or "behaviour therapy" coverage, which may partially offset private ABA expenses.
MCCSS
Ontario Autism Program Provider Guidelines (2024)
ONTABA
Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis, Provider Rate Survey (2024)
Ontario Autism Program core clinical funding ranges up to $6,600–$65,000/year. Amounts vary by age band and support level.
Private ABA therapy in Ontario costs $50-80/hour (RBT) and $120-200/hour (BCBA). Full intensive programs cost $50,000-$80,000/year. See the cost breakdown.
Compare intensive ABA (20-40 hrs/week) and focused ABA (10-15 hrs/week). Learn age considerations, cost differences, and which model fits your child.
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.
How long do families wait for Ontario autism services?
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: OAC FOI Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate