# How does the Ontario Autism Program work?

> Registering with AccessOAP, foundational family services, core clinical services and the determination of needs process.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/ontario-autism-program
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** The Ontario Autism Program supports children and youth under 18 with an autism diagnosis. Families register through AccessOAP, the program's independent intake organisation. Registered families can use foundational family services (workshops, coaching, resources), and are invited to a determination of needs process that sets the level of funding for core clinical services such as ABA, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

**Key takeaways**
- The OAP supports children and youth **under 18** with an autism diagnosis.
- **Register through AccessOAP.**
- Use **foundational family services** right away.
- **Core clinical services** funding follows a **determination of needs**.

## Who is eligible?

Children and youth under 18 who live in Ontario and have a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional.[1]

## How does it work?

| Step | What happens |
| --- | --- |
| 1. Register | Through AccessOAP with your child's diagnosis |
| 2. Family services | Workshops, coaching and resources, available right away |
| 3. Determination of needs | A care coordinator meets with you to understand your child's needs |
| 4. Core clinical services | Funding to buy therapies from approved providers |

AccessOAP care coordinators guide families through each step.[2][3]

## What are core clinical services?

They include applied behaviour analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and mental health services. The level of funding depends on the determination of needs.[2]

**While you wait.** You can start simple visual supports at home now. A first-then board or picture schedule can make daily routines
  easier while you wait for services.

## What can I do while waiting?

**Try:**
- Joining foundational family services
- Writing down your child's strengths and needs
- Trying a visual schedule at home

**Skip:**
- Waiting to try anything until funding arrives

Free printable: [Free printable: visual starter pack](https://theautismkit.com/printables/starter-pack.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Register with AccessOAP
- [ ] Sign up for a family services workshop
- [ ] Try a first-then board at home

## Common questions

### Does my child need a diagnosis?

Yes, a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional is needed to register with the OAP.

### What are core clinical services?

Therapies such as applied behaviour analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and mental health services, funded after the determination of needs.

### Is there a wait?

Families may wait to be invited to the determination of needs. Foundational family services are available while you wait.

## Sources

1. Government of Ontario: Ontario Autism Program. https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program
2. Government of Ontario: Core clinical services. https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program-core-clinical-services
3. AccessOAP. https://www.accessoap.ca/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.