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What is Autism?
What is Autism?
Please note that people in the autism community have different preferences for how autism is described. Some prefer person-first language (for example, “children and youth with ASD”), while others prefer identity-first language (for example, “autistic children and youth”). On this site, we use both interchangeably.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person understands the world, communicates, and interacts with others. The core characteristics of ASD are differences in:
social communication such as challenges with back-and-forth conversation, understanding body language or facial expressions, making eye contact, or understanding social cues.
restricted or repetitive behaviours such as repeating certain movements, intense focus on specific interests, preferring things to stay the same and getting upset with changes, being more or less sensitive than others to sights, sounds, textures, or smells, or following routines very closely.
Every person with autism is unique. Autism affects people in different ways and to different degrees. Some need a lot of support, and others need very little. Autism isn’t caused by parenting, and it’s not something to be “fixed.” Autism exists in all cultures and backgrounds. It’s just a different way of experiencing the world.
In 2019, the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth found that 1 in 50 children and youth in Canada (2.0%), aged 1 to 17 years, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally:
Boys were diagnosed about four times more often than girls.
Just over half (53.7%) were diagnosed before turning five.
Over two-thirds (68.7%) had another condition. The most common were ADHD, learning disabilities, and anxiety disorders.
How can you help?
How can you help?
Create a Predictable and Structured Environment
Create a Predictable and Structured Environment
Autistic children do best in environments where expectations are clear, routines are consistent, and information is easy to understand. Using daily schedules, visual calendars, and other predictable routines can reduce anxiety, make transitions smoother, and allow students to focus more on learning. Providing structure through clearly stated rules, regular routines, and advance warnings before changes helps children feel secure and prepared. Visual supports such as picture schedules, graphic organizers, and colour coding give concrete reminders that aid in following instructions, staying organized, and remembering tasks, particularly for those who learn best through images. Breaking larger or complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and teaching each step with clear instructions, increases understanding and builds confidence.
Enhance Communication and Collaboration
Supporting effective communication for children with autism involves using clear, simple language paired with visual cues, gestures, or communication devices tailored to each child’s needs. These strategies make information easier to understand and help children engage fully, no matter how they prefer to communicate. Equally important is strong collaboration between parents and teachers. When both share successful strategies, such as routines, reward systems, and calming techniques, the child experiences consistent support across home and school environments. This teamwork fosters smoother transitions and creates a more cohesive approach to the child’s learning and development.
Support Sensory Needs
Autistic children often benefit from sensory breaks, which provide opportunities to manage overstimulation and recharge their energy. Whether through time spent in a calm, low-stimulation environment or by engaging in movement activities, these breaks help improve focus and reduce stress.
Foster Engagement and Inclusion Through Interests and Understanding
Incorporating a child’s special interests into lessons can greatly boost their engagement and make learning more meaningful. These passions can serve as examples, rewards, or themes for projects, helping students connect with the material in a personal way. At the same time, fostering peer understanding by modeling inclusion and empathy in the classroom promotes acceptance and respect among all students. Teachers can encourage cooperative activities, use inclusive language, and highlight each student’s unique strengths to build a positive, supportive classroom community where everyone feels valued.
What is the Ontario Autism Program?
What is the Ontario Autism Program?
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is provincially-funded and designed to support children and youth (up to age 18) diagnosed with ASD. It offers a range of services and supports customized to each individual's needs. Registration is done through AccessOAP , the program's intake system. You can also call 1-833-425-2445. Once a child is assessed and registered, families are placed on a waitlist for services. A provider or Family Service Worker will then work alongside the family to craft a personalized service plan.
To be eligible, a child must:
Be under 18 years old
Live in Ontario
Have a written ASD diagnosis from a qualified professional, including key details like name, birthdate, assessment date, and credentials.
There are different types of services offered including:
Foundational Family Services: Ongoing support and training to meet each family's needs through workshops, groups, and mentoring.
Core Clinical Services: Includes therapies such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, mental health counseling, and assistive technology. A list of people you can hire can be found here: OAP Provider's List.
Urgent Response Services: Short-term support (up to 12 weeks) to prevent crises and stabilize urgent situations.
Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Programs: Focused on skill development for children aged 12–48 months.
Entry to School (ETS) Program: A six-month, group-based transition program for children starting Kindergarten or Grade 1.
What type of funding is available?
What type of funding is available?
The following is a list of some common funding options:
For those less than 18 years of age:
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD): monthly funding for lower income families who are facing many costs to meet the needs of their child with a severe disability (income based)
Special Services at Home (SSAH): funding which can help with respite and services to enhance skill development (list of services you can get)
Disability Tax Credit: helps families offset the cost of supports by reducing the amount of tax owed every year (psychologist, psychological associate or doctor can complete it)
Child Care Subsidy: financial help with day care (income based)
Access2 Card: discounted admission for support person at movies/attractions
Jump Start: income-based grants for sports and physical activity
Autism Ontario’s funding for March break and summer camps
Adult funding (18 years and older):
Some individuals may qualify for adult supports through Developmental Services Ontario (416-925-0295). Apply once your child is 16 years old. A psychological assessment report is needed. Here is a video about how to apply.
Apply for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) funding six months before your child turns 18 years of age.
What other resources/services are available?
What other resources/services are available?
Connect with the following agencies for more information and support options:
Autism Ontario
Find out more about Autism:
Watch:
Listen:
Read/Learn:
Resources
Resources
ASD Information Guide
An accessible text-only version of this document can be found here:
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2022, February). Autism spectrum disorder: Highlights from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth. Government of Canada. Retrieved August 14, 2025, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder-canadian-health-survey-children-youth-2019.html
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