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Ontario Autism Program (OAP) - Funding Types Overview 2026

This page explains the types of funding and supports available through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and what each one covers, as of January 2026.


Core Clinical Services and Supports


What it is

Core Clinical Services and Supports are the main ongoing funding stream under the Ontario Autism Program for eligible children and youth.


What it covers

Funding is based on a child or youth’s individual needs and may be used for eligible autism-related clinical services, including:

  • Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

  • Speech-Language Pathology

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Mental health services, including counselling and psychotherapy

  • Technology, therapy materials, and equipment when recommended by a qualified or regulated professional


How access works

Families registered with the Ontario Autism Program are invited to access Core Clinical Services and Supports in the order they registered. Once invited, families work with an AccessOAP care coordinator and complete a determination of needs process, which helps set the funding amount and eligible expenses.


Interim One-Time Funding


What it is

Interim One-Time Funding is a time-limited funding option for families who registered with the Ontario Autism Program before April 1, 2021.


What it covers

Eligible families may receive a one-time (or up to two payments) amount to purchase approved autism-related services and supports while waiting to be invited into Core Clinical Services and Supports.


Important notes

  • Interim One-Time Funding is not ongoing

  • Families must receive an invitation from the ministry to apply

  • Accepting interim funding does not affect a family’s place in line for Core Clinical Services

  • Once a family enters Core Clinical Services, interim funding cannot be renewed


Childhood Budgets


What it was

Childhood Budgets were a previous form of funding for families who registered with the Ontario Autism Program before April 1, 2021.


Current status

  • Applications for Childhood Budgets are closed

  • This funding is considered legacy funding

  • Some families who previously received a Childhood Budget may have transitioned to Interim One-Time Funding or later to Core Clinical Services and Supports


Other Supports Available Through the OAP


In addition to funding, the Ontario Autism Program also offers non-funding supports at no cost to registered families, including:

  • Foundational Family Services

  • Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Programs

  • Entry to School Supports

  • Urgent Response Services


These supports are part of the OAP but are not separate funding programs like Core Clinical Services or Interim One-Time Funding.

Important Timeline Note

Starting April 1, 2021, new registrations to the Ontario Autism Program no longer receive Childhood Budgets or Interim One-Time Funding.Families registered on or after this date wait to be invited into Core Clinical Services and Supports as the primary funding pathway.

Summary

  • Core Clinical Services and Supports are the main ongoing funding under the Ontario Autism Program

  • Interim One-Time Funding is only for families registered before April 1, 2021

  • Childhood Budgets are closed and considered legacy funding

  • Other OAP supports are available but are not direct funding


If you are unsure which funding type applies to your family, an AccessOAP care coordinator can help explain your options.


References

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