Ontario Autism Program (Ages 0–18)
Passport Program (Ages 18+)
The OAP-to-Passport transition at age 18 is one of the most devastating service cliffs in Ontario disability services. Families go from a program designed for clinical therapy to one focused on community participation, with a dramatic funding reduction and no coverage for ongoing clinical needs. The Passport Program waitlist adds another multi-year wait on top of years already spent waiting for OAP. Many autistic adults need continued clinical support that Passport simply does not fund. This transition requires urgent policy reform to ensure continuity of care.
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.
Verified Facts
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
According to the FAO (2020 report), OAP funding covers less than one-third of estimated need at 2018-19 service levels
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
$965M, Ontario allocated to the Ontario Autism Program in 2026-27