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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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  • Funding Estimator
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Providers

  • Provider Directory
  • Choosing a Provider
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Funding & Support

  • OAP Overview
  • Funding Guide
  • Eligibility
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  • DTC & RDSP

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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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  1. Home
  2. ›Financial
  3. ›Rdsp

Can autistic students get an educational assistant (EA)?

Schools may assign EAs based on IEP needs, but **47% of families** report insufficient supports. [OAC] EA availability varies by board and often fails to match clinical needs, leaving many autistic students without necessary classroom support.

Source: Ontario Education Act & OAC

What is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) for autism?

The DTC (Form T2201) is a federal tax credit for severe and prolonged impairment. Approval reduces income tax ($10,138 disability amount, 2025 CRA rate) and unlocks other benefits like the Child Disability Benefit (up to $3,411/year, 2025–26) and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).

Source: CRA Disability Tax Credit

How does the RDSP work for autism?

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) allows long-term saving with generous government matching (up to 300% grants). Low-income families can receive up to $1,000/year in bonds without contributing. Withdrawals effectively begin at age 60, making it a powerful retirement security tool.

Source: Government of Canada RDSP

Can I claim autism-related expenses on taxes while waiting?

Yes. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is available for children with autism diagnoses, even before OAP funding. Form T2201 requires a medical practitioner to certify impairment. DTC enables access to the Child Disability Benefit and reduces taxable income by $8,662 (2024).

Source: CRA Disability Tax Credit Guidelines

Long-Term Security

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

The RDSP is a tax-free savings account. It helps you save for your child future. The government adds money on top of what you save.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a certified financial planner or accountant for guidance specific to your situation.

What parents need to know

  • First step: Your child needs an approved DTC (Disability Tax Credit -- a federal tax break) before you can open an RDSP.
  • Government grant: The government matches what you save -- up to 300% (up to $3,500 per year).
  • Free bond: Low-income families get up to $1,000 per year added automatically, even if you save $0.
  • Lifetime maximum: Up to $90,000 in total government contributions over time.

The benefits landscape

Financial support is available — but navigating it takes time families are already spending on the waitlist.

Registered

88,17588,175

Children registered

Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue

CBC FOI Jan 2026

Funded

20,66620,666

Have active funding

Just 23.4% of registered children

CBC FOI Jan 2026

Waiting

67,50967,509

Still waiting

Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.

CBC FOI Jan 2026

Verified April 29, 2026 — CBC FOI Jan 2026

Share these numbers
Ontario Autism Program key statistics (CBC FOI Jan 2026, verified 2026-04-29)
MetricValue
Children registered88,175
Have active funding20,666
Still waiting67,509
CDSG (Canada Disability Savings Grant -- free government money)

If your family income is under $106,717 (2024 threshold):

  • First $500 savedGovt adds $1,500 (300%)
  • Next $1,000 savedGovt adds $2,000 (200%)
  • TotalYou save $1,500 → You have $5,000
CDSB (Canada Disability Savings Bond -- no saving required)

For lower-income families (roughly under $34,000 net income):

$1,000 / year

Deposited automatically into the RDSP account, even if you contribute $0.

How to Open an RDSP

  1. Make sure your child has a SIN (Social Insurance Number).
  2. Confirm your child's DTC (Disability Tax Credit) has been approved (you need the T2201 approval letter).
  3. Pick a bank or credit union. Most major banks offer RDSPs.
  4. Book an appointment to open the account. You are the "plan holder" and your child is the "beneficiary" (the person the savings are for).
Back to Financial Hub

Related Resources

  • Financial Resources Hub
  • Financial / Disability Tax Credit
  • Canada Disability Benefit
  • Henson Trust Guide

Take Action

Help End the Wait

Understanding available funding is the first step to accessing support for your family.

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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.

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

$200/month — The Canada Disability Benefit provides up to for eligible Canadians with disabilities

Gov / Peer-ReviewedGovernment of CanadaVerified: 2026-03-19

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

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29

1 in 50 — According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis

Gov / Peer-ReviewedPublic Health Agency of Canada (2024)Verified: 2024-03-26

23.4% — Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29

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