Autism Services in ontario

[mk2024]

Hi Parents,
is there any parent with autism child that is already settled in Ontario? would like to know the process and steps to follow to be able to register the child in school and benefit from the services (therapies)? what's the best place to live in? with good services ? is there a waiting list for school? are the reports from outside Canada accepted?

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi Parents,
is there any parent with autism child that is already settled in Ontario? would like to know the process and steps to follow to be able to register the child in school and benefit from the services (therapies)? what's the best place to live in? with good services ? is there a waiting list for school? are the reports from outside Canada accepted?

You register them in school like any other child, and go to the school in your catchment. Talk to school principal about an IEP for their accommodations. There is no waiting list because child goes to a public school. School will tell you if outside reports are accepted.

What sort of services are you looking for? They are paid out of pocket and some may be covered through your work insurance if employed. Waiting lists for services will depend on what you need and where you live.

Funding through the Ontario Autism Program would be years away. Believe children who applied in 2019 are being accessed. Read about OAP on the Ontario website.

 

[canuck78]

Hi Parents,
is there any parent with autism child that is already settled in Ontario? would like to know the process and steps to follow to be able to register the child in school and benefit from the services (therapies)? what's the best place to live in? with good services ? is there a waiting list for school? are the reports from outside Canada accepted?

Would expect very long wait lists and younger children tend to be prioritized. There is a shortage of both aides and funding for aides so even if in an IEP they may not actually get one. Many families are either paying out of pocket for all or part of their child’s therapy if they can afford to. Some families are having to homeschool or pay for private education. Things like after school care may be difficult to secure for autistic children depending on their needs which presents additional challenges to most families who require 2 incomes to survive in Canada. Would suggest you do significant research and speak to families having to navigate autism in Ontario/Canada especially if you have access to therapy and schooling in your home country and potentially family who is willing to provide support and even some childcare if necessary. Depending on your child’s needs you should also be aware that after age 21 no programming or services are typically available and full-time care is typically up to parents. Given the cost of living and levels of income support that becomes extremely challenging and physically demanding on most parents as they age.

Many outside Canada are under the false impression that access to services is easy and that everything is free but that is typically not the case.