The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is funded through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).
Who can register for the Ontario Autism Program?
All the information you need about this government program and how to register is located at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program
To register for the Ontario Autism Program, your child must:
- be under age 18
- currently live in Ontario, and
- have a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional
If your child or youth is not yet diagnosed with autism
To have your child or youth assessed to determine if they have autism, you can do one of two things:
1. Complete a referral for the ASD Diagnostic Hub – West Region
Children and youth may be referred for a free diagnostic assessment at the West Region Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnostic Hub at McMaster Children’s Hospital/Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre
905-521-2100 ext 78222 DPR-intake [at] hhsc.ca
Then scroll down the page to Referral Process to find the form that you need to complete and have signed by your doctor.
2. Visit a qualified professional
You can also obtain a diagnostic assessment for your child or youth from a qualified professional who has undergone specific training. These professionals include, but are not limited to:
- doctors, such as family physicians, pediatricians, developmental pediatricians and psychiatrists
- psychologists and psychological associates
- nurse practitioners
If your child or youth has received an autism diagnosis
Register your child/youth with the OAP!
We encourage all families of children and youth who have a written, confirmed diagnosis of autism or ASD, to register with the government of Ontario’s OAP. There are many services and supports across the province that you can access once your child/youth is registered.
To register, or if you have questions:
MCCSS Central Resource Team
1-888-444-4530 oap [at] ontario.ca
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
P.O. Box 193
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1N3
This is where you can also:
- Register for the OAP
- Ask questions about your situation if you are registered with the OAP, but not yet connected with AccessOAP
- Ask questions about your childhood budget and interim one-time funding
AccessOAP
1-833-425-2445 info [at] AccessOAP.ca
AccessOAP
P.O. Box 187 STN P
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2S7
Ask about:
- How to create an account with AccessOAP
- General questions about the OAP
- Which programs and services are available to your family
- How to access a Care Coordinator
- Your situations once you have created an account and given consent for MCCSS to transfer your OAP record into the AccessOAP system
Navigating the OAP
Autism Ontario can help you understand the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and which services and supports are available in your area. Autism Ontario does not manage the OAP. Each region in Ontario has an Autism Ontario Service Navigator who can:
- Help families understand the new OAP and the services available to purchase with their childhood budgets and/or interim one-time funding
- Find qualified service providers
- Support families in navigating their local autism services to access meaningful and effective treatment and supports
- Provide access to parent resources and webinars
Autism Ontario
1-800-472-7789 www.autismontario.com
Contacting the Ministry
If you have questions about your child in the OAP, contact the Central Resource Team. If you have questions, suggestions or concerns about the OAP itself, you can contact the local Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) Program Supervisor. Scott will listen to your issue, answer your questions and/or bring your concerns forward.
MCCSS Program Supervisor
Scott Gregory Scott.Gregory [at] ontario.ca 905-481-4871
Autism & Behavioural Services (ABS) at TVCC
TVCC provides information, support, education and treatment for children and youth with ASD and their families. To access some of these services, children need to be registered with the OAP. Call us to find out more.
Autism Family Liaison
Lynn Seward abs [at] tvcc.on.ca 1-866-590-8822, ext 53746
