OAP Funding & Resources
Ontario Autism Program Approved Provider - Speech Associates
What is the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)?
Per the official definition from Ontario.ca, “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.”
Service Streams
For parents curious as to how they are able to access, or become eligible for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), here are the service streams available.
Foundational Family Services - Families who are registered in the OAP can access Foundational Family Services at any point based on their child’s needs, at no cost. Foundational Family Services aim to build a family’s capacity to support their child’s learning and development and are offered in a variety of formats including virtual, self-directed, in-person or group-based sessions that are tailored to different family, cultural and regional needs.
Caregiver-mediated Early Years - Caregiver-mediated Early Years programs support eligible families with children between 12-48 months of age by helping young children learn new skills and meet individualized goals in the areas of social communication and play; and
Providing parents or caregivers with therapeutic strategies from professionals to support their child’s development.
Entry to School - The Entry to School program is available to young children between three to six years of age prior to starting kindergarten or grade one for the first time.
Urgent Response Service - The Urgent Response Service is available to eligible children and youth registered in the OAP who have an immediate and urgent need.
These time-limited services will provide a rapid response to a specific, identified need to prevent further escalation or risk of harm to the child or youth, other people or property.
Core Clinical Services - Core Clinical Services are available to families based on the sequential order they registered with the OAP.
To learn more about what service streams are, how they apply to you, or for more information about our OAP approved services, reach out to us, or visit the Ontario Government’s Ontario Autism Program official informational page.
What are Core Clinical Services?
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provides various services and financial support to aid children with autism, and the families of children with autism. The Core Clinical Services are a crucial aspect of the OAP and offer essential interventions for children on the autism spectrum.
Core Clinical Services are evidence-based interventions that are designed to address the specific needs of children and youth with autism. These services focus on areas that are essential for the child's development and well-being. Core Clinical Services are provided by approved autism service providers and are meant to ensure that children receive appropriate interventions that help them achieve their potential and enhance their quality of life.
As an OAP approved provider, here's an overview of Core Clinical Services and what they mean for parents.
Evidence-Based: Core Clinical Services are grounded in research and evidence-based interventions.
Focused Areas: These services target crucial developmental areas, including communication, social skills, behavior, and adaptive skills.
Personalized: Interventions are tailored to each child's individual strengths, challenges, and developmental stage.
Collaborative: Providers work closely with parents to ensure interventions align with family priorities.
Progress Monitoring: Core Clinical Services involve setting measurable goals and tracking the child's progress over time.
Quality Assurance: Services adhere to established quality standards and best practices.
Approved Providers: Services are offered by approved autism service providers within the Ontario Autism Program.
Comprehensive Support: Core Clinical Services are part of a holistic approach to intervention, offering a well-rounded support system for children and youth with autism.
To learn more about Core Clinical Services, reach out to us, or visit the Ontario.ca page on the OAP’s Core Clinical Services