Who this affects
These challenges are common among the children waiting for services.
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 |
Sensory differences affect nearly every autistic individual and are a central driver of behaviour, anxiety, and daily functioning challenges.
95%+
of autistic individuals have sensory processing differences (Marco et al., 2011)
8
sensory systems that can be affected — not just the classic 5 senses
18–24 mo
typical OT wait time in Ontario outside of school board services
$65K
maximum OAP annual funding for OT and clinical services (age 0–5)
60–70%
of autistic children show a mixed sensory profile (both seeking and avoiding)
$5,000
OAP Childhood Budget available now, while waiting for Core Clinical Services
Most people learn about 5 senses in school. Occupational therapists work with 8 sensory systems — all of which can be affected in autism.
Sensitivity to brightness, flickering lights, busy visual environments, or certain colours
Difficulty filtering background noise, distress from sudden or high-pitched sounds
Avoidance of light touch or certain textures on skin or in food
Heightened detection of odours that others may not notice; can trigger nausea or panic
Extreme selectivity based on taste, texture, or temperature of food
Located in the inner ear. Controls balance, spatial awareness, and tolerance for movement. Dysfunction leads to fear of swings or constant spinning and rocking.
Feedback from muscles and joints about where the body is in space. When dysregulated, children crash into things, use too much force, or seek deep pressure like tight hugs or weighted blankets.
Awareness of hunger, thirst, pain, heart rate, and the need to use the bathroom. Poor interoception is linked to emotional regulation difficulties and toileting challenges.
Winnie Dunn's Sensory Profile framework — the gold standard used by Ontario OTs — identifies four patterns based on neurological threshold and behavioural response.
Low Registration / Active Response
The nervous system needs more input than average to register sensations. These individuals are sensory cravers — constantly moving, touching everything, seeking intense input.
Common signs:
High Threshold / Active Response
The nervous system is over-responsive and works hard to limit input. These individuals have strong reactions to sensations others barely notice.
Common signs:
Low Threshold / Passive Response
Notices everything — high registration — but responds with distraction or distress rather than active avoidance. Often described as easily bothered or irritable.
Common signs:
High Threshold / Passive Response
Slow to notice sensory information. May appear unaware of pain, mess, or temperature. Often perceived as in their own world or having a high pain tolerance.
Common signs:
A sensory diet is a personalized, OT-designed schedule of sensory activities distributed throughout the day to keep the nervous system in an optimal state for learning, social engagement, and daily function. The term was coined by Patricia Wilbarger, OTR, and is the primary OT intervention for sensory processing differences.
Despite the name, it has nothing to do with food. Think of it as a daily exercise plan for the nervous system — providing the right type and amount of sensory input at the right times.
An OT conducts a formal evaluation using standardized tools (Sensory Profile 2, Sensory Processing Measure) plus observation and parent report to map your child's profile across all 8 senses.
The OT identifies which sensory systems are over-responsive, under-responsive, or dysregulated, and when during the day regulation is most challenging.
Activities are selected and timed to match your child's schedule. A school-aged child might have a proprioceptive activity before class, a movement break at recess, and deep pressure before homework.
The diet is carried out by parents, educational staff, and caregivers. The OT trains everyone and adjusts the plan as your child's needs evolve.
Regular OT check-ins (typically monthly or quarterly) review what's working, adjust activities, and ensure the diet keeps pace with development.
Sensory needs vary by context. Here are evidence-supported strategies for the three settings where autistic children spend most of their time.
Occupational therapists registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) are the primary professionals for sensory assessment and intervention. Here is how Ontario families access OT services.
All Ontario school boards employ itinerant OTs. Request a referral through your child's principal. School OTs can implement sensory accommodations in the IEP and model strategies for teachers.
OT is covered under OAP funding. Current wait: 5+ years for Core Clinical Services. Use OAP Childhood Budget ($5,000/year) in the interim.
The PSP program includes OT services for children ages 0–6 at no cost. Contact your local children's treatment centre.
Registered OTs charge approximately $150–$250/hour in Ontario. Many accept OAP funding, extended health benefits, or SSAH funding.
Ontario Autism Program funding can be used for occupational therapy, including sensory assessments and treatment. Here is how the funding tiers apply to sensory needs.
Up to $5,000/year
Available now (while waiting)
Up to $5,000/year
Available now (while waiting)
$6,600–$65,000/year
Wait: 5+ years
A growing number of Ontario businesses and cultural venues offer sensory-friendly programming designed to reduce barriers for autistic individuals and their families.
Monthly screenings across Ontario with lights dimmed (not off), volume reduced, and relaxed environment. Check cineplex.com for schedules.
Sensory-friendly mornings offered on select Saturdays. Reduced capacity, lower lighting, and quiet spaces available.
Monthly sensory-friendly Sunday mornings. Pre-visit materials and social stories available for download.
Offers quiet hours and sensory maps. Contact guest services for details on reduced-stimulation visit times.
Maintained list of certified sensory-friendly businesses across Ontario. Visit autismontario.com for the current directory.
Some Ontario locations offer designated quiet shopping hours (typically early morning). Call your local store to confirm.
Many Toronto Public Library and regional library branches offer sensory-friendly storytimes and quiet study spaces.
Several Ontario YMCAs offer designated sensory swim times with reduced noise and lighting. Contact your local YMCA.
A dedicated sensory space at home gives your child a regulated, predictable environment where they can self-regulate. It does not require significant space or expense — a corner of a bedroom or living room works well.
A quiet corner of a bedroom or a closet with the door removed work well. Avoid high-traffic areas. The space should feel safe and private.
Use string lights or a dimmable lamp instead of overhead lighting. A white noise machine or speaker with calming music reduces auditory distractions.
A weighted blanket at approximately 10% of body weight, a body sock, or a compression vest provides proprioceptive input. A cozy tent or canopy can give a sense of enclosure.
A small trampoline, balance board, or exercise ball can provide vestibular input. Even a swivel stool on a designated spinning spot on the floor counts.
Sensory bins (rice, kinetic sand), fidget tools, and chew tools address tactile and oral needs. Keep items organized so the space stays calming.
You do not need to wait for the OAP waitlist to start supporting your child's sensory needs. Free school board OT, OAP interim budgets, and community resources are available now.
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
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) delivered to children aged 18–30 months produced significant gains in IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism severity — some children no longer met diagnostic criteria at follow-up
Cochrane systematic review finds evidence that early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with ASD (low certainty of evidence)
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
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