Getting an autism diagnosis in Ontario can take 2–5 years through the public system. This complete guide covers every option — public, private, and community-based — including costs, timelines, and what happens after you get the report.
Getting an autism diagnosis in Ontario can take 2–5 years through the public system. This complete guide covers every option — public, private, and community-based — including costs, timelines, and what happens after you get the report.
Getting an autism diagnosis in Ontario is the first step to accessing services — but the wait can be devastating. Public wait times in 2026 range from 2 to 5+ years depending on your region. Private assessments cost $2,500–$8,000 but can happen in 3–6 months.
This guide covers every pathway so you can make an informed decision for your child.
In Ontario, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed by:
A school diagnosis or a notation on an IEP does not constitute a medical ASD diagnosis for OAP purposes. You need a formal diagnostic report from a qualified clinician.
| Factor | Public (OHIP-covered) | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (OHIP or hospital) | $2,500–$8,000 |
| Wait time | 2–5+ years | 3–6 months |
| Diagnostic tools | ADOS-2, ADI-R, cognitive testing | Same tools |
| Report quality | Varies by provider | Generally detailed |
| OAP-eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Families without financial flexibility | Families who need OAP registration sooner |
The math: If your child is 2 years old and the public wait is 3 years, they'll be 5 before they're even registered for OAP. Early intervention is most effective ages 0–6. A private assessment at age 2 means you're registered and potentially receiving services by age 3.
| Region | Hospital | Contact | Approximate Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa | CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario) | 613-737-7600 | 2–3 years |
| Toronto | The Hospital for Sick Children | 416-813-7500 | 3–4 years |
| Hamilton | McMaster Children's Hospital | 905-521-2100 | 2–3 years |
| London | Children's Hospital LHSC | 519-685-8500 | 2–4 years |
| Thunder Bay | Thunder Bay Regional | 807-684-6000 | 1–2 years |
Your family doctor or pediatrician provides a referral. The referral must include:
Ontario's regional children's treatment centres (Kinark, ErinoakKids, KidsAbility, TVCC, etc.) also provide developmental assessments, often with shorter waits than hospital programs.
Contact your regional centre directly — the Ontario Association of Children's Rehabilitation Services (OACRS) maintains a full directory at oacrs.com.
| Assessment Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Psychological assessment only (ADOS-2 + cognitive testing) | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Comprehensive multidisciplinary (psych + speech + OT) | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Focused diagnostic consultation (psychiatrist) | $800–$2,000 |
Insurance: Many extended health plans cover psychological services. A referral from your family doctor improves insurance coverage. Check your plan for annual limits and eligible professions.
What to ask when you call:
The Ontario Autism Program requires the diagnostic report to include:
The report does not expire for OAP registration purposes — a diagnosis from 2020 is still valid.
Getting the diagnosis is step one. Here's what to do immediately:
Go to ontario.ca/autism and start the OAP registration. You'll need:
The sooner you register, the sooner your wait time clock starts. See our step-by-step OAP registration guide.
While waiting for core OAP services, your child may be eligible for $5,000–$40,000 in one-time funding based on family income. Apply as soon as you're registered.
Contact your school board's special education department. A diagnosis triggers access to:
Several services don't require OAP registration:
The DTC provides significant annual tax savings and is the gateway to the RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan). Apply as soon as you have the diagnosis. See our financial benefits guide.
Ontario has very limited publicly funded diagnostic pathways for adults. Options:
If you live more than 1–2 hours from a major assessment centre, ask about:
You have the right to a second opinion. If you believe the assessment was incomplete or incorrect:
Does the diagnosis expire? No. For OAP registration purposes, a valid ASD diagnosis does not expire. However, some private providers or school boards may request updated assessments after several years.
Can a GP diagnose autism? A general practitioner can provide a "developmental concern" referral but cannot formally diagnose ASD for OAP purposes. You need a psychologist, psychiatrist, or hospital developmental pediatrics team.
What's the difference between ASD Level 1, 2, and 3? These levels describe support needs (Level 1: requires support; Level 2: requires substantial support; Level 3: requires very substantial support). The level doesn't affect OAP eligibility — any ASD diagnosis qualifies. It may affect the intensity of services recommended.
My child was diagnosed privately. Is that accepted? Yes. The Ontario government accepts diagnoses from any registered psychologist or physician (including psychiatrists and pediatricians) who conducted an appropriate assessment.
Sources: Ontario Autism Program, College of Psychologists of Ontario, Hospital for Sick Children, CHEO, Government of Ontario.
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