Should I wait for OAP or start private therapy now?

Consider starting private therapy if your child is under 6 (the critical window for brain development), you can afford partial costs, or you have extended health benefits. Waiting 5+ years for OAP during ages 2–7 means missing the early intervention window. Many families combine both: they start private therapy while on the OAP waitlist, then switch to OAP when invited.

Can I use OAP funding to pay a private therapist?

Only if that therapist is on the OAP-approved provider list. OAP funding cannot be used for providers who are not approved. Check the OAP Provider Directory before committing. Some private practices are OAP-approved, others are not.

Do private therapists get better results than OAP providers?

Results depend on the therapist's qualifications and approach, not the funding source. Both OAP-approved and private therapists use evidence-based methods. Research shows that the quality and timing of therapy matters more than who pays for it. However, private therapy lets you start sooner, which can improve outcomes.

How do I choose between OAP and private providers?

Think about: (1) Wait time — private starts in 1–3 months vs OAP 5+ years, (2) Cost — can your family handle the $40K–$110K annual gap? (FAO 2024), (3) Qualifications — both require a BCBA or equivalent, (4) Your child's age — under 6 means urgency, (5) Insurance — does your plan cover any therapy? (6) Mix approach — start private now, switch to OAP when invited.

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

What are the out-of-pocket costs for autism therapy?

Private ABA therapy costs $100-$150/hour (BCBA supervised). Intensive programs of 20+ hours/week can cost up to $95,000 USD/year (2020 US cost estimate cited in FAO 2020 report; Canadian costs vary). Speech and OT cost $120-$160/hour. These costs are often prohibitive while families wait 5+ years for OAP funding.

Source: Ontario Provider Fee Schedules; FAO 2020 Report

Comparison Guide

OAP vs Private Autism Therapy

A plain-language comparison of costs, wait times, coverage, and outcomes to help you make the best decision for your child.

Quick Summary for Parents

OAP covers about $34,000/year — but intensive therapy costs $60K–$95K/year
OAP wait time is 5+ years. Private therapy starts in 1–3 months
Many families start private while waiting, then switch to OAP
Free options exist while you wait (school supports, interim funding, tax credits)

See free options while you wait

Side-by-Side Comparison

Category	OAP	Private	Winner
Annual Cost	~$34,000 average	$60,000–$95,000	OAP
Wait Time	5+ years	1–3 months	Private
Coverage	25–50% of costs	100% out of pocket	OAP
Provider Choice	OAP-approved list only	Any qualified provider	Private
Service Hours	Based on funding	As purchased	Depends
Evidence-Based	OAP-approved services	Any evidence-based therapy	=

Intensive ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapy runs 20–40 hours per week per AAP clinical guidelines. Ontario provider rates average $90–$150/hour (Ontario Autism Coalition, 2024–2025).

Common Questions

OAP provides about $34,000 per year on average for children receiving core services (FAO 2025–26 budget). Intensive ABA therapy (20–40 hours/week, as recommended by clinical guidelines) costs $60,000–$95,000 per year based on Ontario provider rates of $90–$150/hour (Ontario Autism Coalition, 2024–2025). This leaves a $40,000–$110,000+ gap that families must pay out of pocket, or reduce therapy hours.

There are free and low-cost options: (1) School supports like an IEP or educational assistant — free, (2) EarlyON and Preschool Speech programs — free, (3) Interim OAP one-time funding — up to $20,000, (4) ACSD (Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities) — monthly financial support, (5) Disability Tax Credit — worth $3,500+/year, (6) Some providers offer sliding-scale or reduced rates.

Need Help Deciding?

Check our funding guide and cost calculator to understand your options.

OAP Funding Guide Cost Calculator

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Sources: FAO 2025–26, Ontario Autism Coalition 2024–2025

Take Action

Help End the Wait

Your voice matters. Join thousands of Ontario families fighting for timely autism services.

Write to Your MPP Share Your Story

Verified References & Sources

Updated: Mar 2026

Government Reports & Data

[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

[2024]

Diagnostic Hub Waitlist Data — FOI Response (Trillium Health Partners hospital system, not The Trillium newspaper)Verified FAO Data

Trillium Health Partners (hospital) • Report • 2024-03-15

View

Official Government Sources

[2025]

Canada Disability Benefit - How much you could receiveGovernment Source

Government of Canada • Government • 2025-06-20

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.

Ontario Autism Coalition FOI update on Ontario Autism Program registrations and funding. Ontario Autism Coalition (December 2025)
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan Review (2024). Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (2024)

About This Article

Written by:Spencer Carroll - Founder & Autism AdvocateParent of autistic child navigating OAP system

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FAO & Legislative Assembly Cited

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Verified Facts

Facts cited on this page

View our methodology View all sourcesNext data update: 2026-05-15

What are the out-of-pocket costs for autism therapy?

Source: Ontario Provider Fee Schedules; FAO 2020 Report

Comparison Guide

OAP vs Private Autism Therapy

A plain-language comparison of costs, wait times, coverage, and outcomes to help you make the best decision for your child.

Quick Summary for Parents

OAP covers about $34,000/year — but intensive therapy costs $60K–$95K/year
OAP wait time is 5+ years. Private therapy starts in 1–3 months
Many families start private while waiting, then switch to OAP
Free options exist while you wait (school supports, interim funding, tax credits)

See free options while you wait

Side-by-Side Comparison

Category	OAP	Private	Winner
Annual Cost	~$34,000 average	$60,000–$95,000	OAP
Wait Time	5+ years	1–3 months	Private
Coverage	25–50% of costs	100% out of pocket	OAP
Provider Choice	OAP-approved list only	Any qualified provider	Private
Service Hours	Based on funding	As purchased	Depends
Evidence-Based	OAP-approved services	Any evidence-based therapy	=

Intensive ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapy runs 20–40 hours per week per AAP clinical guidelines. Ontario provider rates average $90–$150/hour (Ontario Autism Coalition, 2024–2025).

Common Questions

Need Help Deciding?

Check our funding guide and cost calculator to understand your options.

OAP Funding Guide Cost Calculator

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Sources: FAO 2025–26, Ontario Autism Coalition 2024–2025

Take Action

Help End the Wait

Your voice matters. Join thousands of Ontario families fighting for timely autism services.

Write to Your MPP Share Your Story

Verified References & Sources

Updated: Mar 2026

Government Reports & Data

[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

[2024]

Diagnostic Hub Waitlist Data — FOI Response (Trillium Health Partners hospital system, not The Trillium newspaper)Verified FAO Data

Trillium Health Partners (hospital) • Report • 2024-03-15

View

Official Government Sources

[2025]

Canada Disability Benefit - How much you could receiveGovernment Source

Government of Canada • Government • 2025-06-20

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.