What should I do first?

If you suspect your child has autism, the first step is to contact your pediatrician or family doctor to request developmental screening and a referral for autism assessment. Document specific concerns about communication, social interaction, and behaviors.

While waiting for assessment, you can start early intervention services like speech therapy and occupational therapy which often do not require a formal diagnosis.

After receiving an autism diagnosis, the most urgent first step is to register with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) by calling AccessOAP at 1-833-425-2445.

Your waitlist position is based on registration date, not diagnosis date, so call immediately. While waiting for OAP services (5+ year wait times), explore private therapy options and apply for alternative funding like SSHD and ACSD.

Ontario autism service wait times average 5+ years for core clinical services through the OAP. Regional variations exist:

• Toronto/GTA: 6-7 years
• Eastern Ontario: 5-6 years
• Southwestern Ontario: 5-6 years
• Northern Ontario: 6-8 years

Private assessments take 2-4 months versus 12-24 months publicly. Due to these extended waits, many families choose private therapy to access evidence-based intervention during the critical early years.

While waiting for OAP services (5+ year wait), you should:

• Arrange private therapy: Private ABA, speech, or OT if financially possible
• Apply for alternative funding: SSHD, ACSD, and private insurance benefits
• Maximize school services: Ensure IEP accommodations and supports are in place
• Access community programs: Ontario Early Years Centres and other free/low-cost options
• Join support networks: Autism Ontario for community and resources

Consider private assessment ($2,000-$4,000) if:

• Your child is under 6 and early intervention is critical
• You can afford the cost or can access payment options
• You want to avoid 12-24 month public waits

Consider public assessment (free) if:

• Cost is a barrier
• You are not in a hurry
• Your child is older

Most advocacy groups recommend private assessment to start OAP registration sooner, especially for young children during the critical 0-6 window.