Verify Your Autism Provider

As of July 1, 2024, the title “Behaviour Analyst” is legally protected under the Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021. Anyone practicing ABA or supervising an OAP clinical plan must be registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) or practicing under their direct clinical supervision.

Official Ontario Regulatory Registers

Never rely on an agency’s internal website. Verify license status, disciplinary findings, and practice restrictions directly on the College register:

Five Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Clinical Provider

1. Charging non-refundable “waitlist holding” or “intake administration” fees:
   Ethical clinics charge only for direct assessments and clinical sessions. Holding fees are non-reimbursable under OAP guidelines.
2. Refusing to name the Supervising Registered Clinician on receipts:
   Every invoice submitted to AccessOAP or private insurance must state the license number of the supervising CPBAO, CASLPO, or COTO clinician.
3. Guaranteeing diagnostic outcomes or specific cure claims:
   Evidence-based autism therapy supports adaptive functioning and communication. Professional codes of ethics prohibit guarantees of “reversing” autism.
4. Charging higher rates because you have OAP funding:
   Ask for their standard fee schedule. Price discrimination based on government voucher access violates consumer protection principles.
5. Promoting unproven biomedical or invasive treatments:
   Chelation therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, and unverified detox regimes are rejected by Health Canada and not covered under OAP Core Clinical Services.