Autism Funding

Please Note That This Information Is Being Provided For Educational Purposes Only.  Please Consult With Your Local Autism Service Agencies For More Comprehensive Funding Options And To Determine Eligability!

Looking through this list of funding can be overwhelming!  Contact your local Autism Service agency i.e. Kerry's Place ask for a "Service Navigator" and ask for "case coordination" support if needed.  They will assign someone to help you!

In Ontario, there are several funding options available to support teens on the autism spectrum. Here are some key programs and funding sources that can help provide financial support for therapies, education, and other resources:

1. Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

  • Overview: The Ontario Autism Program provides funding to support children and youth with autism up to age 18. Families receive funding to purchase eligible services based on their child’s unique needs, including behavior therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other developmental supports.
  • Eligibility: All children and youth diagnosed with autism under 18 years old who live in Ontario are eligible.
  • How to Apply: Families must register for the OAP through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). Once registered, families can receive funding directly to choose and manage their services.
  • Details: Ontario Autism Program

2. Special Services at Home (SSAH)

  • Overview: SSAH provides funding for families of children and youth with developmental or physical disabilities, including autism, to help them purchase personal development and respite services.
  • Eligibility: Children and youth under 18 with a developmental or physical disability who live in Ontario.
  • How to Apply: Applications are made through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, with funding based on each family’s needs and budget availability.
  • Details: Special Services at Home (SSAH)

3. Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)

  • Overview: ACSD offers financial support for low- to moderate-income families to assist with the costs related to a child’s severe disability, such as transportation, medical costs, and specialized equipment.
  • Eligibility: Children under 18 with a severe disability whose families meet the financial criteria and reside in Ontario.
  • How to Apply: Families can apply through their local MCCSS office by submitting a completed application form.
  • Details: Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

4. Autism Ontario – One-to-One Funding for Summer Support

  • Overview: Autism Ontario offers one-time funding to help cover the costs of summer programming for children and youth with autism.
  • Eligibility: Children and youth on the autism spectrum in Ontario.
  • How to Apply: Applications are generally open in early spring each year; check Autism Ontario’s website for specific details.
  • Details: Autism Ontario – Summer Support

5. Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

  • Overview: The DTC is a federal tax credit that can provide families with tax relief if they have a dependent with a disability. It may help families save on income tax, and eligibility can also open the door for the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
  • Eligibility: Individuals with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions may qualify.
  • How to Apply: A medical practitioner must complete a DTC Certificate (Form T2201) for submission to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
  • Details: Disability Tax Credit

6. Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

  • Overview: The RDSP is a long-term savings plan designed to help individuals with disabilities and their families save for the future. The government also provides grants and bonds for RDSP contributions.
  • Eligibility: Canadians with a disability who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) are eligible.
  • How to Apply: RDSPs can be opened at most financial institutions, and families should contact their bank to learn more.
  • Details: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

7. Educational Supports and Scholarships

  • Scholarships: Some organizations offer scholarships specifically for youth on the autism spectrum to support their post-secondary education or vocational training. Autism Ontario and other charitable organizations may have scholarships available.
  • School Board Supports: Ontario school boards provide funding and support services for students with autism, which may include specialized learning resources, educational assistants, and accommodations through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
  • Contact Your School Board: Parents can contact their local school board’s Special Education department to learn about supports and funding available.

8. Local and Charitable Funding Sources

  • Community Living Ontario and Easter Seals Ontario may offer grants or funding for specific needs like assistive devices or respite.
  • Charitable Organizations: Some charities, such as the President’s Choice Children’s Charity, provide funding for assistive devices, therapy, and other supports for families with children on the autism spectrum.

9. Passport Program (for Adults Turning 18)

  • Overview: While teens can’t access Passport funding, those turning 18 soon may be eligible. This program provides funding for community participation, activities of daily living, and caregiver respite.
  • Details: Passport Program

These funding options offer various supports to meet the diverse needs of teens on the autism spectrum and their families in Ontario.


1) Disability Tax Credit

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with impairments, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.
If you have a severe and prolonged impairment, you may apply for the credit. If you are approved, you may claim the credit at tax time.
By reducing the amount of income tax you may have to pay, the DTC aims to offset some of the extra costs related to the impairment.
Remember that Autism is from birth!  Work with your doctor and local service agencies to file an amendment on all your taxes from year of birth for your child to apply the DTC once approved.  Ensure that the doctor fills out your DTC forms properly to indicate from birth so that you get this.   A lump sum payment will generally be provided which can be amazing for off setting the cost of some initial supports and services. If you need help filling out the DTC forms, contact your local Autism service agency i.e. Kerrys Place.  They have people to help with this!
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html 


2) OAP / "Access OAP"

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) 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.
Be Sure To Apply Soon!   Wait Times Are Long.  Once approved, you can get upwards of $40,000 for Behavioral services Specifically i.e. aBA
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program


3) SSAH

Families who are caring for a child with a developmental and/or physical disability can apply to the Special Services at Home (SSAH) program to get funding for:
  • primary caregiver relief and related supports
  • activities of personal growth or development for the child, including camps and recreational activities, like swimming and music classes.
This program is fantastic for respite! It is a Reimbursement style program so you do have to put out the money first and then apply to be compensated. 
https://www.ontario.ca/page/special-services-home


4) Autism Ontario - March Break & Respite Funding

The March Break Reimbursement Fund is available to Ontario families of autistic children or youth who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker OR who have paid for their child to attend a March Break camp or program, but not both. Maximum reimbursements of $350 per child or youth (up to 18th birthday) will be made to subsidize services purchased the March Break Week.
A minimum of 1,007 families, from across Ontario, are expected to receive reimbursements. Reimbursements will be provided based on a random selection made from all eligible applicants who apply between December 19 and January 23.
This program is fantastic for providing money to offset the cost of march break camps/ respite or in some years they even approve the purchase of a "large ticket item" for march break entertainment. 
https://www.autismontario.com/marchbreak


5) Other Discounts

Rogers Ignite Discount

FYI for anyone who has Rogers Ignite services. I sent the email yesterday and got a response already that 30% will begin on my next billing cycle.
Please read the below carefully and fulfill the requirement in order to add the discount to your account.
Only customers who qualify for this offer and are on an Ignite TV Bundle package are eligible for this discount.
· This offer is available anywhere that Ignite TV bundles are available.
· The discount is 30% off the Ignite TV Bundle service, as well as 30% off add-on services.
· The discount does not apply to the price of additional boxes.
· The discount will begin as of the next billing cycle.
· The individual with special needs does not need to be the account holder, but can be a member of the household. The member of the household will have to demonstrate that they qualify through membership to a disability association and that they reside in the household of the account holder.
Examples of Disability Associations:
· Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits
· Canadian Hearing Society (CHS)
· Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
· Deaf Wireless Canada Committee ( DWCC)
· Easter Seals Canada
· March of Dimes
· Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Please note that these are examples only and the customer you speak to may have a different association that is not listed here.
How to Apply This Offer
The customer must send their name, ROGERS account number and proof (scanned document with picture) of membership to a disability association (including but not limited to: Charities, Non-Profit Groups and Government Agencies) to the Special Discounts team who will apply the discount. Customers can send documentation by email to RSDG@rci.rogers.com mailto:RSDG@rci.rogers.com <mailto:RSDG@rci.rogers.com>.



Access 2 Card

The Access 2 Card Is For People Of All Ages And Types Of Permanent Disabilities Who Require The Assistance Of A Support Person At Hundreds Of Participating Entertainment, Cultural And Recreational Venues Across Canada. A Support Person Is An Adult Who Accompanies A Person With A Permanent Disability To Assist With Services That Are Not Provided By The Employees At The Participating Venue, Such As Assistance With Eating, Administering Medication, Communication And Use Of The Facilities. The Access 2 Card Costs Only $20 For 3-Years, Or $30 For 5-Years And Will Be Valid At All Participating Venues During That Time.
This program is fantastic for providing free admission to common attractions.   check out what is on the list but also never be afraid to ask for disability discounts even at places not listed!
Https://Access2card.Ca/


6) Other supports and services


Other government services and supports

Your child or youth with autism may be eligible for other government programs for children with special needs, such as:

Supports in schools

Your child may be eligible for school-based supports for students with autism.

Learn about supports for students who are entering or attending a school in the publicly funded system.