Has your child been diagnosed with Autism?
If so, they are eligible for funding from the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). If you’re a parent seeking autism support services in Hamilton, Halton, Brant, Niagara, or Haldimand regions, our dedicated team and specialized programs are here to help your family navigate funding and make the most of the available resources. We have dedicated OAP Case Managers who can help your family create and administer a plan that includes all wraparound supports (groups, individual therapy, parent support, tech, material, and equipment recommendation letters).
Most eligible OAP categories are available under one roof at NowWhat with our interdisciplinary team of therapeutic professionals.
Understanding the Ontario Autism Program & Funding
The Ontario Autism Program is a lifeline for families affected by autism, offering financial support directly to families to cover a wide range of services and therapies. It’s designed to ensure that every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has access to the resources they need to thrive. However, it can be overwhelming to figure out:
- Where can I use my child’s OAP funds?
- What am I allowed to spend my child’s OAP dollars on?
- How do I track my child’s OAP expenses?
- How and when do I submit my expenses to OAP for approval?
We can help with all of this! We’ve got a whole team ready to support your family all the way from applying for the funds, to planning and delivering your wraparound services, to helping reconcile your receipts through your OAP Portal.
Common questions about OAP include:
1) Does Ontario have financial support for autism?
Absolutely! Ontario recognizes the importance of supporting families affected by autism. The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provides vital financial assistance to help children with autism access the services they need.
2) How much do you get for OAP Core Funding in Ontario?
The funding amount varies depending on the child’s age and specific needs. Funding is designed to be flexible, ensuring that children receive the appropriate level of support. Our team can help you understand how this funding works and maximize its benefits for your child. Your initial ‘Determination of Needs’ (DON) interview with an OAP Intake Coordinator is designed to determine your child’s level of funding annually, based on their needs. You can ask for a translator if English is not your first language and you are allowed to have a support person with you during the interview. The OAP Core Funding annual amounts are as follows (subject to change by the OAP program):
3) How does the Ontario Autism Program Core Funding Work?
Once your child has a diagnosis of Autism, you may apply to the OAP for Core Funding, and join the waitlist for the initial Determination of Needs (DON) interview that will determine your child’s level of funding.
If you have received Interim Funding in the past, you should have received a letter or email from the Government of Ontario to create a new account with AccessOAP and transition your child into the new core funding model (if you can’t find this letter or you haven’t received one yet, you can contact the Central Resource Team at the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services at oap@ontario.ca or 1-888-444-4530).
Once you are registered, you could be on the waitlist for anywhere from a few months to a couple of years – although they seem to be getting to families a little faster at this point now that most families have transitioned from the old funding model to the new one. You won’t hear from them until it’s time to schedule your first appointment with the OAP team.
When your child’s name does come up on the waitlist, someone from OAP will reach out to you to schedule a thorough assessment of your child’s needs called a Determination of Needs (DON) interview (virtual, approximately 4 hours) during which you will talk about all aspects of your child’s needs and development. This will help the funding team decide what level of funding your child requires.
After the DON, you should receive your funding agreement within a few weeks. Once you sign the agreement, funds can either be deposited directly into your bank account or you can opt to be reimbursed as you go. For larger amounts over $20,000, OAP will split it in half and give you 6 months to spend and reconcile the first half before you can receive the second installment.
Most families choose to take the funds in advance, as they may not be able to afford to carry the costs while waiting for reimbursement. We highly recommend opening a separate bank account for your autism funds that is ONLY accessed for eligible services, to avoid getting into financial distress.
4) What if we need support immediately and can’t wait for OAP Core Funding to come through?
If your child is on the waitlist but your family is in a crisis situation (at risk of violence, aggression, running away, sexualized behaviour) you may be able to get extra help sooner, through the OAP’s Urgent Response Services.
5) What support is available for people with autism?
At NowWhat, we offer a comprehensive range of support services for individuals with autism that can be covered under OAP Core Funding. When your funding arrives, we can sit down and create a customized wraparound Care Plan with your family, outlining the support and services your child will receive and ensuring it can be covered within the OAP’s eligibility guidelines. Our staff will guide you through this process, making it as smooth as possible. Our programs encompass everything from Developmental support, OT & SLP early intervention, mental health care, and social skills programs, to our full and half-day therapeutic day program, PowerUphat act as a supplement or alternative to school, in a highly supported, low-ratio therapeutic learning model. We focus on enhancing your child’s quality of life and helping them develop essential skills, as well as providing parent coaching and support. We can support your family all the way from planning effective services, assessing for equipment and technology needs & writing letters of recommendation, to reconciling your expenses in your OAP portal.
At NowWhat, all of our programs are OAP funding-eligible. As you navigate the website, look for references to OAP funding and ask our team for more information!
Local OAP Eligible Support Programs in Hamilton, Ontario
We understand that navigating the Ontario Autism Funding Program can be challenging. That’s why we’re proud to offer support right here in Ancaster, including some in-home support opportunities for families living within ~15kms of the clinic. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to helping your family access and optimize these vital funds.
Personalized Staff Support
Our dedicated staff members are well-versed in the intricacies of the Ontario Autism Funding Program. They will work closely with you to understand your child’s unique needs and create a tailored plan that maximizes the program’s benefits.
Specialized Programs for Families
We go beyond just helping you secure funding. Our customized OAP treatment plans are designed to put those funds to the most effective use for your family’s needs, taking into account your wider scheduling and logistics needs. From early intervention therapies including neuro-affirming developmental support, to skill-building programs including life skills, mental health care, motor skills, speech and communication, and developmental support, we offer a variety of resources to support your child’s development and enrich your whole family’s quality of life.
Why Choose NowWhat?
- Local Expertise: We are deeply rooted in Hamilton and neighbouring regions, and have a thorough understanding of the community’s needs and resources.
- Personalized Approach: At NowWhat, the clinic founders and many of our team members are parents to exceptional children ourselves, and we understand that every child’s needs are unique. Our personalized plans ensure that your child receives the specific support they require.
- Transparent Guidance: Navigating the Ontario Autism Funding Program can be complex. We offer transparent guidance and support throughout the entire process from application to submitting expenses for approval.
- Comprehensive Services: From speech therapy to social skills development, our programs cover a wide spectrum of services to cater to your child’s needs all in one building, with as little disruption to your family’s life as possible.
- Human Connection: You will always have a friendly, compassionate contact person who knows your family and can answer your questions and talk through challenges.
- Neurodivergence-Affirming Practice: It’s more than just a buzzword to us – it’s a commitment to always challenging the norms and growing in our values of joyful, meaningful support for minds of all kinds, without judgment or shame.
Get Started with OAP Today
Unlock the potential of the Ontario Autism Program with funding-eligible support services, readily accessible in Hamilton and surrounding regions. Together, we can help your child thrive and ensure that the funds available are put to great use for your family’s benefit.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation with our dedicated case management team. Let’s embrace the possibilities together!