89,799
Province-wide registered
MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (to Mar 4, 2026), obtained under Freedom of Information (release CSS2026-0749); corroborated by CBC News.
Regional Autism Services
Autism Services in Peterborough: Providers & Waitlist Info
69,166
children waiting
5+
year avg wait
~1,673
in Peterborough
The Wait in Peterborough
Families in Peterborough face Ontario's province-wide autism crisis: 89,799 children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program but only 23% receive core clinical services. The average wait for funding is 5+ years. An estimated 1,673 autistic children live in Peterborough.
- 89,799 children registered province-wide (MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (to Mar 4, 2026), obtained under Freedom of Information (release CSS2026-0749); corroborated by CBC News.)
- 69,166 children waiting without core funding (77%)
Show all 4 factsShow fewer facts
- 5+ year average wait for funding invitation (OAC Community Survey 2025)
- ~1,673 autistic children estimated in Peterborough (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth)
Verified: 2026-06-13
Scope: Ontario, Canada
Peterborough Autism Waitlist at a Glance
23%
Receiving core services
MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (to Mar 4, 2026), obtained under Freedom of Information (release CSS2026-0749); corroborated by CBC News.
5+ years
Estimated wait time
OAC Community Survey 2025
1,673
Est. autistic children in Peterborough
Public Health Agency of Canada, 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth
Provincial Data
Ontario Waitlist by the Numbers
Data Visualized
The Ontario Autism Waitlist Crisis
Source: MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (to Mar 4, 2026), obtained under Freedom of Information (release CSS2026-0749); corroborated by CBC News., as of March 2026
Scale Comparison
Ontario-wide89,799
children registered with OAP
Peterborough~1,673
est. autistic children (1 in 50)
Receiving services20,633
only 23% of registered
Who Is Served?
Receiving (23%)
Waiting (77%)
Key Numbers
69,166
children on the waitlist province-wide
5+
year average wait for core services (MCCSS FOI · Mar 2026)
~1,673
estimated autistic children in Peterborough
- MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (FOI release CSS2026-0749). Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario) (March 2026)
- Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan Review (2024). Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (2024)
Diagnostic Services
Autism Diagnosis in Peterborough
Getting a formal diagnosis is the first step to accessing OAP funding. These are the primary diagnostic hubs serving Peterborough families.
Therapy Providers
Autism Therapy Providers in Peterborough
OAP-registered providers deliver core clinical services. Private providers are also available for families who cannot wait.
Education & IEP Rights
School & Education Supports in Peterborough
Peterborough families attend schools under the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Understanding your child's educational rights, including IEPs (Individual Education Plans) and IPRCs, is vital while waiting for clinical services.
Explore the Region
Autism Services Across Eastern Ontario
Explore autism services, provider information, and waitlist context for Peterborough and nearby communities.
Nearest OAP access point: Peterborough OAP Access Point
Five Counties Children's Centre
Diagnostic hub
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Diagnostic hub
Five Counties Children's Centre
ABA TherapySpeech TherapyOccupational Therapy705-748-2337Autism Ontario - Peterborough
Support GroupsFamily Resources
IEP (Individual Education Plan)
A legal document outlining your child's learning needs, supports, and goals within the Ontario curriculum.
IPRC (Identification, Placement, Review Committee)
The formal process to identify your child as exceptional and determine appropriate classroom placement.
Frequently asked questions
1
What autism services does Five Counties offer in Peterborough?
Five Counties Childrens Centre is the primary OAP-registered provider for the Peterborough-Kawartha region, offering ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and family support.
2
Where can I get an autism diagnosis in Peterborough?
Five Counties and Peterborough Regional Health Centre provide developmental assessments. Private assessments are also available — contact providers directly for current pricing and wait times.
3
What school supports exist in Peterborough for autism?
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board serves Peterborough. They provide IEPs, autism-specific educational assistants, and specialized classroom placements.
Related pages
Ottawa Services
Autism services, providers & waitlist info for Ottawa
Kingston Services
Autism services, providers & waitlist info for Kingston
Belleville Services
Autism services, providers & waitlist info for Belleville
Cornwall Services
Autism services, providers & waitlist info for Cornwall
ABA Therapy Ontario
Costs, coverage & access
Speech Therapy Ontario
SLP services & waitlists
OAP Waitlist Tracker
Province-wide numbers
What To Do While Waiting
Resources & interim supports
Verified References & Sources
Updated:Government Reports & Data
- [2023]Exclusion of Students With Disabilities — 2023 SurveyVerified FAO DataCommunity Living Ontario • Report • 2023-10-01
- [2024]Inclusion Without Proper Support Is AbandonmentVerified FAO DataElementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario • Report • 2024-06-01
- [2020]Autism ServicesVerified FAO DataFinancial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2020-07-21
- [2024]Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan ReviewVerified FAO DataFinancial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2024-06-05
- [2026]MCCSS bi-weekly OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports (FOI release CSS2026-0749)Verified FAO DataMinistry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario) • Report • 2026-03-04
Citable source facts(3)Question-and-answer pairs with their source and verification link.
How long do families wait for Ontario autism services?
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.
Source: OAC FOI Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?
Yes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated $965 million, leaving an estimated $385M+ annual shortfall. This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 89,799+ child waitlist.
Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO] · Verify Link
How do autism wait times vary by region in Ontario?
Ontario autism wait times vary by region, but the current verified waitlist count is province-wide: 69,166 children were waiting for funding as of March 2026. Northern Ontario families face fewer nearby providers and longer travel distances, while Ottawa, London, Toronto/GTA, and other regions still report multi-year waits.
Source: OAC FOI March 2026 & regional family reports · Verify Link
About This Article
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate