Parent Navigator
You’re at the very start
What this means
The Ontario Autism Program is built on a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional. Without one yet, your job is to move an assessment forward and get organized. You do not need to understand the whole system today. A referral from your family doctor or paediatrician is usually the first step; public assessments can have long waits, and some families choose a private assessment. Either way, keep every letter and date — the paper trail starts now.
Ontario Autism Program — registration and eligibility information (retrieved September 8, 2026) · Ontario Education Act — Special Education Requirements (IPRC, IEP) · Verified 2026-07-04
What to do next
| Action | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ask for a referral | Ask your family doctor or paediatrician for an autism assessment referral, and ask — in writing — for the expected wait. | |
| Note the referral date | Write down the date you asked and were referred. This is the first entry in your timeline. | |
| Learn the two paths | Understand public (long wait, no cost) versus private (faster, paid) assessment so you can decide what fits your family. | |
| Start your records | Open one folder for everything to come — referrals, reports, and dates. |
I’m seeking an autism assessment for my child. Can you refer us, and can you tell me in writing roughly how long the wait is and what happens next?
What to record
- The referral request and its date
- Any assessment appointment letters
- Who you spoke to and when
Supports that may apply
- OHIP-covered services (paediatrics, speech, occupational therapy) may be available while you wait — ask your doctor.
- You can prepare for OAP registration now so you’re ready the day a diagnosis arrives.
What not to rely on
- “You have to wait for the public assessment.”
- A public assessment is one path. Families may also choose a private assessment — ask about both and the costs.
If you need to escalate
- Ask AccessOAP, in writing — The first move for almost any OAP problem: a written status request.
- Your MPP — Your elected representative can raise your case and the systemic problem.
Common questions
Yes. OAP registration requires a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional. Getting the assessment moving is the first step.
It varies by region and path. Public assessments can take many months to years; private assessments are faster but paid. Ask your referring doctor, in writing, for the current expected wait.
Evidence for this guide
| Date | Record | Publisher | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-08 | Ontario Autism Program — registration and eligibility information (retrieved September 8, 2026) | Government of Ontario | Government source |
| 2024-01-01 | Ontario Education Act — Special Education Requirements (IPRC, IEP) | Government of Ontario | Government source |
Last updated: 2026-07-04