Accessing Services and Supports in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

Getting Started and Creating an Account with AccessOAP

We are here to help you and your family understand the OAP. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact AccessOAP by calling 1-833-425-2445. Our care coordinators are available Monday to Friday, from 8:30 PM – 5:00 PM. Eastern Time.

If you believe your child is eligible for the OAP but is not yet registered, we encourage you to find out more about the requirements and apply through AccessOAP today.

Eligibility Requirements for the OAP

To access OAP services and supports, you must first create an account with AccessOAP. You can create an account by phone, mail, or online at AccessOAP.ca.

After creating your AccessOAP account, a pop-up will appear asking you to add a child. If the pop-up does not appear, you can add a child or youth by clicking ‘add a child’, which is located on the left-hand side of the family portal. If you need assistance, contact one of our care coordinators by phone, email, or by sending a message in the family portal message center.

• Email: info@AccessOAP.ca
• Phone: 1-833-425-2445
• Family Portal: accessoap.ca/

If you are transitioning your child or youth’s existing OAP record from the ministry to AccessOAP, you will need the information provided to you by the Government of Ontario to create an account with AccessOAP. If you didn’t receive your letter or email, please contact the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Central Resource Team: 

• Email: oap@ontario.ca
• Phone: 1-888-444-4530

If there are any problems with your application, a care coordinator will contact you using the communication method you chose when you completed the application.

Once you have successfully registered a child or youth to your AccessOAP account, you will be able to begin accessing OAP services and supports that you are eligible for. 

We are here to support you and your family to help you understand what services and supports are available to you through the OAP. You can connect with care coordinators through one of the many pathways available, including phone, email, and mail, as well as the AccessOAP family portal.

Depending on your child or youth’s eligibility, they may have access to the following OAP services and supports

Foundational family services

Available to any family, legal guardian or caregiver of a child or youth registered in the OAP. Eligible families can access these services free of charge and at any point based on their child or youth’s needs and strengths across all developmental stages.

Foundational family services aim to give you more tools to work with your child or youth and participate in their ongoing learning and development. Foundational family services may include family and peer mentoring, caregiver workshops and coaching sessions, brief targeted consultations, transition supports and family resource and clinic days.

How to access this program

Everyone registered in the OAP is eligible to receive foundational family services. Families can access foundational family services from any of the providers listed here. You can also choose to access services from multiple providers to meet your family’s needs, including virtual and in-person services, where available. There are no limits to the number of times you can register for these services. If you have questions about these services, you can speak with any of the service providers directly or contact an AccessOAP care coordinator for help.

More information on foundational family services.

Caregiver-mediated early years program

12 months – 48 months

Caregiver-mediated early years program supports families with young children ages 12 months to 48 months (4 years). The programs help young children learn new skills and meet individualized goals.

More information on caregiver-mediated early years program.

How to access this program

If your child is eligible for the caregiver-mediated early years program, AccessOAP will send you an invitation by email or mail to register. You need to receive an invitation before you can sign up for a caregiver-mediated early years program.

Once you receive an invitation, you can contact service providers to ask questions about the programs they offer and decide which program is the best for your child. When you choose the program that’s right for your child, you register directly with the service provider.

Entry to school program

3 years – 6 years

The entry to school program helps children develop school-readiness skills and provides transition supports as they enter kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time.

More Information on the entry to school program.

How to access this program

If your child is eligible for the entry to school program, AccessOAP will send you an invitation by email or mail to register for the program. Once you receive an invitation, you can contact the service provider listed in your invitation to ask questions about the program and to register.

You need to receive an invitation before you can register for the program. You must register with the service provider listed in your invitation.

Urgent response services

Urgent response services are available for eligible children and youth who are experiencing a specific, urgent need. Families can access supports to:

• help stabilize the situation
• prevent crisis
• reduce the risk of the child or youth harming themselves, others, and property

How to access this program

If you think you or your child may be eligible for OAP urgent response services, you can contact an AccessOAP care coordinator for assistance or the lead organization for urgent response services in your area to start the intake process and find out if your child or youth is eligible.

You may also be referred to OAP urgent response services by:

• a clinician delivering core clinical services
• other relevant professionals supporting you or your child

More Information on urgent response services.