About the Ontario Autism Program

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) offers support to families of children and youth on the autism spectrum. Children and youth who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by a qualified professional are eligible for the program. Children receive services and supports until the age of 18.

Changes to the program

Ontario is implementing an autism program that is comprehensive, needs-based and family-centred. During this transition, we continue to offer services and supports to improve outcomes for children and youth on the autism spectrum, promote quality care from autism providers and help as many families as possible.

Eligibility

To register for the Ontario Autism Program, your child must:

  • be under age 18
  • currently live in Ontario
  • have a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional

Your child’s written diagnosis must include:

  • your child’s full name and date of birth
  • the date of your child’s assessment
  • a statement indicating that the child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder
  • the qualified professional’s name and credentials

Register your child

To register, you must fill out and submit the Ontario Autism Program registration form and provide all supporting documentation listed in the form.

If your family has more than one child with autism, you must submit separate registration forms for each child.

You do not need to register again if you:

  • have previously registered your child for the Ontario Autism Program
  • already submitted your registration form and all supporting documents

Your child’s registration date is based on when the ministry receives your registration form and all supporting documents.

If you have questions about registering your child, you can contact the central resource team.

Ontario Autism Program
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
P.O. Box 193
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1N3
OAP@ontario.ca
1-888-444-4530

Your child with autism may also be eligible for other government programs for children with special needs.

Needs-based services and supports

Foundational family services

Learn about foundational family services for everyone registered in the Ontario Autism Program and how to find services.

Caregiver-mediated early years programs

Learn about programs for children who are between 12 and 48 months old and registered in the Ontario Autism Program.

Core clinical services

Learn about core clinical services for children and youth registered in the Ontario Autism Program and find out when more children will enter these services.

Entry to school program

Learn about the entry to school program for children who are registered in the OAP and starting kindergarten or Grade 1.

Urgent response services

Learn how to access support if your child or youth has an urgent need. Find out who is eligible, how to get services and contact your area’s lead organization.

Autism Ontario’s service navigation program

Autism Ontario’s service navigation program supports all families and caregivers of children and youth on the autism spectrum in Ontario, even if they are not registered in the Ontario Autism Program.

Contact Autism Ontario at 1-800-472-7789 to find out more.

General information sessions for families

Autism Ontario offers information sessions about the Ontario Autism Program.

Orientation to the Ontario Autism Program

At this workshop, you can:

  • learn about changes to the Ontario Autism Program, including what they are and how they may affect you and your family
  • get information about Autism Ontario’s service navigation program, which can help you navigate the Ontario Autism Program
  • connect with other families with similar experiences to share information and feel supported.

Interim one-time funding workshop

This workshop provides a step-by-step guide to help you understand and fill out your form and learn about eligible expenses. This workshop is available to all parents and caregivers, whether your child is registered for the Ontario Autism Program or not.

OAP expense reconciliation workshop

This workshop provides information about the reconciliation process, including how to submit your OAP expenses and help to fill out the expense form.

Supports for children and youth who registered in the program before April 2021

Interim one-time funding

Learn about interim one-time funding for children and youth who registered in the Ontario Autism Program before April 2021, including eligibility, how to apply and how to report expenses.

Childhood budgets

Learn about childhood budgets for children and youth who registered in the Ontario Autism Program before April 2021, including what services are eligible and how to report your expenses.

Behaviour plans

Learn about the necessary steps for developing an Ontario Autism Program (OAP) behaviour plan and key details that must be included in each plan for families registered to the program before April 1, 2019.

Other services and supports for children and youth on the autism spectrum

Your child or youth with autism may be eligible for other government programs for children with special needs, such as:

Supports for youth preparing for adulthood

Youth with developmental disabilities who are preparing for adulthood can access transition planning beginning at age 14. These plans can include:

  • educational planning
  • transitioning from secondary school and youth services to adulthood
  • preparation for family members to help support these transitions
  • identifying goals for work, further schooling and community living

Supports in schools

Your child may be eligible for school-based supports for students with autism.

The Ministry of Education is increasing supports for educators and building on existing programs so school boards can help students with autism feel safe and supported in their classrooms as they transition into school.

Collecting personal information

Learn how the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services collects, uses and discloses personal information.