ONTARIO AUTISM PROGRAM (OAP): FUNDING + INFORMATION
As the Ontario Autism Program is constantly changing, navigating through the different options of funding can be daunting and confusing.
We can help guide you through the uncertainty that comes with changes in funding. Also, we work with you to make the most of your child’s funding.
WHO CAN GET THE ONTARIO AUTISM PROGRAM (OAP) FUNDING?
To access the OAP funding your child must:
- have a diagnosis of autism (given by a qualified professional)
- be under the age of 18 years old
- live in Ontario.
WE ARE MONITORING THE PROGRAM AS IT CONTINUES TO CHANGE. CURRENTLY, CHILDREN ARE ELIGIBLE FOR:
- Waitlist to receive funding
- OAP – behaviour plan (legacy)
- OAP – childhood budget (5K/20K, depending on your child’s age)
- OAP – interim one-time funding (5K/20K, depending on your child’s age)
- OAP – needs based (NEW) to be trialed in March 2021, click here to read about it
Funding options described in detail:
OAP - (LEGACY) Behaviour Plan
WHAT IT IS:
- Direct funding option.
- Funds are released to parents directly from the funding provider based on a budget provided by the child’s BCBA (the budget includes the treatment hours recommended for each clinical support service, i.e. one to one, family training, consultation with professionals, team meetings, planning and goal setting).
- Parents use this money to purchase behavioral services as outlined on the budget.
RENEWAL:
Every 6 months
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- The OAP behavior plan has been discontinued and will be replaced by a NEEDS BASED Ontario Autism Program.
- Families that a have an existing OAP behavior plan will have an extension with no gap in services until they transition into the new needs-based autism program.
- Families that do not have an existing OAP behavior plan are eligible to receive funding through the childhood budget or the interim one-time payment.
OAP - Childhood Budget
WHAT IT IS:
Direct funding option. Funds are released to parents directly from the treatment provider based on the child’s age as of April 1, 2019.
$20,000 for a child aged 1-5
$5,000 for a child aged 6-17
Parents use this money to purchase eligible services and supports, such as:
behavioral services: treatment, assessments and consultations
SLP, OT, PT
family and caregiver training
respite services
travel and technology aids
RENEWED.
Funds provided are intended to last 12 months. No renewal options available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
- To be eligible, families can’t be currently receiving services and support through the OAP behavior plan
- If you have received a childhood budget, you may be eligible to also receive the interim one-time funding (info below) once your current agreement expires and if you have not transitioned into core services in the new needs-based autism program.
OAP - Interim One Time Funding
WHAT IT IS:
Direct funding option. Funds are released to parents directly from the treatment provider based on the child’s age as of April 1, 2019.
$20,000 for a child aged 1-5
$5,000 for a child aged 6-17
Parents use this money to purchase eligible services and supports, such as:
behavioral services: treatment, assessments and consultations
SLP, OT, PT
family and caregiver training
respite services
travel and technology aids
RENEWED.
Funds provided are intended to last 12 months. No renewal options available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
-
To be eligible you can’t be currently receiving services and support through an OAP behavior plan or received an invitation to apply for childhood budget funding
-
You will receive an invitation letter for interim one-time funding if you are eligible.
OAP - (NEW) Needs Based Program
This funding option is being trialed by 600 families starting in March 2021. Click here to read about it
WHAT CAN BE PURCHASED WITH THE ONTARIO AUTISM PROGRAM FUNDING?
To a certain degree, it depends on the type of funding you receive, but OAP funding can be generally used purchase:
SERVICES. Autism related services (including direct therapy, family training, assessments, consultations), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Respite. Superminds offers all the aforementioned services.
MATERIAL & EQUIPMENT. Anything that would benefits your child’s learning, as approved by your child’s ABA team (i.e. your child’s clinical supervisor, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst). In addition, families are able to purchase a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet/iPad or a smartphone to help their child. The clinical team at Superminds has been advised to provide a letter of recommendation from a professional (BCBA, SLP, OT, etc.) to indicate the purchase is necessary for program goals.
AUTISM SERVICE PROVIDER LISTING
In an effort to help families, Autism Ontario is providing a hub for active Autism Service Providers. Superminds is on the Autism Service Providers list and our clinical team is on the approved OAP provider list.
Schedule a no-charge consultation
Let’s discuss what services are best for your child using your child’s Ontario Autism Program funding.
MENTORSHIP + SUPERVISION
Group, individual, or remote mentorship, training and supervision available for therapists looking to pursue their RBT®, BCaBA®, BCBA® certification.
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