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Over 90% of autistic people experience sensory differences — yet many Ontario families are unsure how to access occupational therapy, what OAP covers, or how to build a sensory-supportive environment. This guide covers sensory profiles, OT assessment costs, funding, and Ontario-specific resources.
of autistic individuals experience sensory processing differences, according to Miller et al. (2007) and DSM-5 criteria for autism
sensory systems can be affected: visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, interoceptive, olfactory, and gustatory
maximum OAP Childhood Budget — OT for sensory processing is a fundable service when autism is the primary diagnosis
Autistic individuals may experience one or more of these response patterns across different sensory systems. A registered OT can assess the full profile.
Over-responsive to sensory input. Ordinary stimuli feel overwhelming or painful.
Under-responsive to sensory input. May not register input that neurotypical people notice easily.
Craves intense sensory input to achieve regulation and alertness.
| Sensory System | What It Processes | Common Autistic Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Auditory | Sound and volume | Distress at loud spaces; hyperfocus on certain sounds |
| Visual | Light, colour, movement | Sensitivity to fluorescent lights; preference for dim or dim-lit spaces |
| Tactile | Touch, pressure, texture, temperature | Avoidance of clothing tags; distress with light touch |
| Vestibular | Balance and movement in space | Fear of heights or moving equipment; or craving spinning |
| Proprioceptive | Body position and muscle force | Difficulty with spatial awareness; preference for deep pressure |
| Interoceptive | Internal body signals (hunger, pain, heartbeat) | Poor hunger/thirst cues; difficulty identifying emotions |
| Olfactory | Smell | Overwhelmed by perfumes or food smells; avoids kitchens |
| Gustatory | Taste and oral input | Extreme food selectivity; preference for specific textures only |
OAP-funded OT requires the child to have an autism diagnosis registered with AccessOAP. School boards may also provide OT consultations for IEP development at no cost.
Private OT is tax-deductible as a medical expense and may be covered by extended health benefits. OAP Childhood Budget holders can use funds for private OT — no OHIP coverage for private OT.
When completing the OAP Determination of Need assessment, ask the assessing clinician to document the impact of sensory differences on daily functioning — dressing, eating, school participation, and community access. Detailed sensory documentation supports higher Childhood Budget tiers ($25,000–$55,000/year) by demonstrating how sensory differences affect multiple life domains.
A sensory diet is a tailored daily schedule of sensory activities prescribed by a registered OT to help regulate the nervous system. It is not about food — the term "diet" refers to the type and frequency of sensory input a person needs.
Under the Ontario Human Rights Code and Education Act, schools must accommodate sensory needs in the IEP. Common accommodations include:
Request these accommodations via the Special Education Plan and document them in the IEP under "Environmental Accommodations."
Holland Bloorview, SickKids, private OT clinics
CHEO OT program, private clinics
McMaster Children's Hospital OT
Children's Hospital LHSC, private OT
Trillium Health, private clinics
Full provincial OT directory
All Ontario occupational therapists must be registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). Verify your provider's registration before booking. For sensory integration therapy, look for OTs with SI Certification or SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests) training.
Whether your child is newly diagnosed or you are seeking better sensory support, Ontario has resources available. Start with an OT assessment, then access OAP funding to make it sustainable.
This page is part of the Family Resources topic cluster. Support resources for families.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.