91,974
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
Primary source MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026 Verified 2026-11-03
Plan the move into adult services before support runs out
Apply for ODSP up to six months before the 18th birthday
Video
Your browser cannot play this video. Open the video file.
Read the caption transcript
Plan the move into adult services before support runs out Start planning at age 14, not 18. Apply for ODSP up to six months before the 18th birthday You can apply to DSO starting at age 16; services begin after age 18 when available. Passport provides funding for community participation supports and caregiver respite. OAP funding generally ends at age 18 (with some exceptions for those still in school) Read the guide www.endthewaitontario.com/adult-services-ontario
Download English captions (WebVTT)Apply for ODSP up to six months before the 18th birthday A short explainer with music and captions. 53 seconds.
Next
- Running time 0:53 Teens and adults
Plan the transition before supports change at 18
At age 18, multiple supports end simultaneously while adult services have separate applications and their own waitlists. - Running time 0:34 Teens and adults
Programs for adults with autism in Ontario
When your child turns 18, OAP (Ontario Autism Program) funding ends. - Running time 0:49 Teens and adults
What Happens to Autism Funding at 18 in Ontario?
OAP funding does not automatically continue into adulthood.
Sources on this page
The source chain stays visible.
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
Facts 3
Sources 3
US$2.4M
Lifetime support costs for autism with co-occurring intellectual disability can reach US$2.4 million per person (Buescher et al.)
Primary source Buescher et al. (2014) Verified 2014-08-01
1 in 50
According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about 1 in 50 children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
Primary source Public Health Agency of Canada (2024) Verified 2024-03-26
Open complete source list(3)
Last system verification: 2026-11-03. Next scheduled update: 2027-02-01.
About this page
Check the author’s context, review method, and how to report an error.
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Lived experience: Parent of autistic child in the OAP system