A practical breakdown of autism therapy costs in Ontario — ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Plus how OAP funding, insurance, and the DTC offset the costs.
A practical breakdown of autism therapy costs in Ontario — ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Plus how OAP funding, insurance, and the DTC offset the costs.
Ontario's autism funding gap means most families pay out of pocket while waiting for OAP services. Here's exactly what you're facing financially — and every offset available to reduce the burden.
| Therapy Type | Per Session | Per Month (weekly) | Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABA Therapy (BCBA supervised) | $60–$100/hr | $1,040–$1,733 | $12,480–$20,800 |
| ABA Therapy (tutor/therapist) | $30–$50/hr | $520–$867 | $6,240–$10,400 |
| Speech-Language Pathology | $120–$200 | $480–$800 | $5,760–$9,600 |
| Occupational Therapy | $100–$175 | $400–$700 | $4,800–$8,400 |
| Psychotherapy/Counselling | $130–$250 | $520–$1,000 | $6,240–$12,000 |
| Social Skills Groups | $40–$80/class | $160–$320 | $1,920–$3,840 |
Note: These are private rates. OAP-funded services, when available, are provided at no direct cost.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the most evidence-based autism therapy and is what OAP core services fund. It's also the most expensive.
BCBA (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst):
Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) or Behaviour Therapist:
Standard recommendation: 15–20 hours per week for young children (ages 2–5). Annual cost at 20 hrs/week: $31,200–$52,000.
This is why the OAP waitlist is so devastating. Families are waiting 5 years for services worth $30,000–$50,000 per year.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) address communication, language, and social communication.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial assessment | $300–$600 |
| Individual therapy session (45–60 min) | $120–$200 |
| Group therapy | $60–$120/session |
| AAC device assessment | $500–$1,000+ |
| School consultation | $100–$200/hr |
Insurance coverage: Most extended health plans cover SLP with a referral. Typical annual benefit: $500–$2,000. The gap between coverage and need is large.
Free alternatives:
OTs address sensory processing, fine motor, self-care, and daily living skills.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial OT assessment | $400–$800 |
| Individual OT session (45–60 min) | $100–$175 |
| Sensory integration assessment | $600–$1,000 |
| Home/school consultation | $100–$175/hr |
Insurance coverage: Most extended health plans cover OT with a referral. Annual benefit: $500–$1,500.
When your child finally reaches the top of the OAP waitlist, here's what you get:
Funded directly to OAP service providers. Services include:
The dollar amount varies by age and need. Families don't see this money — it goes directly to certified providers.
Available while waiting for core services:
Available to all registered families (no wait):
These don't replace intensive ABA but they're immediate.
Apply as soon as you register. $5,000–$40,000 can cover several months of therapy.
Worth $1,500–$3,500+ per year in tax savings. Can be applied retroactively up to 10 years.
Private therapy costs (ABA, speech, OT) are eligible medical expenses. At $20,000/year in therapy costs, this can mean $3,000–$4,000+ in federal/provincial tax credits.
Keep all receipts. Have your provider issue receipts that clearly state the service and credentials of the provider.
Review your benefits package. Key items to check:
If your employer offers a Health Spending Account (HSA), autism therapy qualifies as an eligible expense.
A Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services program providing funding for children with disabilities. Apply through DSO (Developmental Services Ontario). Amounts vary; can supplement OAP.
Not an immediate offset, but the government contributes up to $3,500/year in grants and $1,000/year in bonds. Starts building a long-term financial resource for your child.
Some foundations provide grants to Ontario autism families:
School boards fund:
These are free and don't count against your OAP allocation. Maximize them.
A family with a 4-year-old who does 15 hours/week of ABA + weekly SLP + biweekly OT:
| Service | Hours/Week | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABA (therapist) | 15 hrs | $23,400 |
| SLP | 1 session | $6,240 |
| OT | 0.5 sessions | $3,640 |
| Total | $33,280 |
Offsets available:
Realistic net cost in Year 1: $0–$15,000 (depending on income and insurance) Year 2+ net cost: $20,000–$28,000/year
This is why the OAP waitlist is an economic crisis, not just a healthcare crisis. Families without financial means simply cannot access services while waiting.
Sources: Ontario Autism Program, College of Psychologists of Ontario, SAC (Speech-Language & Audiology Canada), CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists), Canada Revenue Agency.
Complete guide to registering for the Ontario Autism Program. Learn what documents you need, how to apply, and what to expect after registration.
When your autistic child turns 18, they "age out" of children's services. This guide explains the transition to adult services in Ontario.
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.