Private vs Public Autism Assessment in Ontario

Choose private assessment if: your child is ages 2-6 (early intervention critical), you can afford $2,500-$4,000, you need diagnosis quickly for OAP registration, or you need school accommodations urgently.

Choose public assessment if: cost is a barrier, your child is over 6 (less time-sensitive), you can wait 18-24 months, or you have access to interim supports.

Many families pursue both options simultaneously, get your doctor to refer you to public hub while researching private options.

YES, absolutely. Private autism assessments are fully accepted for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding eligibility, provided the assessor is a qualified professional.

Qualified assessors include:

• • Registered psychologists
• • Psychological associates
• • Developmental pediatricians
• • Pediatricians
• • Child psychiatrists
• • Psychiatrists

The diagnosis must be documented on professional letterhead with the assessor's registration number. Both public and private diagnoses have equal validity for OAP registration.

Ontario has nine regional autism diagnostic hubs that provide OHIP-covered assessments. Major hubs include:

• • Holland Bloorview (Toronto)
• • SickKids (Toronto)
• • CHEO (Ottawa)
• • McMaster Children's Hospital (Hamilton)
• • Thames Valley Children's Centre (London)
• • Children's Hospital Eastern Ontario

To access:

1. 1. Get a referral from your family doctor or pediatrician
2. 2. The referral is sent to your regional hub (or you can request a specific hub)
3. 3. You will be contacted for intake
4. 4. Wait 18-24 months for assessment

Private autism assessment may be partially covered by extended health benefits if your plan includes psychological services.

Coverage varies widely:

• • Some plans cover 100% up to an annual maximum
• • Others cover 80%
• • Many plans have no coverage at all

What is NOT covered:

• • OHIP does NOT cover private assessments
• • Ontario Works (OW) does NOT cover autism assessment
• • ODSP does NOT cover autism assessment

Some private psychologists offer payment plans ($200-500/month) or sliding scale fees. University clinics may offer reduced-cost assessments ($1,500-$2,500).

YES, and this is recommended. You can and should pursue both options simultaneously.

If you complete private assessment first (which is likely), you can:

1. 1. Register for OAP immediately and secure your place in the funding waitlist
2. 2. Cancel your public assessment if no longer needed, freeing a spot for another family

Many families take this dual-track approach to access early intervention while minimizing costs.

Private assessment saves 15-21 months compared to public assessment:

• Private: 3-8 weeks from first call to final report
• Public: 18-24 months (some regions up to 30+ months)
• Time Saved: 15-21 months on average

For children ages 2-6, this time savings is critical because early intervention during peak neuroplasticity produces the best outcomes. Those 15-21 months also mean registering for OAP funding 15-21 months sooner.

To find a qualified private autism assessor in Ontario:

1. 1. Search CPO Directory: Use the College of Psychologists of Ontario directory to find registered psychologists
2. 2. Verify autism experience: Look for psychologists with specific autism assessment experience
3. 3. Contact local clinics: Call psychology clinics and ask about autism assessment services, wait times, and costs
4. 4. Check university clinics: University psychology training clinics may offer reduced-cost assessments
5. 5. Ask for referrals: Your doctor, pediatrician, or local Autism Ontario chapter may have recommendations

Questions to ask:Total cost, payment schedule, wait time, assessment tools used (ADOS-2?), report content, and experience with your child's age.