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The numbers behind the answer
Every question on this page traces back to one of these three numbers.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Just 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified , CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
While waiting 5+ years for OAP services, Ontario families have limited options: apply for interim funding, seek private therapy if affordable, access school accommodations, join research studies, use community resources, implement parent-led interventions, and advocate for system change.
Important: No option fully replaces comprehensive OAP services. Most options have waitlists, costs, or capacity limitations. The majority of families go without adequate services during the wait.
Request an Individual Education Plan through your school. No diagnosis required for accommodations like visual schedules, quiet spaces, sensory breaks, and modified instruction.
Commonly pursued by families on the OAP waitlist
Apply for OAP interim funding, entry-to-school programs, and one-time funding opportunities. Check Access OAP portal regularly for new programs.
Availability: Limited, first-come-first-served
Pay out-of-pocket for private ABA, speech, or occupational therapy. Costs are prohibitive for most families. Some extended health benefits may cover portions.
Availability: Only for families who can afford
University and hospital research studies often provide free therapy in exchange for participation. Check U of T, McMaster, Western, York, and Hospital for Sick Children.
Availability: Limited, eligibility requirements
Autism Ontario (chapters, workshops), Geneva Centre (webinars), Kerry Place (some services), EarlyON centres (developmental programs), public health preschool speech.
Availability: Varies by region, waitlists common
Use free online resources to learn and implement strategies at home: AFIRM (naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions), Autism Speaks toolkits, Rethink Autism (some free content).
Note: Cannot replace professional therapy
Families with school-age children waiting for OAP services may benefit from pursuing accommodations through the IEP process. Ontario schools are required to provide accommodations based on need, not diagnosis.
Common accommodations: Visual schedules, extra processing time, quiet workspace, sensory breaks, simplified instructions, assistive technology, communication supports, modified work.
Key Resources
Access OAP (1-833-425-2445), Autism Ontario (autismontario.com), Geneva Centre for Autism, Kerry Place Autism Services, EarlyON Child and Family Centres.
Research Studies
Check university autism research centres: U of T, McGill, McMaster, Western, York, Queen for current study opportunities.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes. End The Wait Ontario does not provide clinical services or endorsements.
Families waiting for OAP can access: SSAH respite funding (apply separately through MCCSS), school IEP supports, free social skills groups through Autism Ontario, Kinark, and Kerry's Place, federally-funded early speech therapy through some CHCs, and the Disability Tax Credit. Private therapy cost-sharing through insurance may also apply, check your employer benefits.
Systemic constraints, funding gaps, barriers
Detailed cost breakdown, insurance options
Ontario's OAP provides up to $28,000/year for children under 6 (Core Clinical) and up to $20,000/year for children 6–17. The Childhood Budget stream offers $1,500–$2,500/month for flexible community services. Total OAP spending in 2026-27 is $965M. The Financial Accountability Office estimated $1.35B is needed, leaving a $385M gap.
OAP funding amounts, eligibility, timing
Registration, applications, managing the process
APA Style:
End The Wait Ontario. (2026). What Are My Options While Waiting for OAP Autism Services? Retrieved February 3, 2026, from https://www.endthewaitontario.com/answers/options-while-waiting-oapPlain Language:
"Based on Ontario.ca program listings and MCCSS guidelines, families waiting 5+ years for OAP services have limited options including school accommodations, interim funding programs, research studies, community resources, and private therapy if affordable."
Ontario families deserve more than limited options while waiting years for services.
Demand Change NowCommitment 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.
Related Resources
Verified Facts
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
$965M, Ontario allocated 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