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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 |
SSAH (Special Services at Home) is an Ontario government program providing direct funding to families caring for children under 18 with developmental or physical disabilities, including autism. SSAH covers respite care (caregiver relief) and personal development activities (daily living skills, behaviour programs, communication, social skills). It is separate from the Ontario Autism Program and does not cover clinical therapies like ABA, speech, or OT.
SSAH does not cover: Clinical therapies such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. These are funded through the Ontario Autism Program.
| Feature | SSAH | OAP |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Any disability (physical or developmental) | Autism diagnosis required |
| Covers | Respite and skill-building | Clinical therapies (ABA, speech, OT) |
| Waitlist | Varies by region | 5-7+ years |
| Can apply for both? | Yes — not mutually exclusive | |
Written diagnosis, proof of Canadian residency/citizenship (birth certificate, PR card, etc.), and proof of Ontario residency (utility bill, school registration, driver's licence).
Complete the SSAH application form online at ontario.ca or on paper. You have 90 days to complete the online application.
The ministry reviews your application for eligibility and funding amount. SSAH is a discretionary program — funding depends on available resources.
Important: Only one individual with decision-making responsibility for the child can apply. If there is joint custody, only one parent can apply for funding.
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
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement