What autism services are available in Ontario while waiting for OAP?
While waiting for OAP Core Clinical Services, families can access: Foundational Family Services (free, no waitlist), school-based IEP supports, Preschool Speech and Language programs, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, private therapy (if financially able), and DSO registration for transition planning.
Source: Ontario Autism Program
How long does autism diagnosis take in Ontario?
Before joining the OAP waitlist, Ontario diagnostic waitlists average **12–24 months** at public hospitals. [OAP] This pre-waitlist delay means total time from first concern to therapy often exceeds **5–7 years**, an invisible bottleneck in official statistics.
Source: Ontario Autism Program [OAP]
What does the WHO say about early autism intervention timing?
The WHO Fact Sheet on Autism Spectrum Disorders (2023) states that timely access to early evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve the ability of autistic children to communicate effectively and interact socially. Dawson et al. (2010, Pediatrics; PMID 19948568) confirmed in an RCT that ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) at 18–30 months produced significant developmental gains.
Source: WHO Fact Sheet: Autism Spectrum Disorders (2023); Dawson et al., Pediatrics 2010 (PMID 19948568)
ABA Therapy in Peterborough-Kawartha, Quick Summary
OAP-funded ABA therapy in Peterborough-Kawartha has a wait of 4–6 years (Core Clinical Services) for Core Clinical Services.
Private ABA therapy in Peterborough-Kawartha is available in 8–14 weeks at $50–$150/hour.
The OAP Childhood Budget (up to $20,000/year) can be used immediately once registered on AccessOAP.
ABA therapy targets communication, social skills, and daily living using evidence-based positive reinforcement.
Every month of delay in early intervention narrows the window for the largest developmental gains.
Peterborough-Kawartha · Ontario Autism Program
ABA Therapy in Peterborough-Kawartha: What It Costs and How Long You Wait
OAP-funded wait is 4–6 years (Core Clinical Services). Private therapy runs $50–$150/hr. Here is how to navigate both options.
OAP vs Private: Cost and Wait Comparison
How OAP-funded and private aba therapy compare in Peterborough-Kawartha
Factor
OAP-Funded
Private (Out-of-Pocket)
Cost
Fully eligible — Childhood Budget and Core Clinical Services
$50–$150/hr per session
Annual Budget
$5,000–$65,000/year depending on age and service tier
$4,000–$12,000/month (20 hrs/week)
Wait Time
4–6 years (Core Clinical Services)
8–14 weeks
OHIP Coverage
N/A (OAP, not OHIP)
Not covered by OHIP
Private Insurance
N/A
Some employer plans cover $500–$2,000/year; verify your policy
Local Providers
6+ OAP-approved ABA providers
Many private clinics available
Wait times and costs are estimates based on regional data and provider surveys. Individual experiences vary. Last updated: 2026-04-10.
ABA Therapy Providers in Peterborough-Kawartha
Key organizations offering aba therapy in the Peterborough-Kawartha area. Always verify OAP eligibility and current availability directly with the provider.
Five Counties Children's Centre
OAP Provider
ABA TherapySpeech TherapyOccupational Therapy
Primary OAP-funded children's treatment centre for Peterborough-Kawartha
This is not a complete directory. Search AccessOAP for the full list of approved providers in your area.
How to Get ABA Therapy in Peterborough-Kawartha
Three steps to access aba therapy through OAP or private funding.
1
Register with AccessOAP
Create a family account at accessoap.com. You need an autism diagnosis to register. This puts you on the waitlist for OAP-funded services and unlocks the Childhood Budget.
2
Start the Childhood Budget now
While waiting for Core Clinical Services, use your Childhood Budget ($5,000–$20,000/year) to purchase ABA therapy privately. Look for BCBA-supervised providers approved by AccessOAP.
3
Find a qualified provider
Search the BACB registry at bacb.com, the ONTABA directory, or the OAP-approved provider list on AccessOAP. Confirm the provider is BCBA-supervised and accepts OAP funding.
Start with AccessOAP
Registering on AccessOAP is free and unlocks your Childhood Budget immediately. You do not have to wait for Core Clinical Services to start using OAP funding.
Common Questions About ABA Therapy in Peterborough-Kawartha
ABA therapy in Peterborough-Kawartha costs $50–$150/hour depending on the provider and service type. Behavior technicians (RBTs) charge $50–$80/hr; BCBA supervision runs $100–$200/hr. At 20 hours/week, expect $4,000–$12,000/month privately.
Wait times for OAP Core Clinical Services in Peterborough-Kawartha are typically 3–6 years. Families can access the Childhood Budget (up to $20,000/year) much sooner — often within weeks of registering on AccessOAP.
Yes. ABA therapy is fully eligible under OAP funding including the Childhood Budget ($5,000–$20,000/year) and Core Clinical Services ($20,000–$65,000/year for intensive programs).
A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) holds a master's degree and designs your child's therapy program. An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) delivers hands-on sessions under BCBA supervision. Both credentials are registered with the BACB.
Yes. Register on AccessOAP to unlock your Childhood Budget, then use it with any OAP-eligible ABA provider. You do not have to wait for Core Clinical Services to start therapy.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only. Costs, wait times, and provider availability change frequently. Always verify directly with providers and AccessOAP. Nothing on this page constitutes medical or legal advice.
About This Article
Written by:Spencer Carroll - Founder & Autism AdvocateParent of autistic child navigating OAP system
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