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Find your stage

Where to start with Ontario autism programs

Ontario has at least nine programs for autism families, and where you start depends on where you are in the process. Find your stage below — before diagnosis, just diagnosed, waiting for funding, or already receiving services — and see the actions that matter most right now.

Where are you?

  1. No diagnosis yet — Get assessed. Check SSAH, IEP, DTC.
  2. Just diagnosed — Register AccessOAP. Apply DTC, SSAH, FFS.
  3. Waiting for funding — Use FFS, research providers. Check CMEY, Entry to School.
  4. Have funding — Choose providers. Track expenses.

If you do not have a diagnosis yet

You do not need to wait to start getting help.

  • Some programs like SSAH and school IEPs do not require an autism diagnosis.
  • The DTC is based on functional impairment, not on a specific diagnosis.
  • Getting the assessment done is the most important step. It unlocks OAP and Core Clinical.

Full guide: before you have a diagnosis

If your child was just diagnosed

Do all of these. You can work on them at the same time.

  1. 1

    Register with AccessOAP

    This gets you in line for Core Clinical Services. The wait is years, so register early. handles registration.

    See how to register
  2. 2

    Apply for the Disability Tax Credit

    Federal. Opens the door to the and Child Disability Benefit.

    See how to apply
  3. 3

    Apply for SSAH

    Provincial respite and support funding. Separate from .

    See how to apply
  4. 4

    Sign up for Foundational Family Services

    Free workshops and support for all OAP families. No waitlist.

    See what is available

If you are waiting for funding

The Core Clinical waitlist is years. Do not just wait.

There are programs you can use now, funding you can apply for today, and things you can do to be ready when your invitation arrives.

Full guide: what to do while waitingSee all funding guides

If you already have funding

Three things to sort out now.

  • Choose your providers. You pick your own from the OAP Provider List. Not sure what to look for? Read the provider guide
  • Know the expense rules. Report expenses before your next payment. Keep receipts for 7 years. Core Clinical guide
  • Keep applying for other programs. You can hold OAP, SSAH, and the DTC at the same time. See all funding guides

Not sure which programs apply to you

The Program Finder asks eight questions about your child and your situation, then shows you which programs to look into. Your answers stay in your browser and disappear when you close the tab.

Go to the Program Finder

Want a printable version?

A one-page checklist with the four post-diagnosis steps, contact numbers, and space for notes. Print it and put it on your fridge.

Open the printable checklist

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

New to Canada?

If you are new to Canada, some of the programs and terms on this site may be unfamiliar. Most programs are run by the Ontario provincial government or the Canadian federal government. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen to access most of them. Your child needs to be living in Ontario and legally entitled to live in Canada.

Hover or tap on dotted-underlined terms throughout the site for a short explanation.

Resources in other languages

This site is currently in English only. For resources in French and other languages:

A note on accuracy

We are not the government. Program rules change. Every guide links to the official source so you can verify the details. If something on this site conflicts with the official government page, the official page is correct. See how we maintain this site for details on our verification process.