Who this affects
These challenges are common among the children waiting for services.
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 |
Medication is one tool in a broader support plan. Understanding the landscape helps families ask informed questions of their medical team.
27–45%
of autistic individuals are prescribed at least one psychotropic medication (Jobski et al., 2017)
2
medications with Health Canada approval specifically for autism irritability: risperidone and aripiprazole
Free
most covered autism-related medications for Ontarians under 25 through OHIP+ with no other drug plan
70%+
of autistic individuals have at least one co-occurring mental health condition (Lai et al., 2019)
12–24 mo
typical wait for developmental pediatrics assessment in Ontario
~30%
of autistic individuals are prescribed more than one psychotropic medication simultaneously (polypharmacy)
Understanding the role of medication in autism care is essential before starting any prescription. Medication is most effective when combined with behavioural supports and therapy.
The following medications are commonly used in Ontario for autistic individuals. This is not a complete list. Prescribing decisions are individualized based on the person's specific symptoms, medical history, and other factors.
The only medication class with Health Canada approval specifically for irritability associated with autism.
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
ADHD co-occurs in approximately 50–70% of autistic individuals. Stimulants and non-stimulants are both used, though response rates may differ from non-autistic ADHD populations.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Biphentin, Concerta)
Guanfacine (Intuniv)
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Anxiety disorders co-occur in approximately 40–50% of autistic individuals. Evidence for SSRIs is mixed in autism — they help some individuals significantly and are not effective for others.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Other Anxiolytics
Safe medication use in autism requires regular monitoring. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends specific assessments at initiation and ongoing intervals for antipsychotic and ADHD medications.
Source: Canadian Paediatric Society — Antipsychotic Use in Children and Youth (2022)
Source: Canadian Paediatric Society — ADHD in Children and Youth (2018)
Ontario has several programs that cover prescription medication costs. Eligibility depends on age, income, and existing drug benefit coverage.
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (Under 25)
Covers most prescription drugs on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary at no cost for Ontarians under 25 who do not have another drug benefit plan.
Ontario Drug Benefit Program
Covers prescription drugs for eligible groups including Ontario Works recipients, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients, Trillium Drug Program registrants, and others.
Trillium Drug Program
Helps Ontario residents of any age with high drug costs relative to their household income. An annual deductible (4% of net household income) is paid in quarterly installments.
In Ontario, several types of medical professionals can prescribe medications for autism-related conditions. Building a collaborative relationship with your prescriber leads to better outcomes.
Most specialized for autism medication management. Conducts formal assessments and coordinates care. Wait time: 12–24+ months at most Ontario centres.
Specializes in mental health co-occurring conditions. Can manage complex medication regimens and provide psychiatric assessment. Access through hospital outpatient or community programs.
Can manage first-line medications (ADHD medications, melatonin) and refer to specialists for complex needs. Most accessible.
Can initiate and manage straightforward medications with specialist guidance. Comfort level with autism medications varies significantly.
Medication decisions work best alongside therapy and support. Our provider directory can help you find developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, and other specialists across Ontario.
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.
Related Resources
Verified Facts
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
88,175 — children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
23.4% — Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four