Provider Intake
Assessment Availability
Provincial Funding Wait
The waitlist in Markham
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 |
Ontario does not publish a current Markham-specific OAP waitlist count. The verified provincial record shows 89,799 children registered with the OAP and 69,166 waiting for core clinical services funding.
Provincial totals from MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026. They must not be presented as a Markham or York Region estimate.
Markham and York Region ABA providers include Kerry's Place Autism Services, Kinark Child and Family Services, and private clinics in the Markham-Unionville and Richmond Hill areas. The region has growing demand from its large and expanding population. OAP-contracted services require registration and waitlist invitation. Private ABA costs approximately $60,000–$80,000/year.
Kerry's Place and Kinark are leading providers in York Region.
ABA therapy uses learning principles to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Available through multiple providers in York Region.
Ask for the current rate and minimum session length
Confirm whether supervision, assessments, and reports are billed separately
Include travel, materials, cancellation, and reassessment fees
Call 1-833-425-2445 or visit AccessOAP.ca.
Search for Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and GTA providers.
Verify BCBAs at BACB.com.
Speech-language pathology and occupational therapy services in Markham are available through Kinark Child and Family Services, Kerry's Place, and private clinics. These therapies develop communication and motor skills essential for school and daily functioning.
Speech therapy helps children with autism develop communication skills. Kinark and private clinics serve Markham families.
Request a written quote and check OAP or insurance eligibility
OT helps children with autism develop daily living skills, sensory regulation, and fine motor skills. Kinark and private clinics serve York Region.
Request a written quote and check OAP or insurance eligibility
Kinark Child and Family Services and Markham Stouffville Hospital serve York Region families.
One of Canada's largest autism service providers. Offers residential programs, day programs, ABA therapy, respite care, and community support throughout York Region for all ages.
All Ages · Residential · OAP Provider
Comprehensive autism assessment, ABA therapy, and family support. Major OAP-registered service provider.
Assessment · ABA Therapy · OAP Provider
Part of Oak Valley Health, provides developmental pediatrics and autism assessment. OHIP-covered referrals from family doctors.
OHIP Covered · Referral Required
Private assessments may be available in Markham and the GTA. Confirm current intake, clinician qualifications, report requirements, and the total fee.
Confirm total cost
Confirm availability
For OAP Funding
Free membership: parent workshops, social programs, resource navigation for families in Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill.
Visit Autism OntarioRespite care, parent training, adult day programs, employment support, and community integration for families in York Region.
Visit Kerry's PlaceProvincial entry point for adult developmental services, including for adults with autism transitioning from children's services.
IEPs and accommodations through YRDSB (public) and YCDSB (Catholic).
Your Rights: Request an IEP meeting in writing. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations.
Understanding the Ontario Autism Program funding process for York Region families.
Registered Province-wide
Current verified OAP registration total
Waiting Province-wide
For core clinical services funding
Budget Per Child
2026–27 budget analysis figure
Two school boards serve Markham families with autism-specific accommodations.
Ontario's third-largest school board provides comprehensive special education services including Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Educational Assistants, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and autism-specific classrooms.
Your Rights: Request an IPRC meeting in writing with your school principal. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations regardless of OAP funding status.
Similar special education services through the Catholic board. Both boards are required under the Ontario Education Act to accommodate students with autism through appropriate educational programming.
Key Services: IEPs, EA support, speech-language pathology, OT, assistive technology, and transition planning.
Chapter 2
A Province Divided
8 of 11 Regions at crisis level
Thousands of children in Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill face 5-7+ year waits. Join us in advocating for immediate action.
SOURCE
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario • 2024
Primary source for OAP registration counts, core clinical enrollment, and reported funding allocation ranges.
SOURCE
World Health Organization • 2024
WHO guidance emphasizing timely access to early evidence-based psychosocial interventions.
SOURCE
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Official government guide to OAP eligibility, funding, and service pathways.
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