Ontario's autism program provides $6,600-$65,000/year. Evidence-based therapy costs $40,000-$80,000+. Here's the full picture — and what families are doing about it.
The gap between what Ontario funds and what families actually need is not a rounding error — it's a policy failure measured in hundreds of millions of dollars.
Only for children under 4 with highest-needs assessment. Most families receive $8,000-$12,000.
For 20-40 hrs/week of therapy (WHO-recommended for under-5s). Ontario provider rates 2024-2025.
Financial Accountability Office estimate of the shortfall between what's needed and what's funded.
Four structural problems built into the program from the start.
OAP funding decreases as children age (from $65K max to $6.6K max at 15-18), but therapy costs don't decrease. Older autistic children with high support needs face the widest gap.
OAP covers only Core Clinical Services from registered professionals. Respite, assistive technology, and transportation are excluded — leaving families to cover essential supports out of pocket.
Budget caps have not kept pace with the 20-30% increase in therapy costs since OAP's 2019 restructuring. Every year, the real value of OAP funding shrinks.
Children assessed as low-needs may receive $8,000-$10,000 but require $40,000+ in therapy. The standardized tool does not always capture the full clinical picture.
Six concrete steps families are taking to bridge the gap between OAP funding and actual therapy costs.
Up to $8,870/year from CRA. Apply with your child's diagnosis letter and T2201 form. Does not compete with OAP funding.
Registered Disability Savings Plan. Government contributes up to $90,000 over your child's lifetime. Requires DTC eligibility.
Special Services at Home. Separate from OAP, shorter wait. Provides up to $5,000-$25,000 for in-home support services.
Autism Alliance of Canada, Sinneave Family Foundation, and provincial foundations offer emergency funding and bursaries.
Demand increased OAP funding. Document your therapy costs and gap. MPP offices are required to respond to constituent letters.
If your child's human rights are being violated by inadequate service access, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
The Ontario Human Rights Code requires the province to provide adequate autism services. When OAP funding falls far short of what your child needs, you have legal options.
This page is part of the Ontario Autism Program topic cluster. Understanding and navigating the OAP system.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.