Ontario is expanding supports for families of children with autism

Starting in March, the Ontario government is providing more support for families of children on the autism spectrum.

The province will be offering core clinical services based on a child’s individual needs, a key element of the new Ontario Autism Program. These services include:

• applied behavior analysis
• speech language pathology
• occupational therapy
• mental health supports

The ministry has asked the Child and Parent Resource Institute to oversee the launch of core clinical services.

Beginning this month, care coordinators will be trained to guide families through the new determination of needs process.

Starting in March, about 600 children and youth from across the province who are registered in the Ontario Autism Program will be invited to participate in the launch.

Families will benefit from:

• renewal of interim funding
• urgent response services
• additional investment of $3.8 million in diagnostic hubs
• increased oversight of clinicians providing applied behavior analysis (ABA)

Details about eligibility and how to apply for the extension of funding is expected in the coming weeks.