Freedom of Information requests reveal the Ontario government has internal data showing the autism crisis is worse than publicly acknowledged. Buried reports show officials knew funding was inadequate, waitlists would grow, and children were aging out without services. These documents expose the gap between public statements and internal knowledge.
Of recommended therapy covered by average budget
Children aged out without services (2019-2023)
Projected waitlist by 2025
Source: Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Internal briefing notes show ministry officials projected the OAP waitlist would exceed 70,000 children by 2025 without significant funding increases. The projection was not shared publicly.
Source: Treasury Board Secretariat
A 2022 cost-benefit analysis showed that fully funding early intervention would save $3-4 for every $1 spent in reduced lifetime support costs. The analysis was not used in budget decisions.
Source: Ministry Internal Memo
Internal memo warned that even with increased funding, provider shortages would prevent service delivery improvements for 3+ years. No workforce development plan was implemented.
Source: OAP Program Data
Data shows Northern Ontario children wait 2x longer than GTA children for services. Some regions have no registered providers. Government has not published regional wait time data.
Source: Commissioned Research
Government-commissioned study found average Childhood Budget of $8,000 covers only 11% of clinically recommended therapy hours. Report was never released publicly.
Source: Program Statistics
Records show 4,200+ children aged out of OAP (turned 18) while on the waitlist between 2019-2023 without ever receiving core clinical services.
These documents show a pattern of officials knowing about problems but not acting with urgency. Internal warnings were filed away while children waited years for help. When governments have information showing children are being harmed and don't act, that's a policy choice.
Parents have a right to know what the government knows. FOI requests are a tool for accountability.
Most autism documents are held by MCCSS (Children, Community and Social Services)
Use ontario.ca/freedom-of-information or mail written request
Date ranges and document types get better results
$5 application fee, potential additional search fees
Ministries have 30 days to respond (often extended)
The government knew about this crisis. They had the data. They made choices. Use this information to demand answers from your MPP and push for real reform.
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