What to Do After Your Child's Autism Diagnosis in Ontario

What to Do After Your Child's Autism Diagnosis in Ontario

Getting a diagnosis brings mixed emotions — relief at having answers, grief, fear about the future, and urgency. The urgency is real. In Ontario, the early intervention window (ages 0–6) is critical, and the system is slow. Here's exactly what to do, in order of priority.

Today (The Moment You Leave the Assessment)

1. Request Copies of the Diagnostic Report

Ask the assessor for:

• A digital copy (PDF)
• One physical copy for your files
• One physical copy to give to the school

Keep at least 3 copies. You'll need this report for: OAP registration, school IEP, disability tax credit, insurance claims, future service applications.

2. Breathe

You don't have to do everything today. Your child is the same person they were before the diagnosis. The report is a key that opens doors to support. It's not a sentence.

This Week (Days 1–7)

3. Register for the Ontario Autism Program — Now

This is the single most time-sensitive action. Every week you delay is a week added to your wait for core services.

How to register:

1. Go to ontario.ca/autism
2. Click "Register for the Ontario Autism Program"
3. Create a ServiceOntario account
4. Complete the online registration form
5. Upload the diagnostic report

Or call AccessOAP: 1-833-425-2445 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm)

Expect a confirmation email within 2–3 business days. Your wait time officially starts from your registration date, not the diagnosis date.

See our detailed OAP registration walkthrough →

4. Apply for the OAP Childhood Budget

While waiting for core OAP services (which can take 5+ years), some families may be eligible for the OAP Childhood Budget — annual funding of $5,000–$35,000 based on family income. Contact AccessOAP (1-833-425-2445) to confirm current eligibility, as program details may change. The original "Interim One-Time Funding" program (2019–2021) is no longer available to new registrants.

• This is separate from core OAP services
• Contact AccessOAP or visit AccessOAP.ca to apply
• Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks
• Can be used for: private therapy, equipment, respite care, training

Income thresholds (approximate — verify current amounts at AccessOAP.ca):

5. Notify Your Pediatrician or Family Doctor

Send them a copy of the diagnostic report. This ensures:

• Your child's health record is updated
• You have a physician on record to refer to specialists
• Your doctor can write letters supporting DTC, school accommodations, insurance

6. Contact Your School

If your child is school-aged (4+), call the school's principal and request:

• A meeting with the resource teacher/special education lead
• An IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) if not already done
• An IEP meeting to begin planning for next term

If your child is pre-school aged, contact your local school board's Early Learning department about JK entry planning.

This Month (Weeks 2–4)

7. Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

The Disability Tax Credit is worth $1,500–$3,500+ per year in federal and provincial tax savings. It's also the required gateway to the RDSP.

How to apply:

1. Download Form T2201 from canada.ca
2. Have your family doctor or the diagnosing clinician complete Part B
3. Submit to the CRA
4. Processing takes 8–12 weeks

The retroactive period is 10 years — if your child was diagnosed years ago and you haven't claimed this, you may be owed significant refunds.

Full DTC and RDSP guide →

8. Open an RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan)

Once you have DTC approval, open an RDSP at any major bank. The government contributes:

• Canada Disability Savings Grant: Up to $3,500/year based on family income
• Canada Disability Savings Bond: Up to $1,000/year for low-income families (no contributions required)

A child whose RDSP is opened at age 3 and receives maximum grants/bonds could have $250,000+ by age 18 — even with no family contributions.

9. Check Your Insurance

Review your extended health benefits for:

• Psychological services: May cover part of the assessment cost
• Speech-language pathology: Usually covered with a referral
• Occupational therapy: Usually covered with a referral
• ABA therapy: Rarely covered, but worth checking

Submit any claims from the assessment while it's fresh.

10. Research Private Therapy Options

While waiting for OAP, private therapy is the main route to services. Costs:

• ABA therapy: $30–$100/hour (most impactful for young children)
• Speech-language pathology: $100–$200/session
• Occupational therapy: $100–$175/session

Use interim OAP funding to offset these costs. Prioritize speech and ABA for children under 6.

While You Wait for OAP (Months to Years)

11. Get on School-Based Support Lists

Ontario schools provide services that do not require OAP registration:

• Educational Assistants: Applied for through your child's IEP
• Speech-Language Pathology: Available through school boards — get on the list immediately
• Behaviour Support: School board behaviour consultants can provide guidance to teachers
• Autism Resource Teachers: Many boards have dedicated ART staff

The school services are often underfunded and slow, but they're free and don't require OAP.

12. Connect with Autism Ontario

Autism Ontario (autismontario.com) has regional chapters across the province. They offer:

• Family support workshops
• Parent training programs
• Sibling support
• Social groups for autistic children
• Navigation support (volunteers who know the system)

Membership is free. The parent-to-parent knowledge sharing is invaluable.

13. Explore Free Services That Don't Require OAP

Several services are available right now:

• Surrey Place (Toronto 0–6): Free early intervention
• Kerry's Place: Programs across Ontario, no OAP required
• Holland Bloorview: Research participation programs
• Regional children's treatment centres: Some stream-specific services have shorter waits
• Early Abilities Network: Community-based support

Full guide to services while waiting →

14. Build Your Documentation File

Start a binder (physical or digital) with:

• Diagnostic report
• All OAP correspondence
• School reports and IEP documents
• Therapy session notes
• Financial records (therapy receipts)
• Any government correspondence

This documentation becomes critical if you ever need to appeal OAP decisions, apply for additional funding, or pursue legal options.

15. Know Your Rights

Ontario families have legal rights under:

• The Ontario Human Rights Code (disability)
• The Child, Youth and Family Services Act
• The Education Act (school supports)

If you're being denied services or supports your child needs, contact:

• ARCH Disability Law Centre: 416-482-8255 (free legal advice)
• Your regional Legal Aid Ontario office
• End the Wait Ontario's legal resources: /legal-rights-autism-waitlist

Key Phone Numbers and Links

The current system leaves families waiting years for funded services. But you are not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take today to support your child while advocating for systemic change.

Sources: Ontario Autism Program, Canada Revenue Agency, Autism Ontario, ARCH Disability Law Centre.