How fast is the Ontario autism waitlist growing?

An estimated 907 children are added to the unfunded Ontario autism waitlist each month. Roughly 918 children register for the Ontario Autism Program every month. Active Core Funding Agreements increased by about 11 per month over the same measurement window. The difference is the net monthly growth, measured from January 7 to May 13, 2026.

As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children were registered and 71,263 had no active funding agreement. Only 20,711 children (22.5%) had an active Core Funding Agreement — not proof of service receipt. The figures come from Ontario Autism Coalition freedom-of-information data (MCCSS FOI via OAC, May 2026).

No. The unfunded count grows when registrations outpace active Core Funding Agreements. About 918 children register each month, while active agreements increased by about 11 per month in the measurement window. That leaves an estimated net increase of 907 children each month.

Funded enrollment would need to reach about 918 children per month to freeze the waitlist at its current size. That matches the approximate monthly registration rate. To clear the existing backlog within five years, enrollment would need to reach about 2,106 children per month, assuming the current registration rate of about 918 per month stays constant.

About 918 children register each month. Active Core Funding Agreements increased by about 11 per month in the January 7 to May 13, 2026 measurement window. These rates describe OAP program counts, not service receipt.