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Budget 2026: $965M budgeted, 67,509 children still waiting. Read our analysis →

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end|thewaitontario

Parent-led advocacy for Ontario families waiting for autism services.

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end|thewaitontario

Parent-led advocacy for Ontario families waiting for autism services.

Getting Started

  • Browse All Pages
  • Search
  • Diagnosis Guide
  • While You Wait
  • Facts (Citation Ready)

Common Questions

  • All Questions
  • How Long Is the Wait?
  • What Is the OAP?
  • How Many Are Waiting?
  • Options While Waiting
  • Funding Amounts

Tools

  • Next Steps Tool
  • Wait Estimator
  • Funding Estimator
  • Therapy Budget
  • Waitlist Tracker

Providers

  • Provider Directory
  • Choosing a Provider
  • Submit a Provider

Funding & Support

  • OAP Overview
  • Funding Guide
  • Eligibility
  • How to Register
  • DTC & RDSP

Your Region

  • Toronto
  • Ottawa
  • Hamilton
  • London
  • Mississauga
  • All Regions

Evidence & Data

  • Evidence Library
  • Data Hub
  • Waitlist Data
  • Cost Calculator
  • Data Stories
  • Where Does the Money Go?

Take Action

  • Action Hub
  • Write Your MPP
  • File Complaint
  • Advocacy Toolkit

About

  • Our Story
  • Transparency
  • Media References
  • Founder
  • Press
  • Contact
end|thewaitontario

Parent-led advocacy for Ontario families waiting for autism services.

  • Browse All Pages
  • Search
  • Diagnosis Guide
  • While You Wait
  • Facts (Citation Ready)
  • All Questions
  • How Long Is the Wait?
  • What Is the OAP?
  • How Many Are Waiting?
  • Options While Waiting
  • Funding Amounts
  • Next Steps Tool
  • Wait Estimator
  • Funding Estimator
  • Therapy Budget
  • Waitlist Tracker
  • Provider Directory
  • Choosing a Provider
  • Submit a Provider
  • OAP Overview
  • Funding Guide
  • Eligibility
  • How to Register
  • DTC & RDSP
  • Toronto
  • Ottawa
  • Hamilton
  • London
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  • Evidence Library
  • Data Hub
  • Waitlist Data
  • Cost Calculator
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  • Where Does the Money Go?
  • Action Hub
  • Write Your MPP
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  • Advocacy Toolkit
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  • Transparency
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Legal Disclaimer: This website presents advocacy arguments based on publicly available data and legal frameworks. While we strive for accuracy, this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Nothing on this website should be construed as a guarantee of any specific legal outcome.

Independence: End The Wait Ontario is a parent-led advocacy group. We are not affiliated with the Ontario government, the Ontario Autism Coalition, Autism Ontario, or the World Health Organization. We cite FOI data obtained by the Ontario Autism Coalition as a matter of public record. This does not constitute affiliation. References to these organizations are for informational purposes; no endorsement is implied.

Non-partisan policy advocacy: We advocate on policy outcomes for children and families and do not endorse any political party or candidate.

Statistics are current as of the dates cited and may change. For specific legal guidance, consult a licensed attorney. For medical advice, consult qualified healthcare professionals. Last updated: 2026.

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Advocacy, not anger. Data, not speculation.

Carroll v. Ontario · HRTO 2025-62264-I

© 2026 End The Wait Ontario. All rights reserved. · Parent-led advocacy · Not a government agency

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  1. Home
  2. ›Autism Diagnosis London
LONDON & SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO

Autism Diagnosis in London

Step-by-step guide for families in the Forest City. Navigate TVCC waitlists or find a private psychologist in London, Ontario.

12-18 Months

TVCC Wait Time

Per TVCC 2024 intake data

$2,500-$3,500

Private Cost

4-8 Weeks

Private Wait

Quick Summary

  • Autism diagnosis in London Ontario: TVCC wait times
  • Private psychologists & cost comparison. Southwestern Ontario guide.

The regional reality

Access to diagnosis varies by region. The waitlist doesn't.

Registered

88,17588,175

Children registered

Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue

CBC FOI Jan 2026

Funded

20,66620,666

Have active funding

Only 23.4% of registered children

CBC FOI Jan 2026

Waiting

67,50967,509

Still waiting

Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.

CBC FOI Jan 2026

Verified April 29, 2026 , CBC FOI Jan 2026

Share these numbers
Ontario Autism Program key statistics (CBC FOI Jan 2026, verified 2026-04-29)
MetricValue
Children registered88,175
Have active funding20,666
Still waiting67,509
OHIP-COVERED ASSESSMENT

Public Assessment Hub: TVCC & Western Hub

Western Region ASD Diagnostic Hub

London families typically access public assessments through the Western Region ASD Diagnostic Hub. This hub is a partnership that includes TVCC (Thames Valley Children's Centre)and is connected to the provincial diagnostic network led by McMaster Children's Hospital.

Physician Referral Required

You must see your pediatrician or family doctor to initiate a referral to the Hub.

Multidisciplinary Team

Assessments are conducted by a team including developmental pediatricians and psychologists.

Waitlist Reality

While the service is free, the wait time is the biggest barrier. Many London families wait 1.5 years before their first intake appointment.

Estimated Wait
12–18 Months
Visit TVCC Website
PRIVATE ASSESSMENT

Private Options in London, ON

Faster Timeline

Most private psychologists in London can see your child within 4-8 weeks, compared to 18 months via TVCC.

OAP Eligibility

A private diagnosis from a Registered Psychologist is 100% valid for registering with the Ontario Autism Program.

Cost & Coverage

Assessments cost $2,500 – $3,500. Many workplace benefits cover $1,000–$2,000 under "Psychology services."

London FAQ

Yes. Both the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) accept diagnostic reports from registered clinical psychologists for the purpose of creating an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

You can use the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) "Find a Psychologist" tool or check our local provider directory in the resources section.

Related Topics

This page is part of the Regional Information topic cluster. Location-specific resources and data.

  • Toronto Autism Services
  • Ottawa Autism Services
  • Mississauga Autism Services
  • Hamilton Autism Services
  • London Autism Services
  • Northern Ontario Gaps
  • All Resources
  • Services Directory

Diagnosis in Other Cities

Assessment providers and costs vary by region. Explore other city guides.

Toronto

View

Ottawa

View

Mississauga

View

Brampton

View

Related Resources

Ontario Diagnosis Cost Guide Check Waitlist Status
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general information about autism and related therapies for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Every child is unique—consult qualified healthcare professionals (pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, BCBAs) to determine appropriate interventions for your child's specific needs.

Take Action

Help End the Wait

Connect with autism service providers and support networks near you.

Write to Your MPPShare Your Story

Verified References & Sources

Updated: Mar 2026

Government Reports & Data

  • [2023]
    Exclusion of Students With Disabilities — 2023 SurveyVerified FAO Data
    Community Living Ontario • Report • 2023-10-01
    View
  • [2024]
    Inclusion Without Proper Support Is AbandonmentVerified FAO Data
    Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario • Report • 2024-06-01
    View
  • [2020]
    Autism ServicesVerified FAO Data
    Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2020-07-21
    View
  • [2024]
    Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan ReviewVerified FAO Data
    Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2024-02-29
    View
  • [2025]
    Ontario Autism Coalition FOI update on Ontario Autism Program registrations and fundingVerified FAO Data
    Ontario Autism Coalition • Report • 2025-12-10
    View

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.

Last reviewed: March 2026

  • Ontario Autism Coalition FOI update on Ontario Autism Program registrations and funding. Ontario Autism Coalition (December 2025)
  • Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan Review (2024). Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (2024)

Related Resources

  • Diagnosis Hub
  • Services in London
  • Private Assessment Guide
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About This Article
Written by:Spencer Carroll - Founder & Autism AdvocateParent of autistic child navigating OAP system
Featured in CBC News Investigation
FOI Data Verified
Clip in WHO Social Media Reel
Active HRTO Advocacy
FAO & Legislative Assembly Cited

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Just diagnosed?
First steps after an autism diagnosis
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Verified Facts

Facts cited on this page

Evidence supports autism screening and intervention commencing in the first 2 years of life — earlier identification directly enables earlier intervention during the highest neural plasticity window

Gov / Peer-ReviewedZwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Stone WL, et al. (2015)Verified: 2015-10-01

1 in 50, According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis

Gov / Peer-ReviewedPublic Health Agency of Canada (2024)Verified: 2024-03-26

WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement

Gov / Peer-ReviewedWorld Health Organization (2023)Verified: 2023-11-15

88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29

23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29
View our methodologyView all sourcesNext data update: 2026-07-28