Therapy Decision Guide
AAC assessment and training are covered under OAP. Device costs may be partially funded through OAP childhood budgets. Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers up to 75% of approved speech-generating devices, with OAP funds potentially covering the remaining 25%.
Ask any prospective provider which of these credentials they hold, and confirm the credential with the relevant regulatory college before starting.
AAC systems fall into two categories: unaided (using the body, such as sign language or gestures) and aided (using external tools). Aided AAC ranges from low-tech options like picture boards and communication books to high-tech speech-generating devices (SGDs). Modern high-tech AAC primarily uses tablet-based apps such as Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, and Grid for iPad, which generate spoken output when the user selects symbols or types words.
Dedicated speech-generating devices from manufacturers like Tobii Dynavox and PRC-Saltillo offer specialized hardware with robust cases, eye-tracking capabilities, and switch access for individuals with motor challenges. The choice between tablet-based apps and dedicated devices depends on the individual's motor abilities, communication needs, cognitive level, and environmental demands.
In Ontario, CASLPO-registered speech-language pathologists conduct AAC assessments to determine the most appropriate system. This assessment evaluates language comprehension, motor abilities, visual skills, and communication environments to recommend a matched AAC solution. The assessment report is required for ADP funding applications.
Ontario offers multiple funding pathways for AAC devices. The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers up to 75% of approved speech-generating devices for Ontario residents with a valid health card. To access ADP funding, families need a prescription from a physician and an AAC assessment from an ADP-authorized speech-language pathologist.
OAP childhood budgets can supplement ADP funding to cover the remaining 25% of device costs, as well as fund the SLP assessment and ongoing AAC training sessions. Some private insurance plans also provide coverage for AAC devices prescribed by a physician. Families should coordinate between ADP, OAP, and private insurance to maximize coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Millar, Light & Schlosser (2006)
The impact of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on the speech production of individuals with developmental disabilities: A research review. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49(2), 248-264.
Ganz et al. (2012)
Meta-analysis of the effects of augmentative and alternative communication interventions on expressive communication for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(3), 395-406.
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Evidence on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
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
89,799
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50
According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23%
Only 20,633 children have active funding agreements — less than one in four