End The Wait Ontario
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GREATER SUDBURY & NORTHERN ONTARIO • UPDATED JANUARY 2026
Autism Services in Greater Sudbury 2026
Comprehensive guide to autism assessment, therapy, and support services in Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario. Find local providers, virtual therapy options, and travel grants for families facing service gaps.
3-4
Local BCBAs
18-24 Mo
Assessment Wait
165K
Regional Population
Northern Ontario Service Crisis
Greater Sudbury is the largest city in Northern Ontario outside of Thunder Bay, serving as a regional hub for autism services. However, the city has only 3-4 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to serve a regional population of over 165,000. Many families from surrounding communities (Timmins, North Bay, Elliot Lake) must travel to Sudbury for services that southern Ontario families access locally.
The Northern Reality
- • 1 BCBA per 41,000 residents (vs. 1:8,000 in GTA)
- • 18-24 month wait for public assessment
- • Families drive 200-400 km for services
- • Limited private therapy options
Regional Hub Role
- • Serves Timmins (300 km), North Bay (125 km)
- • Health Sciences North regional centre
- • Children's Treatment Centre hub
- • Virtual services increasingly important
Autism Assessment in Greater Sudbury
Getting an autism diagnosis is the first step to accessing OAP funding. Sudbury has public assessment options through Health Sciences North, but wait times are significantly longer than in southern Ontario. Private and virtual options are increasingly used by families who cannot wait 18-24 months.
Health Sciences North (HSN)
41 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1
705-523-7100
Northeastern Ontario's regional health sciences centre. Provides autism diagnostic services through the Pediatric Development Program. Serves Sudbury and surrounding communities including Espanola, Manitoulin Island, and Cochrane District.
Children's Treatment Centre - Sudbury
1917 Regent Street, Sudbury, ON P3E 3J7
705-566-7100
Ontario Children's Treatment Network member providing rehabilitation services including autism assessment, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. Offers family-centered care and coordination services.
Autism Ontario - Sudbury Chapter
Serving Greater Sudbury and surrounding communities
1-800-472-7789 (Provincial Office)
Local chapter providing parent support, information sessions, social programs, and advocacy for families affected by autism. Free membership and resource navigation services for Sudbury families.
Assessment Options Comparison
Sudbury families have three pathways to autism assessment. Each has different wait times, costs, and considerations for Northern Ontario residents.
Public Assessment
Free (OHIP covered)
Wait: 18-24 months
Health Sciences North, CTC Sudbury
Private In-Person
Cost: $2,500-$4,000
Wait: 4-12 weeks
Travel to Toronto or southern Ontario
Virtual Assessment
Cost: $2,000-$3,500
Wait: 2-8 weeks
Online with registered psychologist
Note: Virtual assessments require reliable internet and may not be suitable for all children. Private assessments must be conducted by qualified professionals registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario to qualify for OAP funding.
ABA Therapy: Local and Virtual Options
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the evidence-based therapy for autism. Sudbury has limited local ABA providers due to the BCBA shortage, but families can access virtual services from southern Ontario clinics or travel for in-person therapy.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy uses learning principles to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Supported by 50+ years of research and major medical organizations.
Evidence-based with proven outcomes
Individualized programs based on assessment
Delivered by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
Typically 10-40 hours per week recommended
ABA Therapy Costs
Hourly Rate$75-115
Northern Ontario rates (may be higher than south)
BCBA Supervision$125-175
Per hour for program design and oversight
Annual Cost (25 hrs/week)$97,500+
Most Northern Ontario families cannot afford this
Local Sudbury Providers
Sudbury has 3-4 BCBAs serving the region. Availability is limited, with waitlists of 6-12 months for new clients.
Children's Treatment Centre
ABA services for children up to 18. Waitlist applies.
705-566-7100
Private BCBAs
Limited number of private practitioners. Check AccessOAP provider directory.
Availability: Very limited. Most families use virtual services or travel to Toronto for intensive therapy.
Virtual ABA Therapy
Many Sudbury families access ABA therapy virtually through southern Ontario providers. OAP funding covers virtual services at the same rate as in-person.
Virtual Providers Serving North:
- • Toronto-based clinics with telehealth
- • Kinark Child and Family Services
- • Private practices offering virtual services
- • Check AccessOAP directory for virtual options
Considerations: Requires reliable internet. May be less effective for young children or those with significant behavioral needs. Parent involvement is essential.
School Board Special Education
Sudbury students with autism are entitled to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and accommodations through their school board, regardless of OAP funding status. School services are free and can provide crucial support while waiting for therapy services.
Rainbow District School Board
English public school board serving Sudbury and surrounding areas. Provides special education services including IEPs, Educational Assistant support, and specialized autism programs.
Services Include:
- • Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- • Educational Assistant support
- • Speech-language pathology
- • Occupational therapy
- • Specialized classroom placements
705-673-5620
Special Education Department: 69 Young Street, Sudbury. Request an IPRC meeting in writing to access services.
Sudbury Catholic District School Board
English Catholic school board with comprehensive special education services. Offers faith-based education with full special education support for students with autism.
Services Include:
- • Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- • Resource teacher support
- • Educational Assistant support
- • Speech and language services
- • Autism support programs
705-673-5620
Education Centre: 165 Aline Street, Sudbury. Contact your school principal to initiate special education support.
Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario
French-language public school board serving Northeastern Ontario including Sudbury. Provides special education services in French for students with autism.
Services Include:
- • French-language special education
- • IEPs and accommodations
- • Speech therapy in French
- • Educational support services
705-671-1533
Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon
French-language Catholic school board serving Sudbury and Northeastern Ontario. Offers faith-based French education with special education support.
Services Include:
- • French Catholic special education
- • IEPs and support programs
- • Resource teachers
- • Speech and language services
705-673-5622
Understanding the IPRC Process
The Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process determines if your child exceptional and identifies the appropriate placement and supports.
1. Request IPRC
Submit a written request to your school principal. The meeting must be held within 15 school days.
2. IPRC Meeting
Bring assessments, doctor's notes, and your observations. You can bring an advocate or support person.
3. IEP Development
If identified as exceptional, an IEP must be developed within 30 days with specific learning expectations and accommodations.
Telehealth and Travel Assistance
Northern Ontario families face unique challenges accessing autism services. Virtual therapy and travel grants can help bridge the gap between local service limitations and the need for timely intervention.
Virtual ABA Therapy
Telehealth ABA therapy allows Sudbury families to work with BCBAs from across Ontario without leaving home. The Ontario Autism Program covers virtual services at the same rate as in-person therapy.
Benefits of Virtual Therapy:
- • Access to BCBAs across Ontario
- • No travel time or expenses
- • Flexible scheduling
- • Parent coaching included
- • Covered by OAP funding
Considerations: Requires reliable internet (minimum 10 Mbps recommended). May be challenging for young children or those with significant behavioral needs. Parent participation is essential for success.
Finding Virtual Providers:
- • Search AccessOAP provider directory for "virtual"
- • Kinark Child and Family Services (provincial)
- • Toronto-based private practices
- • Autism Ontario provider listings
Northern Health Travel Grant
The Northern Health Travel Grant helps Northern Ontario residents with travel costs for medically necessary services that aren't available locally, including autism therapy and assessment.
Eligibility:
- • Resident of Northern Ontario
- • Referred by a physician or nurse practitioner
- • Service not available locally (100+ km away)
- • Must be the closest appropriate facility
Accommodation AllowanceUp to $100
Per night for overnight stays
Mileage Allowance$0.54/km
For personal vehicle travel
How to Apply:
- Get physician referral for out-of-town service
- Keep all travel receipts
- Submit claim within 6 months of travel
- Apply through Ontario Health North office
Additional Support Services
Autism Ontario Sudbury
Free parent support groups, resource navigation, workshops, and family events.
Free membership. Connects Sudbury families with local resources and peer support.
Speech & OT Services
Speech-language pathology and occupational therapy available through HSN, Children's Treatment Centre, and private providers.
May be covered by OAP funding or private insurance. Wait times apply.
Respite Services
Respite care available through Community Living Sudbury and other organizations for families of children with autism.
SSAH funding may provide financial assistance for respite services.
How to Access OAP Funding in Greater Sudbury
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Sudbury Families: Take Action
Greater Sudbury families deserve equal access to autism services. Join us in demanding geographic equity from provincial officials.
Verified References & Sources
Updated:Government Reports & Data
[2024]
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan ReviewVerified FAO Data
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2024-02-29
[2021]
Autism Services: A Financial ReviewVerified FAO Data
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) • Report • 2021-06-01
Official
[2023]
Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact SheetOfficial Source
World Health Organization (WHO) • Official • 2023-11-15
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.