End The Wait Ontario
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KINGSTON & SOUTHEASTERN ONTARIO • UPDATED JANUARY 2026
Autism Services in Kingston 2026
Comprehensive guide to autism therapy, assessment, and support services in Kingston and southeastern Ontario. Find OAP providers, Queen's University resources, and school board supports.
800+
Children Affected
5+ Years
Average Wait Time
$75-110/hr
Private Therapy Cost
Kingston & Southeastern Ontario Context
Kingston serves as a regional hub for autism services in southeastern Ontario, supporting families from Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Leeds & Grenville, and surrounding counties. With approximately 135,000 residents, Kingston is home to an estimated 800+ children affected by autism. As the largest city between Ottawa and Toronto, many rural families travel here for services not available in their communities.
The Numbers
- • Population: ~135,000 (Kingston CMA)
- • 1 in 50 children diagnosed with autism
- • Serves broader southeastern Ontario region
- • Queen's University research partnerships
Regional Challenges
- • Rural families travel 50km+ for services
- • Limited number of BCBAs in region
- • Private therapy costs $75-110/hour
- • 5+ year provincial wait times affect all families
Autism Assessment Centers in Kingston
Getting an autism diagnosis is the first step to accessing OAP funding and services. Kingston families have several assessment options, though wait times remain significant for public assessments.
Hotel Dieu Hospital - Kingston Health Sciences Centre
166 Brock Street, Kingston, ON K7L 5G2
613-544-3400
Hotel Dieu Hospital provides autism diagnostic services through the Kingston Health Sciences Centre. As part of one of Ontario's major hospital networks, they offer comprehensive assessments by developmental pediatricians and psychologists. The hospital serves Kingston and surrounding southeastern Ontario communities.
Kids Inclusive
Serves Kingston and surrounding area
613-544-3131
Kids Inclusive is a children's treatment centre providing pediatric rehabilitation services including autism assessment, ABA therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy. They serve as an entry point to OAP services for many Kingston families and coordinate care across multiple disciplines.
Queen's University Psychology Clinic
62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
613-533-2868
The Queen's University Psychology Clinic provides assessment services under the supervision of registered clinical psychologists. As a training clinic, they offer services at reduced rates while providing supervised training to doctoral students in clinical psychology.
Private Assessment Option in Kingston
Can't wait 18-24 months? Private autism assessments are available in Kingston with wait times of 2-8 weeks. Several registered psychologists in the Kingston area offer autism assessments for children and adults.
$2,100-$3,600
Total assessment cost
2-8 Weeks
Typical wait time
OAP Eligible
Qualifies for funding
Note: Private assessments must be conducted by registered psychologists or qualified physicians to be accepted for OAP funding. Contact the College of Psychologists of Ontario to verify credentials.
ABA Therapy Providers in Kingston
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy for autism. Kingston has a growing network of OAP-registered providers serving southeastern Ontario. The region is served by several agencies that provide both center-based and in-home services.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy uses learning principles to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors. ABA is supported by extensive research and major medical organizations as an evidence-based intervention for autism.
Evidence-based with 50+ years of research
Individualized programs based on assessments
Delivered by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
Typically 10-40 hours per week recommended
ABA Therapy Costs in Kingston
Hourly Rate$75-110
Direct therapy with behavior technician
BCBA Supervision$110-150
Per hour for program design and oversight
Annual Cost (25 hrs/week)$85,000+
Most families cannot afford without OAP funding
Finding an ABA Provider in Kingston
- 1
Register with AccessOAP
Call 1-833-425-2445 or visit AccessOAP.ca to register for OAP funding. Kingston residents can also contact Kids Inclusive for guidance.
- 2
Search OAP Provider List
Only OAP-registered providers can accept your funding. Search for Kingston and southeastern Ontario providers on the AccessOAP portal.
- 3
Verify BCBA Certification
Check that providers have Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) on staff. Verify credentials at BACB.com to ensure quality services.
- 4
Consider Travel Options
Some Kingston families travel to Ottawa or Brockville for additional provider options. Ask about telehealth supervision options which may expand your choices.
Additional Therapy Services
Speech-Language Pathology
Speech therapy helps children with autism develop communication skills, including verbal language, alternative communication (AAC), and social communication.
Services Include:
- • Expressive and receptive language
- • Articulation and speech sounds
- • Alternative communication (PECS, AAC devices)
- • Social communication and pragmatics
Cost in Kingston$85-135/hr
May be partially covered by OAP or private insurance
Key Kingston Centers:
- • Kids Inclusive SLP Services
- • Hotel Dieu Hospital
- • Private SLP clinics in Kingston
- • Limestone District School Board SLPs
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children with autism develop daily living skills, sensory regulation, fine motor skills, and independence.
Services Include:
- • Sensory integration therapy
- • Fine motor skill development
- • Self-care skills (dressing, eating)
- • Handwriting and visual-motor skills
Cost in Kingston$80-125/hr
May be partially covered by OAP or private insurance
Key Kingston Centers:
- • Kids Inclusive OT Services
- • Hotel Dieu Hospital
- • Private OT clinics throughout Kingston
- • School board OT services
School Boards & Queen's University
Kingston students with autism are entitled to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and accommodations through their school board. Queen's University also offers unique resources for autism research, support, and transition planning.
Kingston School Boards
Kingston students with autism are served by two main school boards, each offering special education supports and IEP development.
Limestone District School Board
Public English-language board serving Kingston and area
- • Special education classrooms
- • Educational Assistant support
- • Speech and OT services
- • Autism resource teachers
Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
Catholic English-language board serving Kingston region
- • Faith-based inclusive education
- • Special education programs
- • Student support services
- • Transition planning support
Your Rights: Request an IEP meeting in writing. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations including EA support, sensory breaks, and modified curriculum. No formal diagnosis is required to request supports.
Queen's University Resources
Queen's University offers several autism-related resources including research programs, student support services, and community partnerships.
Psychology Department Research
Faculty and graduate students conduct autism research in early intervention, social skills development, and family support. Families may participate in research studies.
Faculty of Education
Offers special education training for teachers and resources for families navigating the school system. Continuing education in autism support is available.
Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS)
Supports autistic students at Queen's with accommodations, assistive technology, and transition planning. Demonstrates post-secondary possibilities for autistic students.
Psychology Clinic
Training clinic offering reduced-cost assessments under supervision of registered psychologists. Call 613-533-2868 for information.
Community Support & Resources
Autism Ontario - Kingston Chapter
Free membership providing parent workshops, social programs, resource navigation, and advocacy support for Kingston and southeastern Ontario families.
Services Include:
- • Parent support groups and workshops
- • Social recreation programs for children
- • Resource library and navigation help
- • Advocacy and information sessions
Community Living Kingston
Provides support services for individuals with developmental disabilities including autism. Offers respite, community programs, employment support, and family services in Kingston.
Services Include:
- • Respite and caregiver support
- • Community inclusion programs
- • Employment and life skills training
- • Family support and counseling
613-542-2694
Visit Website Serving Southeastern Ontario
Kingston serves as the regional hub for autism services in southeastern Ontario. Many families from smaller communities travel to Kingston for assessments and therapy services not available locally.
Communities Served Include:
- • Napanee and Greater Napanee
- • Gananoque and the Thousand Islands
- • Brockville and Leeds County
- • Perth and Smiths Falls (Lanark County)
- • Frontenac County and surrounding rural areas
Rural Note: Families from rural areas should ask about travel subsidies and telehealth options when accessing Kingston-based services.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
DSO is the entry point for adult developmental services and can help with transition planning for youth approaching age 18. Kingston-area families should register early.
Services Include:
- • Application for adult developmental services
- • Transition planning support
- • Information and referrals
- • Connection to community supports
Important: Register with DSO when your child turns 16 to ensure smooth transition to adult services at age 18.
1-855-277-2121 (Eastern Region DSO)
How to Access OAP Funding in Kingston
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Kingston Families: Take Action
800+ Kingston children are affected by autism, with hundreds facing 5+ year waits for services. Join us in demanding immediate action from provincial officials.
Verified References & Sources
Updated:Government Reports & Data
[2024]
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan ReviewVerified FAO Data
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2024-02-29
[2021]
Autism Services: A Financial ReviewVerified FAO Data
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2021-06-01
Official
[2023]
Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact SheetOfficial Source
World Health Organization (WHO) • Official • 2023-11-15
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.