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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 |
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is a behavioural profile associated with autism, characterized by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands and expectations. The avoidance is driven by anxiety, not willful defiance. PDA is not a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5 (the diagnostic manual used in Ontario) but is increasingly recognized by clinicians as a profile within autism spectrum disorder. A child with a PDA profile would typically receive an autism diagnosis, qualifying for OAP services.
First described by Elizabeth Newson (UK, 1980s). Growing international research base, but formal DSM recognition has not occurred as of 2026.
| Feature | PDA Profile | ODD |
|---|---|---|
| Driving force | Anxiety, overwhelm | Anger, defiance |
| Avoids demands from | Everyone (including self and peers) | Authority figures primarily |
| Avoids enjoyable activities | Yes, when framed as demands | No |
| Social strategies | Sophisticated (excuses, distraction, negotiation) | Blunt refusal, hostility |
| Co-occurs with autism | PDA is a profile of autism | Can co-occur, but separate condition |
Important: Traditional behaviour management approaches (structured routines, direct instructions, reward charts) often increase anxiety and backfire for PDA profiles because they add perceived demands. A low-demand, relationship-based approach is more effective.
Children with a PDA profile who have an autism diagnosis can access IEP accommodations and PPM 140 supports in Ontario schools. However, the IEP should reflect PDA-specific needs:
See our guide to school accommodations for autistic children in Ontario for the full IEP and IPRC process.
PDA is not a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual used in Ontario. However:
With 67,509 children waiting for OAP core services, families of children with PDA profiles face the same multi-year wait while needing specialized approaches that differ from standard ABA protocols.
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.
Children with PDA profiles need specialized, low-demand approaches during the multi-year wait for OAP services.
Learn About Support OptionsVerified 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
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement