Press & Media

Media Coverage

The Ontario autism services crisis has received significant media coverage, from Queen's Park protests to investigative reports on funding inadequacy. Media attention drives political action - every story puts pressure on government. Below are recent coverage highlights and information for journalists covering this issue.

100+

News stories in 2024

All major

Ontario outlets covered

Ongoing

Story development

Recent Coverage

Toronto Star
Print

Ontario autism waitlist grows to 60,000 children as families demand action

Investigation into the growing crisis, featuring family interviews and expert analysis of funding gaps.

January 2025
Read
CBC News
TV

Inside the autism services crisis: Parents speak out

Documentary segment following three families through their waitlist journey.

December 2024
Read
Globe and Mail
Print

Auditor General report slams autism program management

Coverage of AG report findings on OAP inefficiencies and recommendations.

November 2024
Read
CTV News
TV

Parents protest at Queen's Park over autism funding cuts

Live coverage of parent demonstration demanding increased OAP funding.

October 2024
Read
TVO Today
Online

The true cost of autism therapy: Why families are going bankrupt

In-depth analysis of therapy costs vs. government funding with economic impact.

September 2024
Read
Sudbury Star
Print

Northern Ontario families face worst autism wait times

Regional investigation into service gaps in Northern Ontario.

August 2024
Read
CBC Radio Ontario Morning
Radio

Interview: Parent advocates on what needs to change

15-minute interview with coalition leaders on policy reform.

July 2024
Read
Ottawa Citizen
Print

Government promises more autism funding - is it enough?

Analysis of new funding announcement vs. actual service needs.

June 2024
Read
Global News
TV

Children aging out of autism program without receiving services

Story featuring families whose children turned 18 while waiting.

May 2024
Read
National Post
Print

The early intervention window: Why timing matters

Scientific explainer on brain plasticity and early intervention research.

April 2024
Read

For Journalists

Press Contact

We welcome media inquiries and can connect journalists with affected families willing to share their stories, subject matter experts, and data on the autism services crisis.

Response time: We aim to respond to media inquiries within 4 hours during business hours. For urgent deadline requests, please call.

Story Resources

  • Family Interviews

    Parents willing to speak on/off record about their experience

  • Expert Sources

    BCBAs, psychologists, health economists, policy experts

  • Data & Statistics

    Waitlist numbers, funding analysis, regional breakdowns

  • FOI Documents

    Government documents obtained through FOI requests

  • Photo/Video

    Protest footage, family photos (with permission)

Story Angles

The Numbers

60,000 children waiting, $100,000+ out-of-pocket costs, 10-15% of therapy funded. The scale of the crisis in hard numbers.

Data Story

Regional Disparity

Northern Ontario vs. GTA wait times. Rural families driving hours for services. Provider deserts.

Investigation

Aging Out

Children turning 18 while still waiting. Lost lifetime of intervention. What happens next?

Human Interest

Economic Impact

Families going bankrupt. Parent careers ended. Housing sacrificed for therapy. Lifetime cost to society.

Business

Policy Failures

18 years of broken promises. What government knew vs. what they did. Political accountability.

Political

Parent Advocates

How a grassroots movement formed. Parents as lobbyists. Sustained campaign tactics.

Profile

Key Facts for Coverage

The Crisis

  • • 60,000+ children on OAP waitlist
  • • Average wait: 2-5 years
  • • Critical window: birth to age 6
  • • 4,200+ aged out 2019-2023
  • • Northern Ontario waits 2x GTA

The Funding Gap

  • • Recommended: 25-40 hours/week ABA
  • • Annual cost: $60,000-$180,000
  • • Average OAP budget: $8,000-$12,000
  • • Coverage: 10-15% of recommended
  • • Families remortgage, drain savings

Help Tell This Story

Media coverage creates political pressure for change. If you're a journalist interested in covering this story, or a family willing to share your experience, please reach out.

Share this page:

endthewaitontario.com/media-coverage