Respite care in Ontario comes in several forms: in-home respite (a worker comes to your home), out-of-home respite (your child attends a respite home or program), community-based respite (recreational programs or camps), and emergency respite (for crisis situations). Understanding the options helps you identify which type best suits your family's needs and your child's comfort level.
For children and adults with developmental disabilities, DSO is the primary gateway to funded respite services. Contact your regional DSO office to apply. Eligibility is based on a qualifying developmental disability. Wait lists for funded respite can be long, so apply early. DSO-funded respite may be delivered through local agencies in your community.
If your child receives OAP funding, some respite-related services may be covered under your child's behaviour plan or as part of a caregiver-mediated approach. Check with your OAP service coordinator about eligible uses of funding. Additionally, some families use their discretionary OAP funding for respite-adjacent services like social skills groups and recreational therapy.
Ontario has numerous agencies that provide respite care, including Community Living organizations, Kerry's Place Autism Services, Autismconnect, and regional children's aid societies. Contact agencies in your area to learn about their programs, eligibility requirements, costs, and wait lists. Many agencies offer both funded and fee-for-service respite.
If funded respite is unavailable or insufficient, consider: trained babysitters with special needs experience (universities with ECE or psychology programs are good sources), autism-friendly recreational programs, specialized day camps (summer and school breaks), faith community volunteer programs, and reciprocal care arrangements with other autism families.
Create a comprehensive care guide for respite providers that includes routines, communication methods, dietary needs, sensory sensitivities, safety considerations, emergency contacts, and strategies for managing challenging moments. Introduce your child to the respite provider gradually. Start with short sessions and build up. This investment in transition planning dramatically improves outcomes.
Developmental Services Ontario
Respite services eligibility and application process (dsontario.ca)
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Respite care programs and resources for families of children with special needs (ontario.ca)
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.
Verified Facts
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement