Autism diagnosis in Ontario requires assessment by a registered psychologist, psychological associate, or qualified physician. Public wait times are 12-24 months; private assessments cost $2,500-$4,000 but are immediate. Diagnosis is essential for accessing Ontario Autism Program funding. Early diagnosis enables earlier intervention during the critical developmental window.
Private assessment cost
Public wait time
Total assessment time
Most common route. Can provide comprehensive assessments with standardized tools (ADOS-2, ADI-R).
Supervised by psychologists. Can diagnose with appropriate training and oversight.
Medical specialists with extensive autism training. Long wait times for public appointments.
Can diagnose autism, especially when co-occurring mental health conditions exist.
Some pediatricians have specialized autism assessment training and can diagnose.
Can screen and refer, but cannot provide formal diagnosis for OAP eligibility.
Can identify communication concerns and recommend assessment, but cannot diagnose.
Can assess sensory/motor issues and recommend further evaluation.
Can document observations and recommend assessment, but school identification is not diagnosis.
Can provide support and referrals, but cannot provide clinical diagnosis.
cpo.on.ca - Find registered psychologists
For referrals to developmental specialists
autismontario.com - Local chapter resources
Detailed interview with parents/caregivers about developmental milestones, early behaviors, social development, communication history, sensory sensitivities, and family history.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule - standardized observation using structured and semi-structured activities. Evaluates communication, social interaction, play, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.
IQ/developmental testing to understand cognitive profile. Common tools: WISC-V, Stanford-Binet, Mullen Scales. Helps identify strengths and areas of challenge.
Questionnaires and interviews about daily living skills, communication, socialization. Common tools: Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, ABAS-3.
May include: speech-language screening, sensory profile, behavioral questionnaires, school observation, medical review if needed.
Detailed discussion of findings, diagnosis (if appropriate), recommendations for intervention, school accommodations, and next steps. Written report provided (usually within 2-4 weeks).
If you can afford it, we recommend pursuing private assessment while remaining on public waitlists. The cost of private diagnosis ($2,500-$4,000) is recovered many times over by accessing OAP funding 1-2 years earlier. Early intervention during ages 2-6 has the greatest impact on outcomes.
Note: Keep your public appointment even after private diagnosis. The multidisciplinary assessment may provide additional insights and recommendations.
| Region | Primary Center | Public Wait | Private Wait | Private Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Holland Bloorview, SickKids | 12-18 months | 2-6 weeks | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Ottawa | CHEO | 18-24 months | 4-8 weeks | $2,500-$3,500 |
| Hamilton | McMaster Children's | 12-18 months | 3-6 weeks | $2,800-$3,500 |
| London | Children's Hospital | 15-20 months | 4-8 weeks | $2,500-$3,200 |
| Thunder Bay | TBRHSC, George Jeffrey | 24-36 months | Limited availability | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Sudbury | Health Sciences North | 18-30 months | Limited availability | $3,000-$3,800 |
| Windsor | Hotel-Dieu Grace | 12-18 months | 4-8 weeks | $2,500-$3,200 |
Note: Wait times are estimates and change frequently. Contact your regional center directly for current wait times. Telehealth assessments may be available with shorter waits.
Call 1-888-284-3627 to register for the Ontario Autism Program. You'll need your diagnostic report. This starts the clock on funding waitlists - every day matters.
1-888-284-3627Request T2201 form from CRA. Have your diagnostician complete it. If approved, you can claim back-credits and open an RDSP. Worth $15,000-$30,000+ over childhood.
Request an IEP meeting immediately. Provide the diagnostic report. Ask about accommodations, EA support, and specialized programs. Schools must accommodate diagnosed students.
Connect with your local chapter for parent support, workshops, and resources. Free membership. Invaluable peer support and local information.
autismontario.comIn Ontario, autism can be diagnosed by: registered psychologists, psychological associates, physicians with autism expertise (pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists), and nurse practitioners working with qualified teams. The most common route is through a registered psychologist using standardized assessment tools like ADOS-2.
Private autism assessments in Ontario cost $2,500-$4,000 depending on the complexity and professional. This includes clinical interviews, standardized testing (ADOS-2, cognitive testing), observation, and a comprehensive report. Some psychologists offer payment plans. Extended health insurance rarely covers diagnosis costs.
Public autism diagnosis wait times in Ontario range from 12-24 months through hospitals and developmental centers. Some regions have waits exceeding 2 years. Wait times vary by location: Toronto (12-18 months), Ottawa (18-24 months), Northern Ontario (24+ months).
A comprehensive autism assessment includes: parent/caregiver interview (developmental history), ADOS-2 standardized assessment (45-60 minutes), cognitive/IQ testing, adaptive behavior assessment, observation periods, and sometimes school observations. The process takes 4-8 hours total, often split across multiple appointments.
After diagnosis: 1) Register immediately with AccessOAP (1-888-284-3627) for Ontario Autism Program, 2) Apply for Disability Tax Credit, 3) Contact your school for IEP meeting, 4) Join Autism Ontario for support, 5) Request referrals to therapists while waiting for OAP. Time is critical - register for waitlists immediately.
Family doctors cannot formally diagnose autism in Ontario but play a crucial role. They can: screen for developmental concerns, refer to specialists, provide referral letters for school accommodations, and coordinate care. For OAP eligibility, diagnosis must come from a psychologist, psychological associate, or physician with autism expertise.
Every month without diagnosis is a month lost from the early intervention window. Take action now and join our campaign to reduce wait times for all Ontario families.
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