Keep Autism Funding Strong Through Age 18

Navigating the world as a parent of an autistic child is a journey filled with hope, challenges and resilience. I know firsthand how important appropriate autism therapy and support are to a child's development.

But I am deeply concerned about the current Ontario Autism Program funding structure as our children grow into adolescence.

Turning 11, 12, 13 or 14 does not mean an autistic child needs less support. In fact, the teenage years can bring new and more complex challenges.

During adolescence, our children are working on communication, emotional regulation, social skills, independence, daily living skills and preparing for adulthood. This is a critical period when continued therapy and intervention can make a lasting difference.

Under the current OAP core clinical funding structure, the maximum annual allocation for children with extensive support needs is currently $41,400 for ages 10–14, but decreases to $31,900 for ages 15–17.

Why should funding decrease simply because our children are getting older?

Autism is lifelong. Support needs can change as children develop, and Ontario itself recognizes this by reassessing children's needs annually through the Determination of Needs process.

We are asking the Government of Ontario to:

• Maintain maximum appropriate autism funding through age 18.

• Ensure that age alone does not result in reduced access to necessary support.

• Recognize adolescence as a critical developmental period for autistic youth.

• Protect continuity of effective therapies and interventions.

• Strengthen support for the transition from childhood into adulthood.

We are not asking for unlimited funding regardless of need.

We are asking for funding that follows the child's—needs not simply their birthday.

Our children deserve the opportunity to build communication, independence, social, emotional and life skills throughout their teenage years.

Autism doesn't end at 11.
Support shouldn't either.

Please sign this petition and share it with other Ontario parents, caregivers, families and advocates.

Let's ask Ontario to invest in our children's teenage years and give them the strongest possible foundation for adulthood.