91,974
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
Primary source MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026 Verified 2026-11-03
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.
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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. Ontario schools are legally required to include transition planning in IEPs starting in Grade 9. You can apply to DSO starting at age 16; services begin after age 18 when available. Apply for ODSP 6 months before the 18th birthday. Delays in applying mean a gap in financial support once OAP funding ends at 18. Read the guide www.endthewaitontario.com/adults/transition-planning
Download English captions (WebVTT)At age 18, multiple supports end simultaneously while adult services have separate applications and their own waitlists. A short explainer with music and captions. 53 seconds.
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- 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. - Running time 0:49 Teens and adults
What Happens to OAP When Your Child Turns 18?
Ontario Autism Program services end when a person turns 18.
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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
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Last system verification: 2026-11-03. Next scheduled update: 2027-02-01.
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Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
Lived experience: Parent of autistic child in the OAP system