Policy Reform
The policy behind the numbers
67,509 children are caught in a structural funding gap, the reforms below show how to close it.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Only 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified , CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
Provide OAP funding directly to families rather than through regional providers. Families choose their own therapists and services. BC's direct family funding model is reported to achieve significantly faster service access than Ontario's centralized waitlist system.
Replace the 5-level funding system with equal access to 20-40 hours/week of therapy for all children under 6. WHO early intervention guidelines (2022) recommend 20–40 hours/week of intensive support; the current assessment process adds delays and gives families uneven access to that standard.
Major investment in training BCBAs (Board Certified Behaviour Analysts), RBTs (Registered Behaviour Technicians), and other therapists. Fund university programs, forgive student loans, create faster training paths, and recruit from other countries. Right now there are simply not enough therapists to serve the children who need help.
The OHRC has recommended that families on the waitlist receive meaningful interim services. This page proposes a $5,000/month direct funding model, caregiver training workshops, telehealth coaching, and respite support for families awaiting funded core services.
Pass a law setting a maximum 90-day wait from diagnosis to first service. Give families a legal right to appeal if they are denied timely help. Under the current program design, no legislated service standard exists and no enforceable timeline governs invitation dates.
Create a separate, independent agency that decides who gets funding (not the same people who deliver services). This removes conflicts of interest, speeds up appeals, and ensures funding decisions are based on your child's needs, not on budget pressure.
Chapter 5
What Could Be
4.7× Enrollment increase needed
What other jurisdictions do better - and what Ontario can learn
| Jurisdiction | Model | Wait Time | Service Rate | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Direct Funding to Families | 6-12 months (reported) | ~80% (est.) | $22,000 max/year |
| Alberta | Regional Direct Funding | 6-18 months (reported) | ~80% (est.) | $45,000 max/year |
| United States (Medicaid) | Mandated Coverage | 1-6 months (varies by state) | Varies by state | Unlimited (medically necessary) |
| United Kingdom | NHS + Education | Varies (statutory timelines) | Varies by region | Free at point of service |
| Australia | NDIS Individual Packages | 6-12 months (reported) | ~70% (est.) | $35,000 AUD average |
| Ontario (Current) | Centralized Waitlist | 5+ years | 23.4% (CBC FOI Jan 2026) | $6,600-$65,000 (based on needs) |
This page is part of the Policy & Rights topic cluster. Legal framework and policy history.
Find your next step
01 · For new families
Step-by-step guide to OAP registration, interim therapy options, and what to expect during the wait.
02 · Already waiting
Estimate your wait time, find funded interim services near you, and track your OAP status.
03 · Take action
Email your MPP with one click, share verified data, and advocate for system-wide reform.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
According to the FAO (2020 report), OAP funding covers less than one-third of estimated need at 2018-19 service levels
$965M, Ontario allocated to the Ontario Autism Program in 2026-27
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement