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The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) has faced widespread criticism in recent years, especially during the 2023–2024 period. Families across Ontario — including those in Vaughan and Oakville — continue to experience delays, limited access to funding, and administrative challenges that hinder timely care. As parents wait for help, community-based solutions like Autism Center for Kids are stepping up to fill critical gaps in services.

In this article, we’ll explore the key issues with the OAP, including problems with Access OAP, OAP funding, and autism diagnosis in Ontario, and how Autism Center for Kids is making a difference.

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Key Issues with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

1. Delays in Accessing Core Clinical Services

As of 2024, over 60,000 children remain on the OAP waitlist for Core Clinical Services such as ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language support. For many families, this means going months — even years — without support. According to Healthy Debate, the lack of timely access is putting immense strain on parents and caregivers, some of whom are being forced to seek private alternatives.

2. Insufficient OAP Funding

Despite receiving a one-time top-up of $120 million in 2023, the OAP’s total funding still falls far short of what’s needed. Open Council estimates that $1.35 billion annually would be required to fully support children on the spectrum across the province — almost double the current allocation.

Even more troubling, Newmarket Today reports that less than half of OAP’s current funding is actually going to clinical services. Instead, a large portion is spent on administration and short-term initiatives.

3. Access OAP: An Overburdened System

The new centralized system called Access OAP was launched with the goal of streamlining the application and intake process. However, families are reporting significant delays in funding decisions, often waiting months to hear back about their child’s eligibility or service plan. According to Orangeville Citizen, many parents feel they are “stuck in limbo.”

4. Long Waits for Autism Diagnosis in Ontario

Timely diagnosis is the gateway to support — but that gate is often locked. The backlog for autism assessments through publicly funded diagnostic hubs grew to over 6,000 children by the end of 2023, according to Orillia Matters. Many children age out of early intervention before even receiving a formal diagnosis.

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Autism Center for Kids: An Award-Winning Solution for Vaughan and Oakville Families

In the face of these challenges, Autism Center for Kids has become a trusted, award-winning destination for autism therapy, assessments, and special education support — even without direct OAP funding. With locations in Vaughan and Oakville, the center is filling the gap for families in urgent need of support.

Recognized Excellence

From 2018 to 2025, Autism Center for Kids has consistently been recognized as the Best Clinic and Best Day Program for Kids in Vaughan by multiple community and industry organizations. This recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to quality, compassion, and innovation in autism therapy.

Leadership and Global Expertise

The center is led by Amir Haimove, an internationally respected educator, clinician, and advocate for children with autism and special needs. Amir has:

• Won multiple Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Clinician and Best Autism Center
• Been invited to lecture at prestigious institutions like York University and Lakehead University
• Shared insights on global approaches to autism therapy and special education, drawing from his extensive experience in:
  • The USA
  • South Korea
  • Various countries in Europe and the Middle East

His work emphasizes the importance of culturally adaptive, evidence-based approaches to autism care — something he has incorporated into the center’s daily practice.

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Services That Make a Difference

Autism Center for Kids provides a broad range of services that support children at all stages of their autism journey:

• Unofficial Assessments
  For families still waiting for a formal diagnosis, the center offers developmental screenings and functional assessments to help identify needs and recommend interventions.
• Therapeutic Services
  The clinic offers a variety of autism therapy services, including play therapy, counseling, social skills training, and sensory integration — all personalized for each child’s profile.
• Parent & Family Support
  Helping families navigate AccessOAP, apply for funding, and access community resources, while also offering workshops and guidance.
• Flexible Programs
  Designed to work around school schedules, funding limitations, and family life.

Whether you’re looking for support while navigating Access OAP, in between OAP funding, or facing delays in autism diagnosis in Ontario, Autism Center for Kids offers families immediate, compassionate, and expert care.

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Final Thoughts

While the Ontario Autism Program continues to evolve, many families feel caught in a system that isn’t meeting their needs. The issues with OAP access, long wait times, and underfunding leave thousands of children without essential care.

In this landscape, Autism Center for Kids stands out as a beacon of hope. With award-winning service, a globally informed approach, and a commitment to every child’s unique needs, the center is more than a stopgap — it’s a trusted partner in your child’s development.

If you’re in Vaughan or Oakville and looking for immediate, high-quality autism therapy or assessment services, consider reaching out to Autism Center for Kids today.

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