Waiting for OAP Core Clinical Funding? Here’s What You Can Do in the Meantime

If your child is registered in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and you’re still waiting for an invitation to access core clinical funding, please know this first:

You are not alone.And you are not doing anything wrong.

At The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services, we speak with families every week who are navigating the uncertainty of the OAP waitlist. The waiting can feel heavy - especially when you know early and consistent intervention matters. While we cannot control timelines, we can help you understand your options and feel empowered in the meantime. Let’s walk through what you can access now.

Make Sure Your AccessOAP Account Is Active

All communication regarding OAP invitations and services comes through AccessOAP.

If you have not yet:

• Created your AccessOAP account

• Confirmed your registration

• Updated your contact information

We strongly encourage you to do so. Even small administrative gaps can delay communication.

If you are unsure about your status, reach out directly to AccessOAP for clarification and documentation of your registration date.

Access Foundational Family Services (FFS)

Even without core clinical funding, families registered in OAP can access Foundational Family Services at no cost.

These may include:

• Parent coaching sessions

• Workshops and webinars

• Group-based supports

• Resource navigation

While these services do not replace individualized therapy hours, they can provide meaningful guidance, behaviour strategies, and skill-building tools for caregivers.

At The Nest, we often remind families: parent empowerment is powerful intervention.

Explore Entry to School & Caregiver-Mediated Programs

If your child is:

• Entering JK/SK/Grade 1

• In early childhood years

There may be caregiver-mediated early years programs or Entry to School supports available through OAP pathways.

These are structured supports designed to help with:

• Transition planning

• Foundational communication

• School readiness skills

• Behavioural regulation

If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, it is worth asking.

Consider Private or Sliding-Scale Services (If Feasible)

We understand this is not accessible for every family. However, some families choose to:

• Access private ABA services short-term

• Participate in focused goal-based programs

• Join group social skills programming

• Utilize consultation-only models

At The Nest, we often help families design focused, efficient programming that prioritizes:

• Functional communication

• Emotional regulation

• Daily living skills

• Parent coaching to maximize carryover

Even limited, strategic support can help maintain progress while waiting.

Urgent Response Services (If Needed)

If your child is experiencing:

• Escalating behaviours

• Safety risks

• Significant emotional or behavioural distress

You may qualify for Urgent Response Services through the OAP. This is designed for immediate, short-term stabilization support and is separate from core clinical funding.

If safety is a concern, please do not wait silently.

Advocate - Your Voice Matters

Many families feel powerless in the waiting process. Advocacy can feel intimidating, but it is impactful.

Consider:

• Staying informed about policy updates

• Connecting with local autism parent networks

• Reaching out to your local MPP

• Documenting your child’s needs and service gaps

Advocacy is not complaining - it is protecting access for your child and others.

A Gentle Reminder

Waiting for funding does not mean waiting to support your child.

Small, consistent changes at home matter:

• Building communication opportunities into daily routines

• Teaching independence during dressing, meals, and play

• Practicing turn-taking and emotional language

• Reinforcing effort and resilience

Progress does not only happen in therapy.

How The Nest Can Support You

If you are a York Region family waiting for OAP core clinical funding, we are here to help you think strategically about next steps.

We offer:

• Individualized ABA programming

• Parent coaching and goal planning

• Functional skill development

• Transition planning

• School collaboration

We believe in compassionate, evidence-based care that meets families where they are - especially during seasons of uncertainty. If you would like to discuss options or build a short-term plan while waiting, we welcome you to connect with our team.