New here? Start with our 2-minute guide to OAP registration , no sign-up required.
Comorbidity guide
Epilepsy co-occurs with autism at rates of 20-Rate unavailable; the cited research populations and methods differ, compared to approximately Rate unavailable; the cited research populations and methods differ in the general population. The risk is highest in autistic individuals with intellectual disability, where prevalence reaches Rate unavailable; the cited research populations and methods differ. Seizure onset has a bimodal distribution in autism, with peaks in early childhood and adolescence. Effective management requires coordination between neurology and autism intervention teams — a coordination challenge that Ontario's fragmented healthcare system does not always support well.
These guides sit within Ontario's autism funding system. The May 13, 2026 OAP administrative snapshot reports 91,974 registered children. A separate Ontario Autism Coalition July 2026 community-reported invitation cohort describes a five-year-plus signal; Ontario does not publish an official average wait.
A 2008 meta-analysis by Amiet et al. reported a pooled epilepsy prevalence of Rate unavailable; the cited research populations and methods differ in autistic individuals. Risk factors for epilepsy in autism include co-occurring intellectual disability (odds ratio 3.7), female sex, and regression in early development. The risk persists across the lifespan, with seizure onset occurring at any age.
Common seizure types in autistic individuals include focal seizures (which may be subtle and mistaken for stimming or inattention), absence seizures (brief staring episodes), and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Subclinical epileptiform activity detected on EEG is also common in autistic individuals without clinical seizures, though the clinical significance of this finding remains debated.
Parents should watch for regression in skills, new onset of staring spells, unexplained falls, nighttime convulsive movements, or sudden behavioural deterioration — all potential indicators of seizure activity.
Anti-seizure medication decisions should be made with the treating neurologist. Ask about seizure type, side effects, cognition, behaviour, and how the medication may affect school or therapy.
Ontario epilepsy resources include: the Epilepsy Program at SickKids (Toronto), the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at McMaster Children's Hospital (Hamilton), London Health Sciences Centre's Epilepsy Program, and CHEO's Neurology Division (Ottawa). Epilepsy Ontario provides education, support groups, and navigation assistance across the province.
When epilepsy co-occurs with autism, intervention planning should account for seizure medication effects on attention and behaviour, seizure safety during therapy sessions, and the potential impact of uncontrolled seizures on developmental progress. Communicate seizure action plans to all therapists and educators involved in the child's care.
Amiet, C. et al.
Epilepsy in Autism is Associated with Intellectual Disability and Gender: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis. Biological Psychiatry, 2008; 64(7):577-582
Viscidi, E.W. et al.
Clinical Characteristics of Children with ASD and Co-Occurring Epilepsy. PLoS ONE, 2013; 8(7):e67797
Routine EEG is not recommended for all autistic children. However, an EEG should be considered if your child shows regression in skills, unexplained staring spells, unusual nocturnal movements, or sudden behavioural deterioration. Discuss with your child's pediatrician or neurologist if you observe any of these signs.
Yes. Some anti-seizure medications can affect attention, behaviour, and learning. Discuss each option with your neurologist and ask what to monitor at home and school.
The OAP covers clinical services for autism-related goals. If epilepsy is impacting your child's ability to participate in autism intervention, document this in the service plan. Medical management of epilepsy itself is covered through OHIP, including neurology consultations, EEGs, and hospitalizations.
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 does autism diagnosis take in Ontario?
VerifiedBefore joining the OAP waitlist, Ontario diagnostic waitlists average 12–24 months at public hospitals. This pre-waitlist delay means total time from first concern to therapy often exceeds 5–7 years, an invisible bottleneck in official statistics.
Source: Ontario Autism Program [OAP] · Verify Link
Is private autism assessment faster in Ontario?
VerifiedPrivate autism assessments cost $2,500–$4,000 but reduce wait times from years to weeks. Many families face the choice of paying out-of-pocket to access the OAP sooner or waiting while their child misses the critical early intervention window.
Source: Ontario Autism Program [OAP] · Verify Link
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