On this page
What to Do After an Autism Diagnosis in Ontario
Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.
What should I do the day my child is diagnosed with autism
Do four things the same day or within the same week: register with AccessOAP, apply for the Disability Tax Credit, apply for SSAH, and contact Foundational Family Services. These are separate programs. Doing one does not affect the others. The earlier you start, the sooner supports reach your family.
Same-day checklist
- Register with AccessOAP — your place in line for Core Clinical funding starts the day you register
- Ask your clinician to fill out Form T2201 — starts the Disability Tax Credit application
- Apply for SSAH — respite and daily supports, separate from OAP
- Contact a Foundational Family Services provider — free, no invitation needed
Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming. The good news: you do not need to understand every program right now. You just need to get your name in line for the ones that take time. This page covers what to do immediately. For the full journey across all stages, see the Start Here guide.
How do I register with AccessOAP after diagnosis
Go to accessoap.ca, create an account, and upload your child's written diagnosis. You can also call 1-833-425-2445 or submit a paper form. Registration takes a few minutes if your documents are ready.
What you need
- Written ASD diagnosiswith your child's full name, date of birth, assessment date, and a statement they meet the criteria
- Proof your child lives in Ontario
- Proof your child is under 18
Do not wait for the 'final' report
If you have a written diagnosis, register now. Every day you wait pushes your place in line back. The wait for a Core Clinical invitation is years.
For full details on what happens after registration, funding amounts by age, and what Core Clinical covers, see the OAP Core Clinical guide.
How do I apply for the Disability Tax Credit after diagnosis
Ask the professional who diagnosed your child to complete CRA Form T2201. You fill out Part A, they fill out Part B. Submit to the CRA online through My Account, by mail, or through your tax professional. The DTC is federal and separate from OAP.
Why the DTC matters
- Opens the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) — matched government grants up to $3,500 per year
- Opens the Child Disability Benefit — monthly tax-free payment
- Can be backdated up to 10 years
- Does not affect your OAP or SSAH funding
Full application steps, common rejection reasons, and what to do if denied are in the DTC guide.
Should I apply for SSAH right after diagnosis
Yes. SSAH is completely separate from OAP. It covers respite workers, daily supports, and development activities. Apply online at ontario.ca, by paper, or by phone to your regional MCCSS office. Not income tested.
SSAH quick facts
- Separate from OAP — does not reduce your OAP funding
- No OAP registration needed
- Covers respite, daily supports, and development activities
- Does not cover therapy (ABA, speech, OT go through OAP)
For eligibility details, documents needed, and what happens after you apply, see the SSAH guide. For a side-by-side comparison of SSAH and OAP, see SSAH vs OAP.
What free supports can I access right now
Once you register with AccessOAP, you can use Foundational Family Services immediately. No invitation needed. These are free workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and consultations with professionals. Contact a provider in your region directly.
Also check age-limited programs
- CMEY (ages 12 to 48 months) — caregiver coaching for early development. See CMEY guide
- Entry to School (ages 3 to 6) — school readiness support. See Entry to School guide
What should I not wait for
Do not wait for these before acting
- Do not wait for a "final" diagnostic report to register with AccessOAP. A written diagnosis is enough.
- Do not wait for your Core Clinical invitation to apply for SSAH. They are separate.
- Do not wait to understand every program before applying. Register first, learn the details while you wait.
- Do not wait to research providers. When your Core Clinical invitation arrives, you need to choose fast.
Common mistakes after an autism diagnosis in Ontario
Official sources
This guide is based on publicly available government information. Always verify with the official page:
ontario.ca: Ontario Autism Program (opens in new tab)Last verified against official source: April 2026
See something wrong? Let us know · How we maintain this site
This guide is based on publicly available government information. Always verify with the official page:
canada.ca: Disability Tax Credit (opens in new tab)Last verified against official source: April 2026
See something wrong? Let us know · How we maintain this site
This guide is based on publicly available government information. Always verify with the official page:
ontario.ca: Special Services at Home (opens in new tab)Last verified against official source: April 2026
See something wrong? Let us know · How we maintain this site
What to do next
See the full journey from diagnosis to funding
Start Here covers all four stages: before diagnosis, just diagnosed, waiting, and receiving funding.
Go to Start Here →
Learn what to do while waiting for Core Clinical
Programs you can use now, provider research tips, and how to prepare for your invitation.
Read the While You Wait guide →
Start researching providers early
When your invitation arrives, you need to choose fast. Build a shortlist now.
Read the provider guide →
Free OAP Expense Tracker
A simple spreadsheet to track therapy invoices, receipts, and reimbursements. Built for families managing OAP Core Clinical funding.
Your email is stored in a Google Sheet managed by KnowAutism.ca. We use it to send tracker updates and product news. No health information is collected. Privacy details
Not sure what other programs may apply?
Find programs