Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
Offered by Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Ontario's registration, free-service, and needs-based core clinical funding pathway for children and youth under 18 with an autism diagnosis.
The Ontario Autism Program supports children and youth on the autism spectrum until age 18. Families register through AccessOAP, can access free OAP services, and may receive needs-based core clinical funding after a determination-of-needs process. Core clinical supports cover services such as applied behaviour analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, mental health services, and recommended technology or therapy equipment. Families should confirm eligible and ineligible expenses on Ontario's current OAP guidance before spending funding.
Eligibility
Under 18 with an ASD diagnosis from a qualified Canadian professional; ordinarily resident in Ontario.
How to apply
1. Get an ASD diagnosis from a qualified professional. 2. Register through AccessOAP — the independent intermediary. 3. Receive Interim One-Time Funding while awaiting Core Clinical Services assessment. 4. Complete Family Team meeting to determine Core funding amount.