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Guide
A crisis plan helps families respond safely and effectively when an autistic family member experiences extreme distress. Having a written plan reduces panic, improves communication with first responders, and protects everyone involved. This guide walks you through building a plan you can share with schools, caregivers, and emergency services.
List the situations, sensory inputs, or changes in routine that typically trigger a crisis for your family member. Note the early warning signs such as increased stimming, verbal escalation, or withdrawal. Understanding patterns is the first step to prevention.
Work with your family member's therapist or BCBA to develop specific de-escalation techniques. Strategies may include offering a quiet space, using visual supports, reducing sensory input, or using a calm voice. Write down exactly what to do and what to avoid during each stage of escalation.
List 911, your family doctor, a local crisis helpline, and relatives or friends who can help. Add the contact information for the OAP urgent response lead organization in your area, but remember that urgent response services are not 24/7 crisis supports. Keep the list easy to find at home and put copies in your emergency kit and car. If the plan is for a child, keep the school's contact information up to date.
Create a wallet-sized card that explains your family member's autism diagnosis, communication style, and triggers. Include instructions for first responders such as "speak slowly," "do not touch without warning," or "this person is nonverbal." This card can prevent misunderstandings during a crisis.
Give a copy of the full crisis plan to your child's school, respite provider, and any other regular caregivers. Walk them through the plan in person so they understand each step. Ask them to confirm they have read and will follow the plan.
Set a calendar reminder to review the crisis plan every three months. Update triggers, strategies, and contacts as your family member grows and changes. Practise the plan with family members so everyone knows their role during a crisis.
Children's Mental Health Ontario
Crisis services and resources for families of children with developmental disabilities (cmho.org)
Autism Ontario
Safety resources and crisis planning tools for autism families (autismontario.com)
Call 911 if there is immediate danger to life or safety. If there is no immediate danger, a crisis line may help you de-escalate. Tell dispatch the person is autistic and may not respond to commands. Request a Mobile Crisis Intervention Team if available.
Ontario's current funding program uses the name Mobile Crisis Response Team, or MCRT. These teams let police work with trained crisis workers when responding to someone in need. For 2025-2026 and 2026-27, the province lists police services and OPP detachments receiving grants for these teams.
Yes, if your child is able to participate. Involving them helps the plan reflect their actual experience and preferences. Even nonverbal individuals can contribute through their therapist using visual supports or assistive communication devices.
Next Steps
Families navigating autism services in Ontario face a documented multi-year wait. Here is the Ontario data — and a two-minute way to push back, when you are ready.
Related Resources
How long do families wait for Ontario autism services?
VerifiedOntario autism wait times for core clinical services now exceed 5+ years (Ontario Autism Coalition, July 2026). Funding invitations are currently reaching families who registered in August 2021 (Ontario Autism Coalition, July 2026 (reported from community intake)). This delay far exceeds the sensitive early intervention window recommended by developmental specialists.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
VerifiedAs 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 ~300% 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
Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?
VerifiedYes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated $965 million, leaving an estimated $385M+ annual shortfall. This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 91,974+ child waitlist.
Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO] · Verify Link