Cited lifetime support cost
Annual family cost estimate
Insurance quote basis
Figures above: Buescher et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2014 · No local citation supports a derived Ontario range · Licensed adviser and policy illustration
Guide values reviewed . Program amounts and eligibility can change; confirm them with the administering agency.
A locally cited study supports only a narrower claim: lifetime support costs for autism with co-occurring intellectual disability can reach US$2.4 million per person. Ontario costs depend on support needs, services, family care, and benefits.
Life insurance can help fund a Henson Trust when savings are not enough. The right amount depends on the child's needs, existing savings, RDSP balance, and who may provide care.
Term insurance covers a fixed period. It usually costs less than permanent insurance, but it ends when the term ends.
Permanent insurance can provide lifelong coverage and may build cash value. It often costs more, so families should compare policy illustrations, guarantees, fees, and exclusions.
Ask for multiple written, like-for-like quotes from licensed advisers. Compare coverage amount, term, health class, renewal rules, commissions, and beneficiary wording.
Never name the autistic child as the direct beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Direct proceeds would count as the child's asset and could disqualify them from ODSP. Instead, name the estate as beneficiary and ensure the will directs the proceeds into the Henson Trust — or name the Henson Trust directly as beneficiary if it is an inter vivos trust.
Joint last-to-die policies (which pay out when the second parent dies) are often appropriate for autism families. These policies are less expensive than individual policies and align with the timing of when the child will actually need trust funding — typically after both parents have died.
Evidence
Buescher et al.
Costs of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the United States and United Kingdom. JAMA Pediatrics, 2014; 168(8):721-728
No. Direct life insurance proceeds would count as your child's asset and could disqualify them from ODSP. Instead, designate your estate or an inter vivos Henson Trust as the beneficiary. Your will should direct the proceeds into the Henson Trust.
This depends on your child's support needs, existing savings, RDSP balance, and whether other family members will provide care. Work with a planner who understands disability planning and ask for the calculation in writing.
Autism itself does not disqualify someone from obtaining life insurance in Canada. However, co-occurring conditions (epilepsy, intellectual disability) may affect underwriting. Guaranteed issue policies are available but typically have lower coverage limits and higher premiums.
Estate planning for Ontario autism families: wills, trusts, guardianship, RDSP, and ODSP-compatible strategies to protect your child's future.
Everything Ontario autism families need to know about Henson Trusts — how they protect ODSP eligibility, setup costs, trustee selection, and common mistakes to avoid.
How to use employer group health benefits for autism services — psychology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and ABA. Coverage limits, pre-authorization, and appeal strategies.
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.
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents approximately 290% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate