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end|thewaitontario

End The Wait Ontario is a parent-led source for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) statistics and advocacy. Serving families, researchers, and journalists across Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and all regions of Ontario.

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end|thewaitontario

End The Wait Ontario is a parent-led source for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) statistics and advocacy. Serving families, researchers, and journalists across Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and all regions of Ontario.

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

  • Parent Navigator
  • 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

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  • 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

End The Wait Ontario is a parent-led source for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) statistics and advocacy. Serving families, researchers, and journalists across Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and all regions of Ontario.

  • 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
  • Parent Navigator
  • Next Steps Tool
  • Wait Estimator
  • Funding Estimator
  • Therapy Budget
  • Waitlist Tracker
  • Provider Directory
  • Choosing a Provider
  • Submit a Provider
  • OAP Overview
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  • How to Register
  • DTC & RDSP
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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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© 2026 End The Wait Ontario. All rights reserved. · Parent-led advocacy · Not a government agency

  1. Home
  2. ›Autism Services Vaughan

How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?

As of March 4, 2026, **89,799 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program**. [FOI] However, only **20,633 (23%)** have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents approximately 290% growth in registrations since 2019, with 69,166 children still waiting for essential funding.

Source: OAC FOI Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024

A child waits alone on a park bench at golden hour, seen from behind

Ontario 2026

Autism Services in Vaughan (2026 Guide)

Comprehensive guide to autism therapy, assessment, and support in Vaughan and York Region. Kerry's Place programs, school board resources, and ABA providers.

Quick Summary

  • Contact Kerry's Place and Mackenzie Health to confirm current services and intake pathways
  • Local OAP counts are not published in the source used here; the verified figures are province-wide as of March 4, 2026

The waitlist in Vaughan

Use the verified provincial figures below for OAP scale. Confirm current local services directly with each institution.

Registered

89,79989,799

Children registered

Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue

MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026

Funded

20,63320,633

Have active funding

Only 23% of registered children

MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026

Waiting

69,16669,166

Still waiting

Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.

MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026

Verified June 13, 2026 , MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026

Share these numbers
Ontario Autism Program key statistics (MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026, verified 2026-06-13)
MetricValue
Children registered89,799
Have active funding20,633
Still waiting69,166
FOI & Government Data
Last verified: March 4, 2026Sources: FAO Report 2023-24 (Financial Accountability Office of Ontario) · 2026 Ontario Budget (tabled March 26, 2026) · CBC News FOI investigation — bi-weekly OAP progress reports, Jun 2024 – Jan 2026, published Mar 30, 2026 (Nicole Brockbank & Angelina King) · MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports, Dec 10, 2025 – Mar 4, 2026, obtained under Freedom of Information (release CSS2026-0749)

ABA Therapy

Find certified ABA providers in York Region

Speech Therapy

Speech-language pathology services

Assessment

Diagnosis at Kerry's Place & more

Support Services

Community resources and respite

York Region

What does provincial OAP data show for Vaughan families?

Provincial dataMarch 2026

The available MCCSS data is provincial, not a Vaughan or York Region estimate. It shows 89,799 children registered with the OAP, 69,166 waiting for a funding agreement, and 23% with an active funding agreement as of March 4, 2026.

Provincial OAP registration and funding-agreement totals: MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026. The source does not publish a Vaughan or York Region count.

The Numbers

  • Provincial OAP registrations: 89,799
  • Waiting for a funding agreement: 69,166
  • Active funding agreements: 20,633
  • Share with active funding: 23%

The Cost Barrier

  • Ask providers for itemized written quotes
  • Confirm assessment fees and intake timelines directly
  • Check current OAP eligibility before committing to services
  • Confirm insurance coverage and exclusions in writing
ABA therapy

What ABA therapy services are available in Vaughan?

Service guidanceVaughan & York Region

Provider availability, OAP participation, intake status, and service areas can change. Search the current AccessOAP provider list, then confirm credentials, pricing, and availability directly with each provider before choosing a service.

Evidence-based therapy endorsed by major medical organizations. Demand in York Region far exceeds supply.

What is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy uses learning principles to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors. ABA is a widely recognized evidence-based intervention available throughout York Region.

Programs should be individualized from a clinical assessment
Individualized programs based on assessments
Delivered by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
Ask the regulated clinician to explain the recommended intensity

ABA Therapy Costs in Vaughan

Hourly RateConfirm rate

Request an itemized quote for direct therapy

BCBA SupervisionConfirm rate

Ask how program design and oversight are billed

Program TotalRequest quote

Confirm the full cost before signing a service agreement

Finding an ABA Provider

  1. 1

    Register with AccessOAP

    Call 1-833-425-2445 or visit AccessOAP.ca.

  2. 2

    Search OAP List

    Search for Vaughan, Toronto, and GTA providers.

  3. 3

    Verify Certification

    Check that providers have BCBAs on staff. Verify at BACB.com.

Find OAP Providers
Therapy services

What Speech and OT services are available in Vaughan?

Local service overviewConfirm availability with providers

Speech-Language Pathology

Speech therapy helps children with autism develop communication skills. Kerry's Place and private clinics serve Vaughan families.

Services Include:

  • Expressive and receptive language
  • Articulation and speech sounds
  • Alternative communication (PECS, AAC devices)
  • Social communication and pragmatics
Provider pricingConfirm rate

Confirm OAP and insurance eligibility in writing

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps children with autism develop daily living skills, sensory regulation, and fine motor skills.

Services Include:

  • Sensory integration therapy
  • Fine motor skill development
  • Self-care skills (dressing, eating)
  • Handwriting and visual-motor skills
Provider pricingConfirm rate

Confirm OAP and insurance eligibility in writing

Assessment

Where can I get an autism diagnosis in Vaughan?

This directory identifies local institutions to contact. Confirm the current assessment pathway, referral criteria, and intake timeline with each organization.

Public service directoryConfirm details with each provider

Kerry's Place Autism Services

Serving York Region, ON
905-713-6808
Confirm intake

Contact Kerry's Place to confirm current autism-related services, eligibility, referral requirements, coverage, service area, and intake status.

Confirm Services · Confirm Coverage · Confirm Intake

Mackenzie Health — Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital

10 Trench Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Z3
905-832-1406
Confirm intake

Contact Mackenzie Health to confirm current developmental or autism-related services, referral requirements, eligibility, coverage, and intake status.

Confirm Services · Confirm Referral Path · Confirm Intake

Private Assessment Option

Private assessment availability, fees, referral rules, and timelines vary. Ask the provider for written details before booking.

Confirm fee

Total Cost

Ask provider

Typical Wait

Verify

For OAP Funding

Note: Private assessments must be conducted by registered psychologists or qualified physicians to be accepted for OAP funding.

Support

What support is available for autism families in Vaughan?

Community service directoryConfirm details with each provider

Autism Ontario - York Region Chapter

Free membership providing parent workshops, social programs, resource navigation, and advocacy support for Vaughan and York Region families.

Visit Autism Ontario

Kerry's Place Family Support Programs

Beyond assessment and therapy, Kerry's Place offers comprehensive family support including parent training, sibling programs, respite information, and connections to community resources for Vaughan families.

Visit Kerry's Place

Community Living York South

Provides community support services for individuals with developmental disabilities in York Region. Offers respite, recreation, and support programs.

905-474-9595

Vaughan School Boards

Students with autism in Vaughan are entitled to IEPs and accommodations.

Vaughan School Boards:

  • York Region District School Board (YRDSB) - Public
  • York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB)

Your Rights: Request an IEP meeting in writing. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations including EA support, sensory breaks, and modified curriculum.

Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

The source used on this page does not publish a Vaughan- or York Region-specific OAP count. Province-wide, 89,799 children are registered and 69,166 are waiting for a funding agreement as of March 4, 2026.

Contact Kerry's Place and Mackenzie Health to confirm their current assessment or referral role, eligibility rules, fees, and intake timelines.

Use the current AccessOAP directory to identify eligible providers and confirm each provider's service area and intake status directly.

Rates vary by provider, credentials, service model, and program intensity. Request an itemized quote and confirm OAP and insurance eligibility in writing.

Both YRDSB and YCDSB provide:

  • IEPs, EAs, SLP, OT, specialized autism classrooms
Next steps

Related Resources

Cost Calculator

Calculate therapy costs vs OAP funding

Try Calculator

Other Cities

Toronto•Mississauga•Markham
All Regions

OAP Funding Guide

Complete guide to Ontario Autism Program

Read Guide

Evidence & Data

Research on waitlist crisis

View Evidence

Vaughan Families: Take Action

Vaughan- and York Region-specific OAP counts are not published in the source used here. Join us in advocating for transparent local reporting and timely access to services.

Email Officials Now Share Your Story

Chapter 2

A Province Divided →

8 of 11 Regions at crisis level

Explore Related Autism Resources

All Ontario RegionsOntario Autism Waitlist DataAutism Services in TorontoAutism Services in MississaugaAutism Services in MarkhamAutism Services in BramptonAutism Services in OshawaWaitlist Evidence & DataWhat To Do NextContact Your MPPOAP Funding Guide

Primary Sources

SOURCE

MCCSS Spending Plan Review (2023–24)
Government SourceTier 1

Financial Accountability Office of Ontario • 2024

Primary source for OAP registration counts, core clinical enrollment, and reported funding allocation ranges.

Last verified: 2025-11-25

SOURCE

Autism Spectrum Disorders (fact sheet)
Government SourceTier 1

World Health Organization • 2024

WHO guidance emphasizing timely access to early evidence-based psychosocial interventions.

Last verified: 2025-11-25

SOURCE

Ontario Autism Program: Your guide to the OAP
Government SourceTier 1

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Official government guide to OAP eligibility, funding, and service pathways.

Last verified: 2025-01-06
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

Your voice matters. Join thousands of Ontario families fighting for timely autism services.

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 • 2024-06-05
    View
  • [2026]
    MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (FOI release CSS2026-0749)Verified FAO Data
    Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario) • Report • 2026-03-04
    View
See all Ontario resources
  • MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (FOI release CSS2026-0749). Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario) (March 2026)
  • Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan Review (2024). Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (2024)

Related Resources

  • Vaughan Regional Services & Wait Times
About This Article

Written by Spencer Carroll

Founder & Autism Advocate

Parent of autistic child navigating OAP system

Evidence on this page

The source chain stays visible.

Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.

Facts4
Sources3

89,799

children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program

Secondary sourceMCCSS FOI · Mar 2026Verified 2026-06-13

23%

Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements — less than one in four

Secondary sourceMCCSS FOI · Mar 2026Verified 2026-06-13

$965M

Ontario allocated to the Ontario Autism Program in 2026-27

Government / peer-reviewedGovernment of Ontario, Ministry of Finance (2026)Verified 2026-03-26

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

Government / peer-reviewedWorld Health Organization (2023)Verified 2023-11-15
Last system verification: 2026-06-13. Next scheduled update: 2026-09-10.
View methodologyBrowse every source