Autism vs ADHD: Dual Diagnosis & Treatment in Ontario

Having co-occurring ADHD does not change OAP eligibility.

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Autism vs ADHD: Dual Diagnosis & Treatment in Ontario Does a dual diagnosis change OAP eligibility? No. OAP eligibility is based on the autism diagnosis. Having co-occurring ADHD does not change OAP eligibility. The dual diagnosis may inform therapy planning to address both conditions. ADHD medication is a decision for your child's physician. Read the guide www.endthewaitontario.com/answers/autism-vs-adhd-diagnosis-ontario

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Having co-occurring ADHD does not change OAP eligibility. A short explainer with music and captions. 48 seconds.

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Evidence supports autism screening and intervention commencing in the first 2 years of life — earlier identification directly enables earlier intervention during the highest neural plasticity window

Primary source Zwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Stone WL, et al. (2015) Verified 2015-10-01

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

WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism. Timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement

Primary source World Health Organization (2025) Verified 2025-09-17
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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