The broader impact
The waitlist crisis touches every aspect of family life.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Just 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified — CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
If your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, has thoughts of self-harm, or you are concerned about their immediate safety, help is available 24/7.
Research indicates that autistic children experience significantly higher rates of mental health conditions compared to neurotypical peers:
Mental health challenges in autistic children may present differently than in neurotypical children, making diagnosis and treatment more complex:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety and depression that can be successfully adapted for autistic children and youth.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that helps children identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and develop coping skills. For anxiety, CBT typically involves:
Standard CBT requires adaptations to be effective for autistic children. Research supports these modifications:
Research supports adapted CBT as an effective treatment for anxiety in autistic children and youth:
Anxiety is the most common mental health challenge among autistic children. Understanding triggers and building coping strategies is essential.
Understanding what triggers your child's anxiety is the first step to effective management:
Evidence-based strategies that help autistic children manage anxiety:
Consider professional mental health support if anxiety is:
Several types of psychotherapy can be effective for autistic children, depending on their needs and developmental level.
Best for: Anxiety, depression, OCD, older children/teens with verbal communication
Focuses on thought-behavior connections, requires adaptations for concrete thinking
Best for: Adolescents, anxiety, depression, flexible thinking development
Focuses on psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and values-based action
Best for: Younger children, limited verbal communication, emotional expression
Uses play as communication; can be adapted for autistic children with structured approaches
Best for: Family stress, sibling relationships, parent-child dynamics
Addresses family system, communication patterns, and supports overall family coping
Different professionals offer mental health services for autistic children in Ontario:
PhD or PsyD level; can diagnose and treat. OAP-approved for core clinical services. $150-$250/session. Regulated by College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Master's level; can provide therapy with restricted diagnosis authority. OAP-approved. Lower cost than psychologists ($120-$180/session).
Master's or PhD in psychotherapy; focused on therapy only (cannot diagnose). $100-$200/session. Regulated by CRPO.
BSW or MSW; often in hospital or community settings. Can provide counseling and case management. Often lower cost or publicly funded.
Medical doctors specializing in mental health. Can prescribe medication and provide therapy. Covered by OHIP; referral required from GP.
Specialize in ABA and behavior support. Can address anxiety-related behaviors through behavioral interventions. OAP core clinical providers.
Understanding how OAP funding works for mental health services and what costs to expect.
OAP Core Clinical Services funding may address mental health concerns, but with important limitations:
Mental health support is included in your child's behaviour plan written by a BCBA or psychologist. If anxiety-related behaviors are addressed through ABA-informed interventions, OAP funding can be used.
OAP is designed for autism-specific services, not general mental health. Pure talk therapy (CBT without behavior focus) may not qualify. Funding must be used with OAP-approved providers.
While waiting for Core Clinical Services (5+ years), Foundational Family Services offers free workshops on anxiety management, but not direct therapy for your child.
If paying out-of-pocket or using private insurance, typical costs in Ontario:
Note: Many extended health benefits plans cover registered psychologists and psychotherapists. Check your plan for annual maximums and whether coverage applies to autism-related services.
How to find qualified mental health providers who understand autism in Ontario.
Verify credentials and find registered psychologists and psychological associates in your area.
cpo.on.caFind Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Mental Health Therapists.
crpo.caFind OAP-approved providers who offer core clinical services including behaviour plans.
accessoap.caGovernment directory of publicly funded mental health services by region.
ontario.caWhen interviewing potential mental health providers for your autistic child:
Be cautious of providers who show these warning signs:
While waiting for OAP or professional mental health services, these supports can help.
Free OAP workshops on anxiety, behavior management, and parenting strategies. No waitlist.
Drop-in programs, parent workshops, and early childhood support across Ontario.
Free counseling for youth via phone, text, or chat. Autistic youth can access this service.
School social workers and psychologists can provide support at school. Request through administration.
Evidence-based strategies you can implement while waiting:
Overview of therapy options including ABA, speech, and occupational therapy.
Read guideQuestions to ask, credential checks, and how to compare mental health providers.
Read guideUnderstanding OAP coverage for mental health services and core clinical funding.
Read guideFree and low-cost supports available while waiting for OAP services.
Read guideCommitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Related Resources
Verified Facts
1 in 50 — According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
88,175 — children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
23.4% — Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four