How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
Latest FOI data shows 87,692 children registered with the Ontario Autism Program (Dec 2025), up from 70,176 reported by the Financial Accountability Office in March 2024. Only ~19,600 children receive core clinical services (23%), leaving 68,000+ waiting for evidence-based care during critical developmental years.
Source: FOI Data Dec 2025, FAO Report 2023-24 · View SourceWhat is the human cost of Ontario autism wait times?
The human cost of Ontario autism wait times is significant. Every month a child waits is time they cannot get back in terms of early development. The clock is always ticking, and the vast majority of autistic children in Ontario are waiting during the critical window when intervention is most effective.
Source: End The Wait OntarioHow much does ABA therapy cost in Ontario?
ABA therapy in Ontario costs $50-$150 per hour depending on provider credentials. Monthly costs for intensive programs (20-40 hours/week) range from $4,000 to $24,000. OAP funding covers a portion, but families typically face significant out-of-pocket expenses during the critical early intervention window.
Source: End The Wait Ontario Research · View SourceHow many hours of ABA therapy does a child need?
Research indicates optimal ABA therapy for young children (ages 0-6) requires 25-40 hours per week for 2-3 years to achieve maximum developmental gains. This intensive early intervention approach, known as EIBI (Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention), is considered the gold standard for autism treatment.
Source: BACB Guidelines, Autism ResearchIt has nothing to do with "finding a job." It's about the "job of living." From brushing teeth to holding a pencil, OT helps with the practical skills of daily life.
Does your child cover their ears at loud noises? Or crash into walls on purpose? OTs help balance the sensory system.
The physical coordination needed for school and play.
Activities of Daily Living. The goal is independence.
You will hear this term a lot. It is not about food. It is a personalized activity plan designed to provide the sensory input a child needs to stay focused and organized.
Many autistic children have extremely restricted diets (e.g., only beige crunch foods). OTs often use the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) approach. It is low-pressure: look at the food → touch it → kiss it → lick it → engage with it.NEVER force feed.
Like Speech Therapy, OT is covered by OAP Core Clinical Services.
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.
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
Latest FOI data shows 87,692 children registered with the Ontario Autism Program (Dec 2025), up from 70,176 reported by the Financial Accountability Office in March 2024. Only ~19,600 children receive core clinical services (23%), leaving 68,000+ waiting for evidence-based care during critical developmental years.
Source: FOI Data Dec 2025, FAO Report 2023-24 · View SourceWhat is the human cost of Ontario autism wait times?
The human cost of Ontario autism wait times is significant. Every month a child waits is time they cannot get back in terms of early development. The clock is always ticking, and the vast majority of autistic children in Ontario are waiting during the critical window when intervention is most effective.
Source: End The Wait OntarioHow much does ABA therapy cost in Ontario?
ABA therapy in Ontario costs $50-$150 per hour depending on provider credentials. Monthly costs for intensive programs (20-40 hours/week) range from $4,000 to $24,000. OAP funding covers a portion, but families typically face significant out-of-pocket expenses during the critical early intervention window.
Source: End The Wait Ontario Research · View SourceHow many hours of ABA therapy does a child need?
Research indicates optimal ABA therapy for young children (ages 0-6) requires 25-40 hours per week for 2-3 years to achieve maximum developmental gains. This intensive early intervention approach, known as EIBI (Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention), is considered the gold standard for autism treatment.
Source: BACB Guidelines, Autism ResearchIt has nothing to do with "finding a job." It's about the "job of living." From brushing teeth to holding a pencil, OT helps with the practical skills of daily life.
Does your child cover their ears at loud noises? Or crash into walls on purpose? OTs help balance the sensory system.
The physical coordination needed for school and play.
Activities of Daily Living. The goal is independence.
You will hear this term a lot. It is not about food. It is a personalized activity plan designed to provide the sensory input a child needs to stay focused and organized.
Many autistic children have extremely restricted diets (e.g., only beige crunch foods). OTs often use the SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) approach. It is low-pressure: look at the food → touch it → kiss it → lick it → engage with it.NEVER force feed.
Like Speech Therapy, OT is covered by OAP Core Clinical Services.
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.