Families across Ontario are continuing to experience long delays in accessing government-funded core therapies under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
Recent surveys from advocacy groups such as the Ontario Autism Coalition show that some families are waiting up to five years before receiving funding for applied behaviour analysis (ABA), speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy.
According to recent figures obtained through freedom-of-information requests, more than 84,000 children are registered in the program, but only about 19,600 are currently receiving funding for core services.
Children, Community and Social Services Minister Michael Parsa has not commented on whether these delays are acceptable, though the government has emphasized increased funding and expanded services under the OAP.
In addition to long waits for core therapies, the Progressive Conservative government introduced “pillars” such as entry-to-school programs, urgent response services, and caregiver support programs, which are available on a temporary basis while families wait for funding.
However, advocates argue these measures do not replace the need for continuous, individualized therapy. Experts warn the delays have real consequences for children and families, including financial strain, caregiver employment disruption, and developmental setbacks.