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FAMILY SUPPORT • UPDATED MAY 23, 2026
Government funding
Hire your own workers
Crisis respite
Camps & activities
While the waitlist grows
These resources exist because the system cannot serve every registered child.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Just 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 |
Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers of autistic children and adults. It gives you a break to rest, attend appointments, work, or simply recharge while ensuring your loved one receives quality care.
Research shows autism parents experience stress levels comparable to combat soldiers. Warning signs include:
Remember: Respite is NOT a luxury. It is a medical necessity for sustainable caregiving.
Understanding your options helps you choose what works for your family
Special Services at Home provides funding for respite workers. You can hire someone you trust (including family in some cases) and get reimbursed.
A respite worker comes to your home to care for your child while you rest, run errands, or spend time with other family members.
Drop-in programs, recreational activities, and community programs where your child participates while you take a break.
Short-term crisis respite for emergency situations when you cannot continue to provide care safely.
Special Services at Home is the primary source of government respite funding
Covered Respite Expenses:
Key Points:
SSAH applications go through Developmental Services Ontario, not OAP. Find your regional DSO office:
The application asks about your child's needs, your family situation, and the type of support you need. Be specific about respite needs.
Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. You will receive notice of funding decision and amount.
Where to find qualified respite care in your community
What to Ask:
Best Practices:
When you need help immediately or are in crisis
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868
24/7 support for children and youth
ConnexOntario
1-866-531-2600
Mental health and addiction services
Distress Centres (Ontario)
1-833-456-4566
24/7 crisis line support
911
Emergency services
For immediate safety concerns
Toronto/GTA
Surrey Place Crisis Response, Kinark Crisis Services, East Metro Youth Services
Ottawa/Eastern Ontario
CHEO Crisis Response, Roberts Smart Centre, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Hamilton/Niagara
TPAS (Thames Valley Children's Centre), Niagara Children's Centre Crisis Services
Northern Ontario
Contact your local Children's Treatment Centre or DSO office for emergency options
Finding care during March Break, summer, and holidays
Many organizations offer March Break camps specifically for autistic children:
Summer camp options range from specialized autism camps to inclusive programs:
Several funding sources can help with summer camp costs:
SSAH Funding
Can be used for camp fees or support worker at camp
ACSD Program
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities may cover costs
Camp Scholarships
Some camps offer financial aid or subsidies
Taking care of yourself is essential for sustainable caregiving
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign that you've been strong for too long.
Physical Signs:
Emotional Signs:
On airplanes, you're told to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. The same principle applies to caregiving. You cannot provide sustainable care for your child if you are depleted. Regular respite is not a luxury, it is a medical necessity that keeps families together and prevents crisis situations.
Connect with other families who understand your journey
Autism Ontario has chapters across the province offering parent support meetings, educational workshops, and connection to local resources.
Find Your Local ChapterOntario autism parent groups on Facebook provide 24/7 support, resource sharing, and community connection.
Digital communities offer support when you can't attend in-person meetings.
Some organizations offer one-on-one matching with experienced parents who can guide you through the system.
Contact your local DSO, Autism Ontario chapter, or Children's Treatment Centre to ask about peer mentorship opportunities.
By Spencer Carroll• Founder, End The Wait Ontario • Last updated: May 23, 2026
Spencer Carroll is a parent advocate who has navigated the Ontario autism system personally. A clip of his advocacy is featured in a World Health Organization reel on autism care.
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.
Related Resources
Verified Facts
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
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