How OAP-funded and private feeding therapy compare in Ottawa
Key organizations offering feeding therapy in the Ottawa area. Always verify OAP eligibility and current availability directly with the provider.
Three steps to access feeding therapy through OAP or private funding.
DSO Eastern Ontario is the Developmental Services Ontario regional intake contact for Ottawa — 613-548-4446.
Ottawa is served by Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and Ottawa Catholic School Board, for families coordinating school-based supports alongside OAP-funded therapy.
Evidence
Ontario Autism Program — Program Guidelines (Core Clinical Services funding tiers)
Government of Ontario (2026-03-10)
AccessOAP — Childhood Budgets and Core Clinical Services
AccessOAP / Government of Ontario (2024)
BACB Certificant Registry
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2024)
CASLPO Public Register of Members
College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (2024)
COTO Public Register
College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (2024)
OAP Core Clinical Services progress reports — FOI response (5+ year average invitation wait)
MCCSS, obtained under Freedom of Information; corroborated by CBC News (2026-03)
Assistive Devices Program — Communication Aids
Government of Ontario (2025)
| Factor | OAP-Funded | Private (Out-of-Pocket) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Ontario-Wide) | Eligible under your Childhood Budget once assigned, when delivered by a registered OAP-approved SLP or OT | $150–$250/hr per session |
| Annual Budget | $6,600–$65,000/year (Core Clinical Services Childhood Budget, shared across all OAP-eligible therapies, not per therapy) | $600–$2,000/month (4–8 sessions) |
| Wait Time (OAP: Ontario-Wide) | 18–36 months (hospital-based programs) | 6–12 weeks |
| OHIP Coverage | N/A (OAP, not OHIP) | Some hospital-based feeding programs covered by OHIP (SickKids, CHEO feeding clinic) |
| Private Insurance | N/A | SLP and OT services often covered under extended health plans at $500–$2,000/year |
| Local Providers | 8+ certified practitioners | Many private clinics available |
OAP wait times and cost figures are Ontario-wide estimates from provider surveys and OAP documentation, not specific to Ottawa — only the local provider count reflects this region. Individual experiences vary. Last updated: 2026-08-06.
Leading pediatric feeding program in Eastern Ontario
This is not a complete directory. Search AccessOAP for the full list of approved providers in your area.
Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric feeding program at SickKids, CHEO, or a local children's hospital. For private services, a referral is not required but can help with insurance reimbursement.
Look for clinicians with specialized feeding training such as the SOS Approach to Feeding (Sequential Oral Sensory) or ARFID-specific training. Verify credentials on caslpo.com (SLPs) or coto.org (OTs).
Register on accessoap.com to join the Core Clinical Services waitlist. Feeding therapy delivered by an OAP-approved SLP or OT becomes an eligible expense once your Childhood Budget is assigned; private pay can bridge the wait for both OAP and hospital-based programs.
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.
Register on AccessOAPPediatric feeding therapy is available in Ottawa through private SLP and OT clinics specializing in feeding disorders. Hospital-based feeding programs (SickKids, CHEO) are available in Toronto and Ottawa with longer wait times. Ask your pediatrician for a referral or search private SLP clinics on caslpo.com.
Feeding therapy addresses extreme food selectivity, oral sensory aversions, texture refusal, food anxiety, unsafe swallowing, and failure to thrive. Many autistic children have Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
Yes, if delivered by an OAP-approved SLP or OT. Claim through your Childhood Budget ($6,600–$65,000/year, shared across all approved therapies) once it is assigned. Some hospital-based feeding programs may also be covered under OHIP. Confirm eligibility with your AccessOAP coordinator before starting.
The Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach is an evidence-based feeding therapy program that uses a hierarchy of food interaction steps — from tolerating food nearby to eventually eating it. SOS-trained therapists work through sensory, motor, and behavioural components of feeding challenges.
Feeding therapy is typically a long-term commitment of 6–18 months depending on severity. Sessions are usually weekly (60 minutes), and families practise food exposure strategies at home between sessions. Progress can be slow but is measurable.
Food selectivity, ARFID, OAP funding, school accommodations, and clinics.
Read the feeding therapy and ARFID guideDisclaimer: 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.
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents approximately 290% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?
Yes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated $965 million, leaving an estimated $385M+ annual shortfall. This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 91,974+ child waitlist.
Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO] · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate