When your child gets an autism diagnosis, the next question is often, "What help can we get?" In Ontario, the main answer is the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). It offers free help for families and programs for young kids. It also funds therapies, such as speech therapy and counselling. This guide explains who can join and what the diagnosis letter must say. It also covers how to sign up and what each part of the program offers.
This is general information. The Government of Ontario and AccessOAP make the decisions, and their current pages are the ones that count.
Who can register
Ontario says your child can register for the OAP if they:
are under 18
currently live in Ontario
have a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional
Children get services and supports until age 18.
What the diagnosis letter must include
This is where families sometimes get stuck. Ontario says the written diagnosis must include:
your child's full name and date of birth
the date of your child's assessment
a statement that your child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder
the qualified professional's name and credentials
If any of these are missing, ask the professional for an updated letter before you register. It can save you weeks of back and forth.
Other details, such as the tools used or treatment ideas, aren't required. Ontario says they can still be helpful for planning your child's care.
Who can diagnose autism
Ontario says trained, qualified professionals can diagnose autism. They include:
doctors, such as family physicians, pediatricians, developmental pediatricians and psychiatrists
psychologists and psychological associates
nurse practitioners
If you have concerns about your child's development, Ontario suggests booking with your child's doctor as soon as possible.
What happens at an assessment. Ontario says the professional will:
ask you about your child, including their health history
watch and interact with your child
look at reports from school, child care or past assessments
use standard tools and the criteria in the DSM-5
Bring any report cards or notes from teachers. They help show how your child does in different places.
How to register, step by step
Step 1: Gather your documents. Have your child's written diagnosis ready, along with any other documents AccessOAP asks for.
Step 2: Create an AccessOAP account. AccessOAP runs intake for the program. You sign up online by making an account. If you need help, you can email info@AccessOAP.ca or call 1-833-425-2445.
Step 3: Upload what's needed. Provide all the supporting documents AccessOAP requests.
Step 4: Talk with a care coordinator. Care coordinators answer questions and explain your options. They also help you find services near you.
Signed up with the ministry in the past? You don't need to register again. Ontario asks you to make an AccessOAP account and agree to move your record over as soon as you can.
The five parts of the OAP
The OAP isn't one single service. It has five streams, and your child may use more than one.
1. Foundational family services
These are free for every registered family. You can use them at any time and as often as you like. Ontario says they may include:
family and peer mentoring
caregiver workshops and follow-up coaching
brief consultations about a specific need
help with transitions, including to adulthood
family resource and clinic days
You can use any provider in the province, in person or online, no matter where you live.
2. Caregiver-mediated early years programs
This stream is for very young children. Your child must be between 12 and 48 months old and registered in the OAP. Ask your care coordinator what's offered near you.
3. Core clinical services
This is the funding stream many families think of first. Ontario says core clinical services can include:
applied behaviour analysis (ABA)
speech-language pathology
occupational therapy
mental health services, including counselling or psychotherapy
technology, program materials or equipment, if a regulated professional recommends them
Children are invited in the order they registered. That's one reason to sign up as soon as you have a diagnosis. Once you accept, a care coordinator works out your child's needs and funding. You must have an AccessOAP account to get an invitation.
If you get funding, you'll need to report your expenses. Ontario says to keep all receipts, invoices and proof of payment for seven years.
4. Entry to school program
This free program helps children get ready for kindergarten or Grade 1. It has two parts:
a 6-month, half-day group program that builds skills such as communication, play, routines and emotional regulation
transition support during the child's first 6 months in school
It usually starts in March to prepare children for school in September. To join, your child must:
be registered in the OAP
be three to six years old as of December 31 of the year they start school
be starting kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time
Children in core clinical services can't join. Families get an invitation to sign up.
5. Urgent response services
Sometimes a child has an urgent need, such as aggression, self-injury or running away. If it started or got worse in the last 14 days, these services can help. They offer up to 12 weeks of free support. The lead organization in your area will reach out within 2 business days of your contact.
These services are not 24/7 and don't replace emergency help. If anyone is in danger, call 911.
Other programs to ask about
The OAP isn't the only help. Ontario says a child with autism may also qualify for other programs for children with special needs, such as:
the Preschool Speech and Language Program
rehab services from children's treatment centres
the Special Services at Home program
the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities program
Each one has its own rules, so check them one by one. Ask each program how to apply.
Tips while you wait
Register early. Core clinical services go by registration date.
Use foundational family services now. They're free and don't need an invitation.
Keep a folder. Store the diagnosis letter, AccessOAP emails and all receipts in one place.
Look at school support too. Ontario has separate supports for students with autism in publicly funded schools.
Supporting your child and your family
An autism diagnosis can bring relief, worry and a long to-do list all at once. Parents often need support too. Therapy can help your child build skills and confidence, and it can help you handle stress and plan next steps. Learn about our autism counselling, our counselling for children and how to support someone with autism.
We see children 6 and up, in person or online, and we offer psychological assessments for children. Hoping to use OAP funding for counselling? Read the OAP guidelines. Then ask the provider if they meet the program's rules. Our clinicians can provide supporting documentation where appropriate, as part of your care with us.
You can see us in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge or Ottawa, or by secure video from anywhere in Ontario.
Cost, billing and your first step
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. Tell them about your child and your family, and they'll help you find a good fit.
If you're in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Ontario Autism Program, Government of Ontario
Autism assessment and diagnosis, Government of Ontario
OAP foundational family services, Government of Ontario
OAP core clinical services, Government of Ontario
OAP entry to school program, Government of Ontario
OAP urgent response services, Government of Ontario