Direct answer
An OHIP-covered autism assessment through Ontario hospital diagnostic hubs (SickKids, CHEO, McMaster, Holland Bloorview, Thames Valley) costs nothing but involves waits of 2-5 years. Private comprehensive psychoeducational assessments cost $3,000-$5,000. Standalone ADOS-2 assessments from private psychologists cost approximately $1,500-$2,500. Registered psychologist fees may be covered by employer group benefits or HSA.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
Ontario's publicly funded autism assessments are available through regional hospital diagnostic hubs. These include The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, CHEO in Ottawa, McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and Thames Valley Children's Centre in London. Referrals come from family doctors or pediatricians. The assessment is free under OHIP, but wait lists are long — typically 2-5 years in 2024-25.
Private assessments in Ontario are conducted by registered psychologists (College of Psychologists of Ontario). A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment (including cognitive testing, adaptive behaviour, autism-specific tools, and a detailed report) typically costs $3,000-$5,000. The wide range reflects differences in clinician experience, geographic location, and the complexity of the assessment.
Ontario's publicly funded autism assessments are available through regional hospital diagnostic hubs. These include The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, CHEO in Ottawa, McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and Thames Valley Children's Centre in London. Referrals come from family doctors or pediatricians. The assessment is free under OHIP, but wait lists are long — typically 2-5 years in 2024-25.
During the wait for a public assessment, families can access private assessments. The OHIP-covered route does not preclude private assessment — families sometimes complete a private assessment to access OAP registration sooner and remain on the public assessment list for an updated report. A private assessment may also be faster if the child's profile is complex and the family wants a detailed written report for school or insurance purposes.
Private assessments in Ontario are conducted by registered psychologists (College of Psychologists of Ontario). A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment (including cognitive testing, adaptive behaviour, autism-specific tools, and a detailed report) typically costs $3,000-$5,000. The wide range reflects differences in clinician experience, geographic location, and the complexity of the assessment.
Some employer group benefit plans cover psychological assessment fees up to an annual limit (commonly $500-$2,000). Health Spending Accounts (HSA) and Medical Expense Tax Credits (METC) can also offset private assessment costs. Families should ask their insurance provider whether psychologist fees are an eligible benefit before proceeding. Some university training clinics offer supervised assessments at reduced rates ($500-$1,500).
MOHLTC
Ontario Ministry of Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Services (2024)
CPO
College of Psychologists of Ontario, Professional Fee Guidance and Practice Standards (2024)
In Ontario, autism can be diagnosed by psychologists, developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, and some pediatricians. Learn the pathways and costs.
A comprehensive autism assessment includes developmental history, standardized testing (ADOS-2, ADI-R), cognitive assessment, and clinical observation.
Autism assessments through hospitals and some community agencies are OHIP-covered but have 12-24 month waits. Private assessments cost $2,500-$5,000.
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.
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate