London, Ontario
Registered in OAP
Waiting for Funding
Assessment & Therapy
The waitlist in London
Local services exist, but they serve a fraction of the children registered provincially.
Registered
89,799Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Funded
20,633Have active funding
Only 23% of registered children
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Waiting
69,166Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Verified , MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 89,799 |
| Have active funding | 20,633 |
| Still waiting | 69,166 |
London families navigate local hospital, school, community, and private-provider pathways while also dealing with the province-wide OAP backlog. Publicly available sources support the provincial counts on this page, but not a precise London-specific waitlist total.
* This page uses province-wide OAP backlog counts where public local counts are not available. Current MCCSS FOI figures per MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026.
London-area families can ask Thames Valley Children's Centre, Autism Ontario, and private clinics about current behavioural-service pathways. Confirm service areas, intake requirements, credentials, and OAP eligibility directly with each provider.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy for autism. London-area availability changes over time; use the current AccessOAP provider list and contact providers directly to confirm intake, service area, and credentials.
ABA therapy uses learning principles to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors. ABA is a widely recognized evidence-based intervention supported by major medical organizations and supported by extensive research from institutions like Western University.
Rates depend on provider, credentials, and service model
Ask for written pricing and supervision policies before starting services
Program intensity and annual totals differ substantially across providers
Call 1-833-425-2445 or visit AccessOAP.ca to register for OAP funding. London residents can also contact Thames Valley Children's Centre for guidance.
Only OAP-registered providers can accept your funding. Search for London and Southwest Ontario providers on the AccessOAP portal.
Check that providers have Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) on staff. Verify credentials at BACB.com to ensure quality services.
Most providers offer free consultations. Ask about their approach, parent training, waitlist times, and experience with your child's specific needs.
Speech therapy helps children with autism develop communication skills, including verbal language, alternative communication (AAC), and social communication.
Request a written quote and check OAP or insurance eligibility
Occupational therapy helps children with autism develop daily living skills, sensory regulation, fine motor skills, and independence.
Request a written quote and check OAP or insurance eligibility
Getting an autism diagnosis is the first step to accessing services. London is home to Thames Valley Children's Centre and Children's Hospital at LHSC, alongside school, community, and private options. Families should confirm current public assessment intake timelines directly with providers.
Regional children's treatment centre serving London and surrounding communities. Provides autism-related assessment, therapy, and family support pathways. Families should confirm current referral routes, intake areas, and service availability directly with TVCC.
OHIP Covered · Regional Service Access · Comprehensive Assessment · Multidisciplinary Team
Pediatric hospital offering developmental and diagnostic services. Families should confirm current autism-related referral pathways, intake timelines, and clinic scope directly with LHSC.
OHIP Covered · Academic Medical Centre · Specialized Care · Research Programs
Local chapter providing information, support, and advocacy for families affected by autism in London and surrounding area. Offers parent support groups, resource navigation, workshops, and community programs.
Free Membership · Resource Navigation · Support Groups · Family Programs
Public and private assessment timelines can differ substantially across providers. Families should compare current wait times, pricing, and referral requirements directly before choosing a pathway.
Assessment pricing depends on provider
Typical wait time
Qualifies for funding
Note: Private assessments must be conducted by registered psychologists or qualified physicians to be accepted for OAP funding. Several private psychologists in London offer autism assessments.
Free membership providing parent workshops, social programs, resource navigation, and advocacy support for London and Southwest Ontario families.
Provides support services for individuals with developmental disabilities including autism. Offers respite, community programs, employment support, and family services.
TVCC offers family support programs including parent training, sibling support, respite coordination, and navigation assistance for families affected by autism.
London students with autism are entitled to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and accommodations through their school board, regardless of OAP funding status.
Your Rights: Request an IEP meeting in writing. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations including EA support, sensory breaks, and modified curriculum.
Explore guides for nearby communities in Southwestern Ontario.
Hamilton and regional service pathways across the Golden Horseshoe.
View GuideLondon families are navigating the same province-wide OAP backlog documented on this site while trying to secure local assessment, school, and therapy support. Join us in pushing for faster and more transparent access.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Evidence on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
89,799
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23%
Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements — less than one in four
$965M
Ontario allocated to the Ontario Autism Program in 2026-27
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement