Autism Ontario Glossary 2026

Evidence-based therapy using behavioral principles to teach skills and reduce barriers to participation. Evidence-based and supported by ABA research (AAP, NCAEP) when delivered early and intensively — typically 20–40 hours per week.

Ontario government's central intake organization for the Ontario Autism Program. Handles registration, waitlist management, and intake coordination. Phone: 1-833-425-2445. Website: accessoap.ca.

A credentialed behavior analyst who designs and supervises ABA programs. BCBAs hold a graduate degree and pass a national certification exam. In Ontario, they are registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) as of July 2024.

A frontline therapist who delivers ABA therapy sessions directly with an autistic child, under the clinical supervision of a BCBA. Also called Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) in some contexts.

The OAP-funded intensive therapy services families wait for. Includes ABA, IBI, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy delivered at a clinically appropriate intensity. Currently have 5+ year waitlists.

An OAP assessment conducted by an independent clinical expert that evaluates a child's support needs and determines their annual funding level. Funding ranges from $6,600 to $65,000 per year.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, this is the standard diagnostic reference used by psychologists and physicians to diagnose autism in Canada. The DSM-5 unified Asperger's syndrome, PDD-NOS, and autistic disorder under the single diagnosis 'Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)'.

A federal non-refundable tax credit for Canadians with disabilities, reducing income tax payable. Children with autism typically qualify. The 2025 disability amount is $10,138 (CRA), plus a supplement of $5,914 for children under 18. Also unlocks the RDSP.

An independent office of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario that produces reports on government finances and programs. The FAO has published critical analyses of OAP waitlist data and funding levels used extensively as primary sources on this site.

Formal requests submitted under Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to obtain government records not publicly available. FOI requests have been used by advocates and journalists to obtain OAP waitlist numbers, service delivery statistics, and internal correspondence.

OAP supports available to ALL registered families regardless of their waitlist position. Includes parent training, caregiver-mediated intervention workshops, and support navigation. No waitlist.

A comprehensive, intensive application of ABA principles delivered at 20–40 hours per week. Most effective for young children (ages 2–5). Funded through OAP Core Clinical Services.

A legal document created by a school for a student with identified special education needs. Details the student's current levels of achievement, annual program goals, specific accommodations, and any specialized equipment or services. Must be reviewed at least once per school year.

The current OAP access model where families wait to be "invited" to apply for Core Clinical Services based on their registration date. Families cannot self-refer for funding — they must wait for the Ministry to contact them.

A school committee process that formally identifies a student as having an exceptionality (such as autism) and determines their educational placement. IPRC decisions must be documented in writing. Parents have the right to be present, to disagree, and to appeal.

Ontario government ministry responsible for administering the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), developmental services, children's aid, and social assistance programs. AccessOAP operates under MCCSS.

The Ontario government program providing autism services and funding for children and youth under 18. Administered by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) through AccessOAP.

Income and employment support program for adults (18+) in Ontario with disabilities. Relevant for autistic adults who have aged out of the OAP. Provides monthly income support and benefits coverage.

Ontario's provincial health insurance plan. Covers OHIP-insured diagnostic assessments for autism by physicians and psychiatrists, as well as speech-language pathology and occupational therapy delivered in hospitals and community health centres.

Therapy addressing sensory processing, fine motor skills, daily living activities, and social participation. Commonly involved in autism support. Available through OHIP in hospitals, community health centres, and privately through OAP Core Clinical Services funding.

Ontario Ministry of Education Policy Program Memorandum 140 (2007). Directs school boards to support and fund Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for students with autism. Establishes ABA as the evidence-based approach within the Ontario education system.

A comprehensive evaluation by a registered psychologist that typically assesses cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and behavioral/emotional functioning. May include an autism diagnosis. Commonly required for IEP development and accommodations (e.g., EQAO exemptions, university accommodations). Cost: $3,000–$5,000 privately; available through school boards but wait times are 1–3 years.

A federal long-term savings plan for Canadians with disabilities who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate. Contributions attract federal Canada Disability Savings Grants (up to $3,500/year) and Canada Disability Savings Bonds (up to $1,000/year for lower-income families). Designed for long-term financial security.

Temporary care for a person with a disability, providing caregivers with a planned break from their caregiving responsibilities. In Ontario, respite care for families of children with autism can be funded through SSAH (Special Services at Home). Critical for preventing caregiver burnout.

A regulated health professional addressing communication, language development, speech production, and (in some cases) feeding and swallowing. SLP services are among the most commonly needed by autistic children. Available through OHIP, school boards, community health centres, and privately through OAP Core Clinical Services funding.

Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services program providing funding for families caring for a child or adult with a developmental disability or physical disability at home. Can fund respite workers, support workers, and life skills programs. Apply through your local DSSAB (District Social Services Administration Board).

The United Nations' global health authority. WHO guidelines on autism (2023) endorse early, intensive, evidence-based intervention as the standard of care. Advocates have noted that Ontario's 5+ year OAP waitlists fall significantly short of WHO-recommended timelines for timely autism intervention.