Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses principles of learning and behaviour to help autistic individuals develop communication, social, and daily living skills.

Is HolistiCare an approved OAP provider?

Yes. HolistiCare is an approved Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provider offering core clinical services including ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology in Ottawa and Toronto.

How do I apply for OAP funding in Ontario?

To apply for OAP funding, register your child at ontario.ca/autismprogram. Once registered, you will be contacted by the OAP to complete an intake process.

What ages does HolistiCare serve?

HolistiCare provides services for children and youth from 18 months to 18 years old.

A Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) is a licensed professional who specializes in applied behaviour analysis. At HolistiCare, all ABA therapy programs are designed and supervised by a BCBA.

Do you accept private pay?

Yes. HolistiCare accepts both OAP-funded and private pay clients. Contact us to discuss pricing and available options for your family.

How long does ABA therapy last?

The duration of ABA therapy varies depending on each child's individual needs and goals. Your HolistiCare BCBA will determine the most appropriate intensity and duration.

Do you offer services in Toronto?

Yes. HolistiCare provides in-home and school-based ABA therapy services in Toronto and center-based services in Ottawa.

Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?

Some private insurance plans in Ontario cover ABA therapy. OAP funding from the Ontario government is also available for eligible families.

OAP Waitlist in Ontario 2026: What to Do While You Wait

If you’ve recently registered for Ontario’s Autism Program (OAP), you may have been told the wait for core clinical services is a long one. That’s an understatement. As of January 2026, over 67,000 children in Ontario are waiting for OAP core clinical funding — and average wait times now exceed five years for families registering today.

That is a devastating reality for parents who are watching their child’s early developmental window pass by.

But here’s what we want you to know: you do not have to wait doing nothing. There are meaningful supports available to your child right now — some at no cost, others through private funding. This guide walks you through every option.

The OAP Waitlist in 2026: The Numbers

As of January 2026, 87,692 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. Of those, only 20,293 — roughly 23% — have an active Core Clinical funding agreement. That leaves over 67,000 children waiting.

The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario has determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children. The current OAP budget sits at $779 million — a shortfall of over $570 million per year. This funding gap is the primary driver of the perpetual waitlist.

For families registering today, the realistic wait for core clinical services is 5 years or more, depending on your region.

Step 1: Register With AccessOAP Immediately

If you haven’t already registered, do it today. Your waitlist position is determined entirely by your registration date — not your child’s age, diagnosis severity, or need level.

Call AccessOAP at 1-833-425-2445 or visit accessoap.ca to register. You will need:

Your child’s autism diagnosis from a qualified professional
Your child’s Ontario health card
Basic family information

Every day you delay registration is another day added to your wait. Register first, ask questions after.

Step 2: Access Foundational Family Services — Available Now

Once registered with OAP, you can immediately access Foundational Family Services (FFS) — no invitation, no waitlist required.

Foundational Family Services include:

Caregiver workshops and training
Peer mentoring and support groups
Brief consultations (1–3 sessions) with behaviour specialists
Transition planning support
Group sessions for children and families

These are not intensive ABA therapy — but they are real, evidence-based supports you can use right now to help your child and build your own skills as a caregiver. Contact your regional service provider after OAP registration to get started.

Step 3: Check Your Eligibility for Interim One-Time Funding

Families who registered with the OAP before April 1, 2021 may be eligible for interim one-time funding of $5,000 to $40,000 (income-tested). This funding can be used for private ABA therapy, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and other autism-related services.

If you registered after April 1, 2021, interim funding is unfortunately not available. However, you may still be eligible for other programs — see below.

Step 4: Apply for SSAH — Special Services at Home

Special Services at Home (SSAH) is a separate provincial program that provides funding to families of children with physical or developmental disabilities — including autism. SSAH is independent of the OAP and has its own application process.

SSAH can be used for:

Respite care
Behaviour support
Recreation and social programs
Skill-building activities

SSAH approval can also take time, so apply as early as possible. Contact your local MCCSS office or visit the Ontario government’s SSAH page for details.

Step 5: Access School-Based Supports

Your child does not need OAP funding to access supports at school. Ontario schools are required to provide appropriate accommodations for students with identified exceptionalities, including autism.

Here’s what you can request from your school:

Individual Education Plan (IEP) — a personalized learning plan with specific goals and accommodations
Educational Assistant (EA) — classroom support for children who need it
Behaviour Consultant — available through school boards to support teachers
School Board SLP — get on the school board speech-language pathology waitlist now (this is separate from OAP)
School Board OT — for sensory assessments and classroom modifications

You do not need a diagnosis to request school-based supports — you just need to ask. Contact your child’s principal or special education coordinator to start the conversation.

Step 6: Consider Private Therapy While You Wait

Many families choose to begin private ABA therapy, OT, or SLP while waiting for OAP funding — and then transition to OAP-funded services once their funding becomes active. Private therapy during the early years can make a significant difference, particularly for children under six when the brain is most receptive to intervention.

When choosing a private provider, look for:

BCBA or RBA supervision for ABA therapy
Registered OTs and SLPs for those services
OAP provider status — so you can transition to funded services seamlessly when the time comes

HolistiCare is an approved OAP provider in Ottawa and Toronto. We offer private therapy programs for families waiting for OAP funding, and we support a smooth transition to OAP-funded services when your funding becomes active. Contact us to learn more.

Step 7: Connect With Your Community

Navigating the OAP waitlist is exhausting, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Here are some organizations that can help:

Autism Ontario — autismontario.com — local chapters, resources, and family support across Ontario
AccessOAP — 1-833-425-2445 — to check your waitlist status and registration date
End The Wait Ontario — endthewaitontario.com — waitlist data, advocacy tools, and regional resources
Your MPP — contact your local Member of Provincial Parliament to advocate for OAP waitlist reform

A Note to Families From HolistiCare

We know how hard this is. The OAP waitlist is a systemic crisis — not a reflection of your child’s worth or your family’s effort. Five years is an unacceptable wait for a child who needs support now.

While we work within the system we have, please know that there are options. Your child can make meaningful progress right now — with the right supports, the right team, and a family that shows up every day.

If you’re looking for support while you wait, our team is here to help.

Sources & Further Reading

End The Wait Ontario. (2026). OAP Waitlist 2026: Regional Breakdown & Family Resources. endthewaitontario.com
End The Wait Ontario. (2026). Autism Services While Waiting for OAP Ontario. endthewaitontario.com
KnowAutism.ca. (April 2026). What to Do While Waiting for OAP Ontario. knowautism.ca
End The Wait Ontario. (2026). How to Apply for OAP 2026. endthewaitontario.com
Financial Accountability Office of Ontario. (2024). Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Spending Plan Review.
KickStart Therapy. (2025). Ontario Autism Program: Eligibility, Funding & How to Apply. kickstarttherapy.com