With 87,692 children waiting 5+ years for OAP Core Clinical Services, you need support now. Here are free resources, insurance options, and practical strategies you can access while on the waitlist.
Research consistently shows that the most effective autism interventions happen between ages 2-6. If your child is in this window, each month of waiting matters for brain development and skill acquisition.
While you wait for OAP Core Clinical Services, use every available resource. The strategies below can help you support your child's development now. If your child is approaching age 6 and still waiting, consider private options if financially possible.
These resources are available now, without waiting for OAP Core Clinical Services
Free OAP services available without waitlist
Free coaching to support your child's development at home
Parent-led early intervention for children under 6
Help navigating services and understanding options
School readiness support for kindergarten/Grade 1 entry
Your child's educational rights - no OAP required
Accommodations and modifications for learning needs
Classroom support for safety and learning
Formal identification of exceptional needs
Specialized classroom placements and resource rooms
Free and low-cost supports across Ontario
Free workshops, support groups, social programs across Ontario
Community programs, respite, and family supports
Free drop-in play programs and parent support
Speech, OT, and physiotherapy waitlists - shorter than OAP
Free parent training from home
Comprehensive guide for newly diagnosed families
Free parent training courses online
Evidence-based speech and language strategies for parents
Online courses and support for autism families
Multiple funding sources exist outside of OAP. Explore all options to support your child.
Employer-sponsored insurance may cover psychology, speech, OT
Action: Contact HR for full policy booklet
Federal and provincial benefits for disability
Action: Apply through CRA and Service Ontario
One-time funding for therapy and equipment
Action: Research deadlines and apply early
Accommodations available through education system
Action: Request IPRC meeting in writing
Evidence-based activities to support your child's development while waiting for professional services. These strategies align with ABA and early intervention principles.
Narrate what your child is doing during play to build language naturally
Offer 2-3 choices to encourage communication and decision-making
Follow your child's focus and point out what they're interested in
Create picture schedules to help with routines and transitions
Practice taking turns with simple games like rolling a ball back and forth
Label emotions in books, videos, and daily life to build emotional awareness
Practice social scenarios like greeting, sharing, or asking for help
Short, planned play sessions with clear activities and endings
Create picture-based routines for morning, bedtime, and transitions
Visual options for snacks, activities, or clothing
Simple, visual task lists with built-in rewards
Scheduled calming activities using preferred sensory inputs
Immediate praise/rewards for desired behaviors
Visual "first [non-preferred task], then [preferred activity]"
Designated space with sensory tools for emotional regulation
Earn tokens/stars toward rewards for target behaviors
Navigating autism services while waiting is exhausting. You need support too.
Connect with other families who understand
Find Facebook groups: "OAP Ontario," regional autism parent groups
You're doing enough. The system is broken, not you.
Set aside 5 min daily for self-check-in
Parent burnout is real - get support yourself
Use extended health for counselling
Small wins matter - celebrate progress, however small
Keep a "wins" journal
Organize all documents, reports, and communications
Include: diagnosis, IEP, therapy reports, insurance info
Identify people who can help - family, friends, respite
Create contact list of trusted supporters
You can't do it all - prioritize and say no when needed
Identify top 3 priorities for your child
Regular breaks are essential, not optional
Book respite or ask family for regular help
Keep records of all communications and services
Use email when possible, summarize phone calls
Education and healthcare rights exist independently of OAP
Review school board special education policies
Positive relationships with providers and schools help
Thank staff, acknowledge challenges on both sides
There is power in numbers - join advocacy efforts
Follow Ontario Autism Coalition, sign petitions
Contact your regional OAP provider for Foundational Family Services. These organizations offer free support regardless of waitlist position.
AccessOAP can connect you with your regional service provider for Foundational Family Services.
Find Your Regional AccessOAPDo these things this week - they don't require OAP funding
Register for Foundational Family Services - free coaching, workshops, and support available now
Write to your school principal requesting an IPRC meeting to discuss IEP and accommodations
Free membership gives access to workshops, support groups, and family events in your area
Review extended health benefits for psychology, speech, OT, and naturopathic coverage
Connect with other families on Facebook or in-person who understand the journey
Choose 2-3 activities from this guide to implement consistently - small progress is progress
While accessing these resources, help us fight for shorter waitlists for all Ontario families.
Complete guide to OAP budgets, application process, and maximizing funding.
Who qualifies, diagnosis requirements, and how to apply.
Extended health coverage, appeals, and maximizing benefits.
Navigate school supports, accommodations, and your child's rights.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.