How To

How to Register for OAP

Registration opens access to OAP services. Here's exactly what to do.

How to Register for OAP

Registration opens access to OAP services. Here's exactly what to do.

  • Get an autism diagnosis
  • Gather required documents
Show all 4 facts
  • Register online or by phone
  • Receive your confirmation
Verified: 2026-08-10
Scope: Ontario, Canada

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1
    Get an autism diagnosis

    Your child must have a diagnosis from a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychiatrist. The diagnosis must use DSM-5 criteria.

  2. 2
    Gather required documents

    You will need your child's Ontario health card, the written diagnosis report, and proof of Ontario residency for you and your child.

  3. 3
    Register online or by phone

    Start at AccessOAP.ca or call AccessOAP at 1-833-425-2445 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm ET). The process takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

  4. 4
    Receive your confirmation

    After submitting, you will receive a reference number by mail within a few weeks. Keep this number - you will need it for future inquiries.

  5. 5
    Wait for your invitation

    As of 2026, approximately 71,263 children are waiting for OAP services. Foundational family services are available in the interim while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

Where the waitlist stands

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.

See where the waitlist standsEmail Your MPP
Citable source facts(3)Question-and-answer pairs with their source and verification link.

How do I register for the Ontario Autism Program?

Verified

To register for the OAP, contact AccessOAP (1-833-425-2445) or create an account at accessoap.ca. You must provide a valid ASD diagnosis letter. Registration date determines your waitlist priority. Once registered, you can immediately access Foundational Family Services while waiting for Core Clinical Services.

Source: AccessOAP · Verify Link

Who is eligible for OAP funding?

Verified

OAP eligibility requires the child to: (1) be under 18 years of age, (2) strictly reside in Ontario, and (3) have a written diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional. Only children with a confirmed diagnosis can register; suspected cases must complete assessment first.

Source: Ontario.ca OAP Eligibility · Verify Link

Where can I get an autism diagnosis in Ontario?

Verified

Diagnoses are provided by psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or qualified medical specialists. Public hospital assessments are free (OHIP) but have 1-2 year waits. Private assessments cost $2,500-$4,000 and are faster (2-4 months). Both are accepted by OAP if they meet DSM-5 standards.

Source: Autism Ontario Diagnosis Guide

About This Article

Written by

Founder & Autism Advocate

Parent of autistic child navigating OAP system