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Budget 2026: $965M budgeted, 67,509 children still waiting. Read our analysis →

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end|thewaitontario

Parent-led advocacy for Ontario families waiting for autism services.

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end|thewaitontario

Parent-led advocacy for Ontario families waiting for autism services.

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

  • 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

  • Toronto
  • Ottawa
  • Hamilton
  • London
  • Mississauga
  • 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

Parent-led advocacy for Ontario families waiting for autism services.

  • 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
  • Next Steps Tool
  • Wait Estimator
  • Funding Estimator
  • Therapy Budget
  • Waitlist Tracker
  • Provider Directory
  • Choosing a Provider
  • Submit a Provider
  • OAP Overview
  • Funding Guide
  • Eligibility
  • How to Register
  • DTC & RDSP
  • Toronto
  • Ottawa
  • Hamilton
  • London
  • Mississauga
  • All Regions
  • Evidence Library
  • Data Hub
  • Waitlist Data
  • Cost Calculator
  • Data Stories
  • Where Does the Money Go?
  • Action Hub
  • Write Your MPP
  • File Complaint
  • Advocacy Toolkit
  • Our Story
  • Transparency
  • Media References
  • Founder
  • Press
  • Contact

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.

Legal|Privacy|Terms|Cookies|Accessibility|Corrections|Authority

Advocacy, not anger. Data, not speculation.

Carroll v. Ontario · HRTO 2025-62264-I

© 2026 End The Wait Ontario. All rights reserved. · Parent-led advocacy · Not a government agency

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Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?

Yes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that **$1.35 billion annually** is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated **$965 million**, leaving an estimated **$385M+ annual shortfall**. [FAO, Ontario Budget 2026] This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 88,175+ child waitlist.

Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO]

How much does Ontario fund for autism treatment?

Core Clinical Services funding ranges $6,600-$65,000 per year based on age/needs (with a total OAP budget of $965M for 2026-27, up from $779M in 2025-26, per the Ontario Budget tabled March 26, 2026). This is direct funding—families choose public or private providers. However, intensive ABA therapy can cost up to $95,000 USD/year (2020 US cost estimate cited in FAO 2020 report; Canadian costs vary), leaving significant out-of-pocket gaps.

Source: 2026 Ontario Budget, FAO Report 2023-24

ABA vs ESDM for Toddlers Under 3: Choosing Early Intervention in Ontario

Compare traditional Applied Behaviour Analysis with the Early Start Denver Model for toddlers under 3 years old. Both are evidence-based, but they differ significantly in delivery, intensity, and philosophy.

Quick Summary

  • Side-by-side comparison of ABA vs ESDM autism services
  • Both ABA and ESDM have strong evidence for toddlers under 3. ESDM may be a better fit for very young children due to its play-based, naturalistic approach, while traditional ABA offers broader provider availability in Ontario. Many modern ABA programs incorporate naturalistic strategies similar to ESDM.
  • 3 frequently asked questions answered with evidence
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  2. ›Comparisons
  3. ›ABA vs ESDM for Toddlers Under 3: Choosing Early Intervention in Ontario

ABA

Applied Behaviour Analysis (Traditional)

Evidence Level
Strong50+ years of research
Recommended Hours
20-40 hrs/weekIntensive model
Cost per Year
$40,000-$80,000Ontario average
Setting
Clinic or homeStructured environment

Strengths

  • Extensive evidence base for skill acquisition
  • Measurable, data-driven progress tracking
  • Covered by OAP core clinical services
  • Wide availability of BCBA-supervised programs in Ontario

Limitations

  • Highly structured, may not suit naturalistic learners
  • Very expensive at intensive hours
  • Requires significant family time commitment
  • Some autistic advocates raise concerns about compliance focus

ESDM

Early Start Denver Model

Evidence Level
StrongRCTs since 2010
Recommended Hours
15-25 hrs/weekPlay-based delivery
Cost per Year
$30,000-$60,000Fewer required hours
Age Range
12-48 monthsDesigned for toddlers

Strengths

  • Play-based and naturalistic delivery style
  • Designed specifically for toddlers
  • Integrates developmental and behavioural principles
  • Parents can deliver components at home

Limitations

  • Fewer certified ESDM therapists in Ontario
  • Limited availability outside major urban centres
  • Less effective after age 4
  • Waitlists for trained providers can be long

Analysis

Both ABA and ESDM have strong evidence for toddlers under 3. ESDM may be a better fit for very young children due to its play-based, naturalistic approach, while traditional ABA offers broader provider availability in Ontario. Many modern ABA programs incorporate naturalistic strategies similar to ESDM.

Frequently Asked Questions

ESDM was specifically designed for children 12-48 months and uses play-based delivery, which can feel more natural for toddlers. However, both have strong evidence. ESDM may suit naturalistic learners, while structured ABA may benefit children who respond well to routine.

Yes. OAP core clinical and interim funding can be used for ESDM delivered by qualified providers. The challenge is finding certified ESDM therapists in Ontario, as there are fewer than BCBAs offering traditional ABA.

Research suggests 15-25 hours per week for ESDM and 20-40 hours for intensive ABA. The National Research Council recommends at least 25 hours per week of structured intervention for children under 3 with autism.

Related Comparisons

ABA vs DIR/Floortime: Comparing Autism Therapy Philosophies in Ontario

Intensive vs Focused ABA: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need in Ontario?

Toddler vs Preschool Intervention: Why Earlier Access Matters for Ontario Families

Next Steps

Next Steps

Use this comparison to decide your path, then take action with confidence.

Take Action to End the WaitBrowse More Comparisons

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 • 2024-02-29
View
[2025]
Ontario Autism Coalition FOI update on Ontario Autism Program registrations and fundingVerified FAO Data
Ontario Autism Coalition • Report • 2025-12-10
View

Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.

About This Article
Written by:Spencer Carroll - Founder & Autism AdvocateParent of autistic child navigating OAP system
Featured in CBC News Investigation
FOI Data Verified
Clip in WHO Social Media Reel
Active HRTO Advocacy
FAO & Legislative Assembly Cited

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Verified Facts

Facts cited on this page

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) delivered to children aged 18–30 months produced significant gains in IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism severity — some children no longer met diagnostic criteria at follow-up

Gov / Peer-ReviewedDawson G, Rogers S, Munson J, et al. (2010)Verified: 2010-01-01

Cochrane systematic review finds evidence that early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with ASD (low certainty of evidence)

Gov / Peer-ReviewedReichow B, Hume K, Barton EE, Boyd BA (2018)Verified: 2018-05-09

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

Gov / Peer-ReviewedWorld Health Organization (2023)Verified: 2023-11-15

88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29

According to the FAO (2020 report), OAP funding covers less than one-third of estimated need at 2018-19 service levels

Gov / Peer-ReviewedFinancial Accountability Office of Ontario (2020)Verified: 2020-07-21
View our methodologyView all sourcesNext data update: 2026-07-28