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Registrations have grown about ~300% since the 2019 redesign, from an estimated 23,000 to 91,974 children.
Direct answer
Ontario Autism Program registrations have grown about ~300% since the program was redesigned in 2019. Registrations went from an estimated 23,000 children at the time of the redesign to 91,974 as of May 13, 2026. The 2019 figure is approximate, so the growth percentage is rounded.
The 2019 baseline of about 23,000 is approximate. The government did not publish exact real-time registration counts at the time of the April 2019 redesign. Because the baseline is approximate, the growth figure is rounded and shown with a qualifier.
Around the April 2019 Ontario Autism Program redesign, an estimated 23,000 children were registered. By 2023-24, the Financial Accountability Office (FAO) reported 70,176 registered children, with 19,966 receiving core services. As of May 13, 2026, CBC News freedom-of-information data shows 91,974 registered.
That is an overall increase of about ~300% in registrations since 2019. Between the last FAO report and the latest CBC FOI data alone, registrations rose by 21,798 children, about 31%. CBC News reported registrations jumped about 21% since mid-2024.
Funded enrollment has not kept pace. As of May 13, 2026, only 20,711 of 91,974 registered children (22.5%) had active funding agreements. That leaves 71,263 children waiting without funded services.
The 2019 baseline of about 23,000 children is not an exact government count. The province did not publish exact real-time registration figures at the time of the redesign. The estimate comes from Financial Accountability Office context and Ontario Autism Coalition historical tracking. Because the starting number is approximate, we round the growth figure and label it with a qualifier rather than stating it to the decimal.
These figures count only children registered in the Ontario Autism Program. They do not include children who are still awaiting an autism diagnosis and cannot yet register. The true number of children needing services is larger than the registered count.
The current total behind this trend.
The monthly rate driving the growth.
Where the trend points next.
Primary source for the current figures. Bi-weekly Ontario Autism Program progress reports covering late June 2024 through early January 2026, obtained through freedom of information. Source for the 91,974 registered and 20,711 funded.
Source for the 2023-24 comparison point of 70,176 registered and 19,966 receiving core services, and for the context behind the approximate 2019 baseline.
Next Steps
Registrations are up about ~300% since 2019, but only 22.5% of registered children have an active funding agreement (not proof of service receipt).
Related Resources
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
VerifiedAs 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 ~300% 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
What percentage of registered children receive autism services in Ontario?
VerifiedOf 91,974 children registered in the Ontario Autism Program (May 13, 2026), only 22.5% are receiving core clinical services funding. The vast majority — approximately 77.5% — remain on the waitlist during their most critical developmental years.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026 · Verify Link
Has the government cleared the autism backlog?
VerifiedNo. Government claims of "clearing the backlog" refer only to administrative invitations, not actual service delivery. While 91,974 children are registered, 71,263 still lack funding for clinical therapy. May 2026 data confirms that only 22.5% of children have accessed core services.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026 · Verify Link
Evidence on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
OAP registrations jumped 21% since mid-2024, with the number of funded children dipping in some periods despite hundreds more registering
91,974
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
22.5%
Only 20,711 children have active funding agreements (22.5%), less than one in four
$965M
Ontario allocated $965M to the Ontario Autism Program in 2026-27
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism. Timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement