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As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, you’re constantly balancing support, therapy, and everyday life. Whether you’re wondering how to Access OAP, looking for the right daycare for children with autism, or exploring child-centered play therapy, this guide is for you.

We’ll walk you through:

• What child-centered play therapy is and why it works for autistic children
• How to register for OAP funding and use it effectively
• How to find inclusive daycares and early learning environments
• What to expect from therapy and developmental programs
• Tips for combining therapy with your daily family life

Let’s dive in.

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Section 1: What Is Child-Centered Play Therapy?

A Gentle, Effective Way to Support Autistic Children

If you’ve ever noticed your child expressing big emotions through play, you’re already familiar with one of the most powerful tools for childhood development—play therapy.

Child-centered play therapy is a relationship-based approach that helps children process emotions, build communication skills, and develop problem-solving strategies through guided, meaningful play.

Unlike more directive therapies, child-centered play therapy puts the child in the lead. The therapist creates a safe, supportive environment where children can:

• Express feelings they can’t yet verbalize
• Explore social scenarios and relationships
• Build emotional resilience and confidence
• Develop flexibility and creativity

🌟 This therapy is ideal for children with autism because it honors neurodiversity and lets your child engage at their own pace, in their own way.

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Section 2: What Happens During a Session?

A Safe Space for Connection and Discovery

In a typical child-centered play therapy session:

• Your child chooses toys, games, or art materials from a carefully curated selection.
• The therapist observes and joins the play, reflecting feelings, offering emotional language, and building trust.
• The child explores real-world themes—like friendship, frustration, or fear—through symbolic play.
• The therapist gently helps the child navigate difficult emotions or interpersonal challenges, without judgment or pressure.

This approach is non-directive, meaning the child leads, and the therapist follows. There are no “wrong” ways to play—only opportunities for healing and growth.

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Section 3: Why Child-Centered Play Therapy Works for Autistic Kids

Many autistic children struggle with:

• Sensory processing
• Emotional regulation
• Social interaction
• Language and communication

Child-centered play therapy doesn’t try to “correct” these challenges. Instead, it builds on your child’s strengths and gives them tools to better understand and manage their inner world.

At Tikvah Family Services in Oakville, we often combine child-centered play therapy with other supports like:

• DIR/Floortime
• Occupational therapy
• Parent coaching
• Speech-language support

This allows for a fully personalized, holistic experience that prioritizes your child’s emotional safety and developmental needs.

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Section 4: Accessing the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

What Is OAP and How Can It Help?

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is the main provincial funding source for therapy and services for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Parents often search terms like:

• “Access OAP”
• “OAP funding”
• “How do I register for OAP?”

Let’s answer all of those questions right now.

How to Access OAP in 5 Simple Steps

1. Get a Diagnosis Your child must have a formal autism diagnosis from a qualified professional (e.g., psychologist, pediatrician, or psychiatrist).
2. Register with AccessOAP Go to AccessOAP.ca, create an account, and register your child. This is your gateway to all services.
3. Upload Documentation You’ll need to provide:
   • Diagnostic report
   • Proof of residency in Ontario
   • Child’s OHIP number
4. Receive OAP Registration Number This number allows you to begin receiving services and/or interim funding.
5. Choose Your Services Based on your child’s age and needs, you’ll be eligible for:
   • Interim one-time funding
   • Core clinical services
   • Family support
   • Urgent response services
   • School readiness programs

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Section 5: OAP Funding Amounts and How to Use Them

As of now, OAP funding is divided into several categories, including interim one-time funding and core clinical services.

OAP Interim One-Time Funding (By Age)

Age Group	Funding Amount
0–5 years old	Up to $20,000/year
6–17 years old	Up to $5,000/year

Core Clinical Services

Families will soon be transitioned to a needs-based funding model where the amount is based on an individualized care plan created through AccessOAP.

This funding can be used for:

• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Child-centered play therapy
• Social communication groups
• Mental health support
• Parent coaching

💡 Tip: OAP funding can be used for child-centered play therapy, as long as the therapist is registered with a professional college (e.g., CRPO or CPO).

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Section 6: Choosing the Right Therapy Provider

When choosing where to use your OAP funding, look for a provider who:

• Offers child-centered, neurodiversity-affirming therapy
• Is experienced with autism and co-occurring conditions (like ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing issues)
• Provides transparent billing and OAP-approved receipts
• Involves parents in the therapy process

At Tikvah Family Services, we meet all these criteria—and we’ll even help you Access OAP and maximize your funding.

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Section 7: Daycare for Children with Autism

Finding an Inclusive Early Learning Environment

One of the hardest searches for parents is “daycare for children with autism.” Mainstream daycares often aren’t equipped to support neurodiverse kids, and specialized options can be hard to find or have long waitlists.

So what should you look for?

Key Features of Autism-Friendly Daycare

1. Staff Trained in ASD Support Early childhood educators should have experience in:
   • Emotional regulation strategies
   • Communication support (PECS, visuals, AAC)
   • Sensory-friendly environments
2. Small Group Sizes Low child-to-caregiver ratios allow for more individualized attention.
3. Therapeutic Add-Ons Some daycares (like ours!) offer built-in therapy support, such as:
   • Speech sessions
   • Occupational therapy
   • Play therapy
4. Parent Collaboration Look for open communication, daily updates, and parent-involved planning.
5. Safe, Predictable Routines Predictability and structure reduce anxiety and meltdowns.

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Section 8: What We Offer at Tikvah Family Services

We provide a play-based daycare alternative and preschool readiness program for children aged 3–6 with autism or related needs.

Our Programs Include:

• Child-centered play therapy
• DIR/Floortime sessions
• Social communication groups
• Sensory exploration stations
• Parent coaching and home strategies

We also work with your child’s OAP funding, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Section 9: Sample Weekly Schedule (Preschool Play Therapy Program)

Time	Activity
9:00 AM	Arrival & Visual Schedule Review
9:30 AM	Guided Play Therapy
10:30 AM	Snack & Social Skills Circle
11:00 AM	Movement & Sensory Play
12:00 PM	Storytime & Transitions

This schedule allows time for connection, exploration, and emotional regulation—key foundations for development.

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Section 10: Real Parent Stories

“We struggled for months trying to find a daycare that wouldn’t treat my son like a problem to fix. Tikvah was the first place that saw him as a whole person. With play therapy and their gentle support, he started making eye contact, using more words, and even made a friend!”
— Sandra M., Oakville

“I was so lost when I first heard about OAP. Tikvah helped me register, explained the funding options, and made it easy to get started. Now we get weekly play therapy, OT, and speech—right here in town.”
— Jay P., Burlington

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Section 11: FAQs from Parents Like You

Q: Can I use OAP funding for daycare?

A: Not directly. However, OAP can be used for therapy delivered during daycare hours, such as play therapy, speech, or OT, if it’s with a qualified provider.

Q: What’s the difference between ABA and play therapy?

A: ABA is behavior-focused and goal-directed, while child-centered play therapy is emotion-focused and child-led. Both are funded by OAP, but many families prefer play therapy for its gentle, respectful approach.

Q: How long does it take to get Access OAP approval?

A: It varies, but most families hear back within 4–8 weeks after registration. You can access interim funding while waiting for your full care plan.

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Final Thoughts: You Deserve Support That Feels Right

You know your child best. Whether you’re exploring child-centered play therapy, trying to understand OAP funding, or looking for a welcoming daycare for children with autism, your instincts matter—and support is available.

At Tikvah Family Services in Oakville, we offer:

• Child-led, emotionally supportive therapies
• Parent guidance and education
• Help with OAP funding and registration
• Day programs and preschool readiness options

If you’re ready for therapy and care that honors your child’s strengths, let’s talk.

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💬 Ready to Connect?

📍 Tikvah Family Services – Oakville
🧩 Play-Based Autism Therapy | 🗂️ OAP Support | 👶 Day Programs
📞 Call us: [Insert Number]
📧 Email: [Insert Email]
🌐 Website: [Insert URL]

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