As of January 2026, **88,175 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program**. [FOI] However, only **20,666 (23.4%)** have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents approximately 280% growth in the waitlist since 2019, with over 67,000 children still waiting for essential funding.

Source: CBC FOI Jan 2026, FAO Report 2024

Ontario autism wait times for core clinical services now exceed **5+ years** (2026). Most families currently receiving invitations registered in 2020 or earlier. This delay far exceeds the sensitive early intervention window recommended by developmental specialists. [FAO]

Source: CBC FOI Jan 2026, FAO Report 2024

Schools may assign EAs based on IEP needs, but **47% of families** report insufficient supports. [OAC] EA availability varies by board and often fails to match clinical needs, leaving many autistic students without necessary classroom support.

Source: Ontario Education Act & OAC

Core Clinical Services funding ranges $6,600-$65,000 per year based on age/needs (with a total OAP budget of $965M for 2026-27, up from $779M in 2025-26, per the Ontario Budget tabled March 26, 2026). This is direct funding—families choose public or private providers. However, intensive ABA therapy can cost up to $95,000 USD/year (2020 US cost estimate cited in FAO 2020 report; Canadian costs vary), leaving significant out-of-pocket gaps.

Source: 2026 Ontario Budget, FAO Report 2023-24

The OAP shifted from direct service (pre-2019) to a "childhood budget" check system (2019-2020), back to a "needs-based" program (2021-present). Each reset caused massive delays. The current system is needs-based but lacks the funding to serve the 67,509 waiting children (excludes children awaiting diagnosis, CBC FOI Jan 2026).

Source: Political History of OAP