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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.
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?
SOURCE
Government of Ontario • 2024-01-01
SOURCE
Government of Ontario • 2024-01-01
Last updated: 2026-07-04
Verified Facts
Evidence supports autism screening and intervention commencing in the first 2 years of life — earlier identification directly enables earlier intervention during the highest neural plasticity window
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
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
89,799, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23%, Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements — less than one in four