Respite Care Options for Ontario Autism Families

Yes, under certain conditions. With SSAH funding, you can often pay a family member (other than a spouse or legal guardian) to provide respite services. The family member must be providing a specific service, documenting hours worked, and the arrangement must be approved by your DSO caseworker. Many families find this works well for trusted care. Check with your regional DSO for their specific policies on family member payments.

SSAH funding amounts vary based on assessed need, family circumstances, and regional funding availability. Ontario does not publish a fixed province-wide minimum, maximum, or standard annual amount, your approval letter, not another family's amount, is the source of truth for your funding. The assessment considers your child's support needs, other services in place, family situation (single parent, other children with needs), and regional funding caps. If your situation changes, you can request a reassessment.

Core Clinical Services funding is for therapy. Interim one-time funding may cover some respite; confirm with AccessOAP.

If you are in immediate crisis, contact emergency services or your local crisis line. For non-emergency but urgent situations: contact your regional DSO and explain the crisis, ask about emergency respite options, contact your local Children's Treatment Centre, reach out to Autism Ontario for immediate support, and consider calling your MPP if system access is blocked. Don't wait until a complete breakdown, early intervention prevents family crises.

Start with recommendations from other autism parents in your community, they're often the best source. Check credentials (Registered Behaviour Technician, Developmental Service Worker diploma, experience references). Do trial visits while you're home, start with shorter periods, create detailed instructions about your child's needs, and trust your instincts. Many families have success with students in special education, psychology, or related fields who have experience and lower rates.

Free respite options include: EarlyON centres (free drop-in play where you can stay on-site), some church/community programs, volunteer programs through organizations like Best Buddies, school-based programs (after-school clubs your child can attend), and some chapters of Autism Ontario offer parent respite events (activities for children while parents meet). Options vary significantly by region, so connect with local parent groups to learn what available in your area.

Yes, SSAH funding can often be used for summer camp. This can include: paying for specialized autism camps, funding a support worker to attend camp with your child, or day program fees during summer months. Check with your DSO caseworker about their specific policies on camp funding. ACSD (Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities) may also help with summer camp costs. Some camps offer their own subsidies or scholarships, don't hesitate to ask about financial aid.

You have the right to appeal an SSAH denial. Contact your DSO office within the stated timeline (usually 30 days) to request an appeal. Gather additional documentation that demonstrates your child's needs and your family's situation: letters from doctors, therapists, teachers; detailed descriptions of daily challenges; information about other children/family circumstances. Many families are successful on appeal with more thorough documentation. You may also want to contact your local MPP or Autism Ontario for support.