Start here

Not sure where to begin? Pick the path that fits and watch the films in order.

New to the OAP

What to do after a diagnosis, how to register, and what the program covers.

5 films · about 4 min

  1. Running time 0:56 1. OAP wait and funding

    Newly diagnosed with autism in Ontario?

    Call 1-833-425-2445 to register with the Ontario Autism Program.
  2. Running time 0:46 2. OAP wait and funding

    How to register for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

    Registration is the first step; invitations to Core Clinical Services are separate and are issued in registration-date order.
  3. Running time 0:32 3. OAP wait and funding

    Ontario Autism Program eligibility

    A child qualifies if they are under 18, live in Ontario, and have a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional.
  4. Running time 0:33 4. OAP wait and funding

    The 5 streams of the Ontario Autism Program, explained

    Using private services does not hurt your place on the OAP waitlist.
  5. Running time 0:55 5. OAP wait and funding

    What Therapies Does OAP Fund?

    OAP Core Clinical Services can fund eligible ABA, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and mental health services.

Waiting for funding

How the wait and the invitation work, and what you can use in the meantime.

5 films · about 4 min

  1. Running time 0:48 1. OAP wait and funding

    OAP waitlist and funding status in 2026

    The family then signs a Core Funding Agreement before the funding is active.
  2. Running time 0:51 2. OAP wait and funding

    The OAP Invitation System (and Why It Matters)

    Registration establishes a child’s place in the OAP system; it does not guarantee immediate services.
  3. Running time 0:39 3. OAP wait and funding

    What To Do While Waiting (The Action Plan)

    Foundational Family Services, school supports, and SSAH are separate programs with their own applications.
  4. Running time 0:48 4. OAP wait and funding

    Services You Can Access RIGHT NOW

    Every family registered in the OAP is eligible for Foundational Family Services at no cost, with no funding agreement required.
  5. Running time 0:51 5. OAP wait and funding

    OAP Care Coordinator Call: What to Expect

    The coordinator uses what you share to set your child's support level and funding.

School concerns

Your child’s rights at school, the IPRC meeting, and what to do about an exclusion.

5 films · about 4 min

  1. Running time 0:49 1. School and education rights

    Legal Framework for Special Education

    If you disagree with an IPRC decision, you can ask in writing, within 15 days of receiving the statement of decision, for a meeting with the committee.
  2. Running time 1:01 2. School and education rights

    The IPRC Process

    A principal must refer a student to an IPRC if a parent requests it in writing.
  3. Running time 0:34 3. School and education rights

    Effective School Advocacy

    Keep a communication log of every meeting, call, and email with school staff.
  4. Running time 0:49 4. School and education rights

    Can an Ontario School Refuse or Exclude an Autistic Child?

    Ask for written reasons today the legal basis for the exclusion, its expected duration, and what alternatives were considered.
  5. Running time 0:21 5. School and education rights

    Autism Classroom and Sensory Accommodations List for Ontario Schools

    Supports a student regularly needs should be written into an IEP.

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

22.5%

Only 20,711 children have active funding agreements (22.5%), less than one in four

Primary source MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026 Verified 2026-11-03

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
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