91,974
children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
Primary source MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026 Verified 2026-11-03
Autism and guardianship in Ontario: what changes at 18
If decision-making support is needed, supported decision-making should be explored before guardianship.
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At 18, parental authority ends, but guardianship is not automatic Guardianship is a court-ordered legal arrangement that removes a person's right to make their own decisions in specified areas This page provides general information, not legal advice. Healthcare providers cannot share medical information without your child's consent. Understanding what changes, and what does not, is the foundation of future planning. If decision-making support is needed, supported decision-making should be explored before guardianship. Read the guide www.endthewaitontario.com/autism-guardianship-ontario
Download English captions (WebVTT)If decision-making support is needed, supported decision-making should be explored before guardianship. A short silent explainer with captions. Illustrations after Julius Klinger. 38 seconds.
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- Running time 0:50 Teens and adults
Autism Housing Ontario: Options for Autistic Adults
Housing support for an autistic adult in Ontario starts with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). - Running time 0:49 Teens and adults
Autism Workplace Accommodations: Rights Guide
You do not need a formal diagnosis to request accommodation, you need only demonstrate a disability-related need. - Running time 0:49 Teens and adults
Housing options for autistic adults in Ontario
DSO is the mandatory starting point for all funded housing
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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
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