Preparing content
The funding gap
OAP funding declines with age, but the cost of therapy doesn't.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Only 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified , CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
| Feature | Interim Funding (Childhood Budget) | Core Clinical Services |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Range | $5,000 - $35,000/year | $6,600 - $65,000/year |
| Determined By | Family income (means-tested) | Child's clinical needs |
| Provider Requirements | Flexible (broader range) | OAP-approved only |
| Service Types | Services, equipment, tools | ABA, OT, Speech, supervision |
| Duration | Until core services available | Ongoing (annual renewal) |
Interim funding amounts are income-tested. Higher-income families receive reduced amounts or may not qualify at all.
*Figures are approximate. Actual amounts may vary based on specific circumstances including child's age and time on waitlist.
Call Access OAP at 1-833-425-2445 or visit oapportal.ca to register your child with a valid autism diagnosis.
Contact Access OAP to express interest in interim funding (Childhood Budget). Not all families are automatically enrolled.
Provide family income information, child's age, and length of time on waitlist. Current processing timelines should be confirmed directly with AccessOAP.
You will be notified of the funding amount and can begin purchasing eligible services and equipment.
Find your next step
01 · For new families
Step-by-step guide to OAP registration, interim therapy options, and what to expect during the wait.
02 · Already waiting
Estimate your wait time, find funded interim services near you, and track your OAP status.
03 · Take action
Email your MPP with one click, share verified data, and advocate for system-wide reform.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
$965M, Ontario allocated to the Ontario Autism Program in 2026-27
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
According to the FAO (2020 report), OAP funding covers less than one-third of estimated need at 2018-19 service levels