The Ontario Autism Program
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and offers support to families of children and youth on the Autism spectrum. Children and youth who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by a qualified professional are eligible for the program. Children receive services and supports until the age of 18.
Registration
Visit AccessOAP.ca to register. AccessOAP is the Ontario Autism Program’s Independent Intake Organization that supports everyone registered in the Ontario Autism Program.
AccessOAP care coordinators are available to:
- answer your questions
- help you understand your service options
- help you access needs-based services and supports in your community
If you have questions about registering your child, call AccessOAP toll-free at 1-833-425-2445 or email them at info@AccessOAP.ca.
Services and supports offered through the Ontario Autism Program
Read our fact sheet to learn more about Autism services at Grandview Kids.
OAP: Caregiver-Mediated Early Years programs
Caregiver-Mediated Early Years programs support families with young children ages 12 months to 48 months (four years). The programs help young children learn new skills and meet individualized goals.
Through these programs, parents and caregivers learn therapeutic strategies and specific techniques from professionals based on their child’s individual needs. The programs aim to build parents’ and caregivers’ capacity to support their child’s skill development in:
- social interaction
- play
- communication
- emotional development
- adaptive development and self-help skills
The programs are play-based, child-led and developmentally appropriate.
Click here to learn about programs for children who are between 12 and 48 months old and registered in the Ontario Autism Program and receive an invitation.
OAP: Core Clinical Services
Core Clinical Services is one of the streams of support for children and youth registered in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). Based on your child’s individual needs, these OAP Core Clinical Services can include:
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Occupational Therapy
- Mental health services, including counselling and/or psychotherapy
- Technology, program materials and/or therapy equipment at the recommendation of a regulated professional or Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)
Click here to learn about Core Clinical Services for children and youth registered in the OAP and find out when more children will enter these services.
OAP: Entry to School program
The Entry to School program includes two main parts. The first part is a six-month, group-based, skill-building program focused on helping children develop school-readiness skills in six areas:
- Communication – such as conversation, expressing wants and needs, understanding words and language, social communication, and non-verbal communication
- Play – such as toy exploration and engaging in group play/games
- Social interaction – such as understanding social boundaries, interactions with peers, and learning new behaviours by observing/imitating peers
- Functional routines – such as following classroom routines, and self-help skills, such as dressing and toilet training
- Behavioural self-management – such as emotional regulation and being able to wait their turn
- Pre-academics, learning and attention – such as developing new learning skills, working within a group setting, and independent work
The group-based program is multi-disciplinary and delivered by staff with expertise in:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
- Speech-Language Pathology (S-LP)
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Early Childhood Development
After completing the group-based part of the program, children will start the second part of the program, which provides them with individual transition supports as they enter school. Families and educators will also be able to access consultation services from Entry to School program staff, as needed, during a child’s first six months in school.
Click here to learn about the Entry to School program for children who are registered in the OAP, starting kindergarten or Grade 1 and receive an invitation.
Please note: The group-based part of the program is intended to be delivered in person. Online/virtual delivery options may be considered if required due to the COVID‑19 pandemic or to address local needs and/or family preferences. The program is offered free of charge and is available in English and French. Interpretation services for other languages will be available as needed.
OAP: Foundational Family Services
Foundational Family Services aims to give you more tools to work with your child or youth and participate in their ongoing learning and development through services and supports that are:
- informed by evidence
- delivered by a range of professionals
- are responsive to your family’s changing needs over time and your child’s needs, strengths and developmental stage
- offered in a variety of ways, including virtual, self-directed, in-person or group-based
- tailored to the unique regional, language and cultural needs in different communities
- offered by organizations using collaborative, innovative and interprofessional approaches to work with other partners in your community
Click here to learn about Foundational Family Services for everyone registered in the Ontario Autism Program and how to find services.
OAP: Urgent Response Services
Urgent Response Services in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) are offered to children and youth who are experiencing a specific, urgent need.
Eligible children and youth can access supports to:
- Help stabilize the situation
- Prevent crisis
- Reduce the risk of the child or youth harming themselves, others and property
Children and youth can get up to 12 weeks of free supports.
Urgent Response Services do not provide funding to purchase supports. Children and youth registered in the OAP can access Urgent Response Services while receiving other OAP services and supports.
Please note
Urgent Response Services are not offered by Grandview Kids. Click here to find out who is eligible, how to get services and contact your area’s lead organization.
