In Ontario, specialized feeding therapy for autistic children is available through children's treatment centres, hospital-based programs, and private clinics. The SOS Approach to Feeding and ABA-based feeding protocols are the primary evidence-based methods. OAP core clinical funding covers feeding therapy by approved OTs and SLPs. Hospital programs at Holland Bloorview, McMaster Children's, and CHEO accept referrals for severe feeding disorders including tube-weaning.
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Feeding difficulties affect 70-90% of autistic children, ranging from mild food selectivity to severe restriction requiring tube feeding. Sensory processing differences drive most feeding challenges: textures, temperatures, colors, smells, and mixed foods can trigger strong aversive responses. Some children eat fewer than five foods. Others rely on supplemental tube feeding (NG or G-tube) to maintain nutrition.
Ontario offers several pathways to feeding therapy. Hospital-based multidisciplinary feeding clinics (Holland Bloorview, McMaster Children's Hospital, CHEO, SickKids) provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for severe cases including tube weaning. Wait times are 6-18 months. Children's treatment centres offer outpatient feeding therapy with shorter waits.
Feeding difficulties affect 70-90% of autistic children, ranging from mild food selectivity to severe restriction requiring tube feeding. Sensory processing differences drive most feeding challenges: textures, temperatures, colors, smells, and mixed foods can trigger strong aversive responses. Some children eat fewer than five foods. Others rely on supplemental tube feeding (NG or G-tube) to maintain nutrition.
Medical factors must be ruled out first. GERD, food allergies, oral-motor difficulties, and constipation are more common in autistic children and may cause pain during eating. A pediatric gastroenterologist should evaluate any child with severe feeding restriction before therapy begins.
Ontario offers several pathways to feeding therapy. Hospital-based multidisciplinary feeding clinics (Holland Bloorview, McMaster Children's Hospital, CHEO, SickKids) provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for severe cases including tube weaning. Wait times are 6-18 months. Children's treatment centres offer outpatient feeding therapy with shorter waits.
OAP core clinical funding covers feeding therapy when delivered by approved occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists. Private feeding therapists charge $120-180 per hour. When seeking a provider, look for specific training in the SOS Approach to Feeding, ABA-based feeding protocols, or pediatric feeding disorders. The combination of OT addressing sensory and motor components with BCBA addressing behavioural components often produces the best outcomes.
Research
Ledford & Gast (2006), "Feeding Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review," Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21(3), 153-166
MCCSS
Ontario Autism Program — Core Clinical Services: Occupational Therapy Guidelines (2024)
Food selectivity affects up to 70% of autistic children. Feeding therapy through SLP and OT can help. Learn about approaches, OAP coverage, and when to seek help.
OT-based sensory integration therapy addresses sensory processing differences in autistic children. Learn about the evidence, OAP coverage, and what to expect.
Overview of SLP approaches for autism: traditional articulation, AAC, social pragmatic, and PROMPT. Learn OAP coverage, costs, and how to choose.
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.
Verified Facts
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) delivered to children aged 18–30 months produced significant gains in IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism severity — some children no longer met diagnostic criteria at follow-up
Cochrane systematic review finds evidence that early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with ASD (low certainty of evidence)
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four