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Guide
Families enrolled in the Ontario Autism Program have the right to choose and change their service providers. Whether you are dissatisfied with current services, relocating, or need a provider with different expertise, this guide explains the process for making a smooth transition without losing funding or creating gaps in your child's therapy.
Before initiating a change, clearly identify why you want to switch. Common reasons include dissatisfaction with progress, personality mismatch between therapist and child, relocation, need for specialized services like speech-language pathology integration, or scheduling conflicts. Having clear reasons helps you communicate effectively with both the current and new provider.
Identify your new provider before ending services with your current one to minimize gaps. Check OAP provider registries, speak with other families, and schedule consultations with prospective new providers. Confirm the new provider has capacity, accepts OAP funding, and can meet your child's specific needs.
Check your service agreement for notice requirements, typically 2-4 weeks. Look for any clauses about file transfer, outstanding invoices, or unused prepaid sessions. Some agreements specify a process for termination that must be followed to ensure a clean transition.
Send a formal written notice to your current provider stating your intention to end services as of a specific date. Request copies of all clinical records, assessment reports, treatment plans, and progress data for your child. Under Ontario privacy law, providers must supply these records within a reasonable timeframe.
Contact AccessOAP about the provider change. Ask which forms apply to your funding model. Confirm in writing whether the provider change affects invoices, records, or payment timing.
Share all clinical records with your new provider. Schedule an intake meeting to discuss your child's history, current goals, and your family's priorities. Expect the new provider to conduct their own assessment, but the existing records should accelerate the process and maintain continuity of care.
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
OAP family guidelines on provider selection and changes (ontario.ca/autism)
AccessOAP
Province-wide Independent Intake Organization for OAP families
Provider changes should be checked against your funding agreement. Before ending services, ask AccessOAP and both providers to confirm the steps in writing. Do not assume payment timing will stay the same.
Families work directly with their chosen clinicians to develop treatment options and plans. If your child receives services from more than one provider, OAP guidelines encourage the providers to collaborate to promote a seamless and coordinated service experience.
Yes. Under the OAP, families can use multiple providers simultaneously as long as the total invoiced amounts do not exceed their annual funding allocation. For example, one provider might handle ABA therapy while another provides speech-language pathology.
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