Direct answer
The OAP Determination of Needs (DON) assessment is a structured 2–6 hour intake conversation between your family and an <a href="/oap-funding-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline font-medium">AccessOAP</a> assessor that determines your child's annual Core Clinical Funding amount. After it is complete, AccessOAP issues a Core Funding Agreement within 4–12 weeks. Preparation directly affects how accurately your child's needs are captured.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
Autism diagnosis letter — the original diagnostic report from your developmental paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Confirms eligibility.
Communication: How does your child communicate when they want something? When they are upset? Can they follow multi-step directions?
Plan for longer than you think. Many parents report 4–6 hour assessments. Consider splitting into 2–3 shorter sessions to keep the conversation focused.
<a href="/oap-funding-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline font-medium">AccessOAP</a> compiles the assessor's notes into a Determination of Needs report.
Autism diagnosis letter — the original diagnostic report from your developmental paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Confirms eligibility.
Current IEP or IPRC documentation — shows what supports your child currently has at school.
Reports from current or previous private therapists — ABA, OT, SLP, psychology, physiotherapy. Include progress reports if available.
Medical records relevant to development — hearing/vision tests, sleep studies, genetic testing, neurology consults. Include any co-occurring conditions (ADHD, anxiety, epilepsy, GI issues).
Written list of current needs — be specific: "needs visual schedule for transitions" rather than "needs help with transitions". Communication, daily living, behaviour, learning, social.
List of current supports — school EAs, family help, respite providers, community programs. Helps the assessor understand the gap.
Communication: How does your child communicate when they want something? When they are upset? Can they follow multi-step directions?
Daily living: Walk me through a typical morning. Does your child dress themselves? Brush teeth? Use the toilet independently?
Behaviour and sensory: Tell me about behaviours that get in the way. What helps when your child is dysregulated? Sensory sensitivities or seeking?
Current supports and goals: What therapy or supports does your child have right now? What has worked? What are your top three goals for the next 12 months?
Plan for longer than you think. Many parents report 4–6 hour assessments. Consider splitting into 2–3 shorter sessions to keep the conversation focused.
Write down specific examples in advance. Concrete is better than general — "He had three meltdowns yesterday" beats "He has meltdowns at transitions".
Bring a partner or support person if possible. One parent answers, the other takes notes.
Be honest about hard days. Funding decisions are made on need. Painting a rosier picture than reality leads to less funding than your child actually requires.
<a href="/oap-funding-guide" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline font-medium">AccessOAP</a> compiles the assessor's notes into a Determination of Needs report.
Within 4–12 weeks, you receive a Core Funding Agreement specifying annual amount and approved service categories.
Once funding is in place, you can book OAP-eligible providers. Keep all receipts, invoices, and progress reports for annual reconciliation.
AccessOAP
OAP needs assessment process — 1-833-425-2445
Parent reports
Tier 3 — Aggregated from parent accounts in public community forums
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.
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