Behind every statistic is a family. These are real stories from Ontario parents navigating the autism services crisis. They've waited years, spent life savings, and watched their children's critical intervention windows close. Their voices must be heard. Your story can help drive change - share it below.
Families waiting
Average wait time
Out-of-pocket per family
"We were told early intervention was critical. My son was diagnosed at 2, but by the time funding came through at 6, that window had closed. We remortgaged our house to pay for private therapy. Now we have a child who made progress because we could afford it, and crushing debt that will follow us for decades."
"Our daughter was diagnosed at 3. She turned 8 while still waiting. We watched other kids her age learn to communicate while she struggled. The government tells us to wait, but development doesn't wait. We've spent over $200,000 out of pocket - our entire retirement savings."
"In Northern Ontario, there are barely any providers even if you have money. We drive 4 hours to Toronto for therapy twice a month. I quit my job to become my son's therapist because we had no choice. I follow YouTube videos and hope I'm doing it right."
"They gave us $8,000 after 4 years of waiting. My son needs 30 hours a week of therapy. That funding covers about 6 weeks. I don't understand - if they know what he needs, why don't they fund it? This isn't support. It's a cruel joke."
"My wife and I both work full-time jobs and still can't afford the therapy our son needs. We do 10 hours a week instead of the recommended 30. Every night I lie awake wondering if we're giving him his best chance. The guilt is overwhelming."
"Our son turned 18 while waiting for core services. He never received them. Now he's an adult with autism who missed his entire childhood intervention window. He lives with us and probably always will. The system completely failed him."
Your experience matters. Personal stories are powerful advocacy tools that help government officials, media, and the public understand the human impact of policy decisions. Every story shared builds pressure for change.
"60,000 children waiting" becomes real when it's your child, your family, your financial ruin. Stories make abstract numbers concrete and urgent.
Politicians respond to constituent voices. Stories shared with MPPs and in media create pressure for legislative action and funding changes.
When you share, other families know they're not alone. Isolation is common among autism parents. Community builds strength for advocacy.
Sharing your story is powerful. Contacting officials directly is even more powerful. Use your story to demand change from those who can make it happen.
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endthewaitontario.com/parent-stories