Mental health guide
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. This guide is educational information only and is not a substitute for professional assessment or emergency care.
What are you trying to do right now?
The broader impact
The waitlist crisis touches every aspect of family life.
Registered
89,799Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Funded
20,633Have active funding
Only 23% of registered children
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Waiting
69,166Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
Verified , MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 89,799 |
| Have active funding | 20,633 |
| Still waiting | 69,166 |
Research indicates autistic children experience significantly higher rates of mental health conditions than neurotypical peers, and those conditions often present differently, which can delay recognition and treatment.
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. Credentials, scope of practice, and typical fees vary:
| Provider | Credential & scope | Typical cost | OAP status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Psychologist | PhD or PsyD level; can diagnose and treat. Regulated by the College of Psychologists of Ontario. | $150-$250/session | OAP-approved |
| Psychological Associate | Master's level; provides therapy with restricted diagnosis authority. | $120-$180/session | OAP-approved |
| Registered Psychotherapist (RP) | Master's or PhD in psychotherapy; therapy only, cannot diagnose. Regulated by CRPO. | $100-$200/session | Not typically OAP-approved |
| Social Worker (RSW) | BSW or MSW; often in hospital or community settings. Counselling and case management. | Varies / often public | Often lower cost or publicly funded |
| Psychiatrist (MD) | Medical doctor specializing in mental health; can prescribe medication and provide therapy. Referral required from GP. | Covered by OHIP | Not an OAP category |
| BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) | Specializes in ABA and behaviour support; can address anxiety-related behaviours through behavioural interventions. | Varies by provider | OAP core clinical provider |
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:
| Option | Setting | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Psychologist | Private practice | $200-$280/hr |
| Psychological Associate | Private practice | $150-$200/hr |
| Registered Psychotherapist | Private practice | $120-$200/hr |
| Social Worker (RSW) | Private practice | $100-$150/hr |
| Community agencies | Lower-cost option | Free - sliding scale |
| Graduate student clinics | Lower-cost option | $40-$80/hr |
| Employee benefits | Lower-cost option | Coverage varies |
| Public hospital programs | Lower-cost option | Free (long waitlists) |
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.
cpbao.ca (opens in a new tab)Find Registered Psychotherapists (RP) and Registered Mental Health Therapists.
crpo.ca (opens in a new tab)Find OAP-approved providers who offer core clinical services including behaviour plans.
accessoap.ca (opens in a new tab)Government directory of publicly funded mental health services by region.
ontario.ca (opens in a new tab)When 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 guideWhat autism services are available in Ontario while waiting for OAP?
While waiting for OAP Core Clinical Services, families can access: Foundational Family Services (free, no waitlist), school-based IEP supports, Preschool Speech and Language programs, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, private therapy (if financially able), and DSO registration for transition planning.
Source: Ontario Autism Program · Verify Link
What free autism resources are available in Ontario?
Free autism resources in Ontario include: EarlyON Child and Family Centres (drop-in), Preschool Speech and Language (assessment/therapy), OAP Caregiver Workshops (training), and Foundational Family Services. These are available without the main OAP waitlist but do not replace intensive clinical therapy.
Source: Ontario.ca · Verify Link
What does the WHO say about early autism intervention timing?
The WHO Fact Sheet on Autism Spectrum Disorders (2023) states that timely access to early evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve the ability of autistic children to communicate effectively and interact socially. Dawson et al. (2010, Pediatrics; PMID 19948568) confirmed in an RCT that ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) at 18–30 months produced significant developmental gains.
Source: WHO Fact Sheet: Autism Spectrum Disorders (2023); Dawson et al., Pediatrics 2010 (PMID 19948568) · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Evidence on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
1 in 50
According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about 1 in 50 children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
89,799
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%
Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements (23%) — less than one in four