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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

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

Compare intensive ABA (20-40 hours/week) with focused ABA (10-15 hours/week) models. The right intensity depends on the child's age, needs, and family circumstances.

Quick Summary

  • Side-by-side comparison of Intensive ABA vs Focused ABA autism services
  • Intensive ABA (20-40 hrs) shows the strongest outcomes for children under 5 during the critical early intervention period. Focused ABA (10-15 hrs) is more realistic for most Ontario families given OAP interim funding levels ($22,000 under 6, $5,500 over 6) and is effective for targeted goals at any age.
  • 3 frequently asked questions answered with evidence
  1. Home
  2. ›Comparisons
  3. ›Intensive vs Focused ABA: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need in Ontario?

Intensive ABA

Intensive ABA (20-40 hrs/week)

Weekly Hours
20-40 hrsFull-day programming
Annual Cost
$50,000-$80,000Before OAP funding
Duration
1-3 yearsRecommended course
Best For
Under 5Early intervention window

Strengths

  • Strongest evidence base for significant gains
  • Rapid skill acquisition during critical period
  • Comprehensive programming across all domains
  • Research supports intensive early intervention outcomes

Limitations

  • Extremely expensive without full OAP core funding
  • Demands significant family schedule changes
  • May be too demanding for some children
  • Limited time for other activities and therapies

Focused ABA

Focused ABA (10-15 hrs/week)

Weekly Hours
10-15 hrsPart-day programming
Annual Cost
$20,000-$40,000Before OAP funding
Duration
1-3 yearsTargeted goals
Best For
All agesTargeted skill areas

Strengths

  • More affordable and manageable for families
  • Time for school, other therapies, and family life
  • Targets specific skill areas effectively
  • More feasible with OAP interim funding amounts

Limitations

  • Slower rate of progress than intensive model
  • May not be sufficient for children with complex needs
  • Less comprehensive skill coverage
  • May not close developmental gaps as quickly

Analysis

Intensive ABA (20-40 hrs) shows the strongest outcomes for children under 5 during the critical early intervention period. Focused ABA (10-15 hrs) is more realistic for most Ontario families given OAP interim funding levels ($22,000 under 6, $5,500 over 6) and is effective for targeted goals at any age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not fully. OAP interim funding of $22,000/year (under 6) covers roughly 275-440 hours of ABA at $50-$80/hour — about 5-8 hours per week, well below the 20-40 hours recommended for intensive ABA. Only OAP core clinical services can fund truly intensive programming.

The Lovaas model and subsequent research suggest 25-40 hours per week for children under 5. However, newer studies show focused ABA at 10-15 hours can be effective for specific goals. The ONTABA (Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis) recommends individualized intensity based on needs assessment.

No. While the strongest evidence is for early intervention (under 5), focused ABA at 10-15 hours per week remains effective for school-age children targeting specific skills like social interaction, daily living, and academic support.

Related Comparisons

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

Clinic-Based vs Home-Based ABA: Choosing the Right Setting in Ontario

OAP-Funded vs Private Autism Services: The Impossible Choice 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