Autism Resources

Below is a comprehensive resource kit provided courtesy of the Regent Park Community Health Centre. You can filter the list by the Categories (Transportation, Therapy, Funding, Recreation).

Category Program Name Description Eligibility How to Apply Website
Transportation Medical Transportation Allowance (OW) Provides money to cover costs of attending appointments. Receiving OW; transportation costs ≥ $15/month; costs not already covered. Get a doctor’s letter and submit it to your OW caseworker. Link
Transportation TTC Support Person Card Allows a support person to travel on TTC at no cost. Healthcare professional must certify condition requiring a support person. Submit application and take photo at Bathurst Station. Link
Transportation Wheel-Trans Accessible TTC transportation (buses, taxis, minivans). Child’s condition prevents TTC use; physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health conditions. Register online; healthcare provider signature required. Link
Transportation Easter Seals Disability Travel Card Reduced fare for support person on participating carriers. Permanent condition requiring support person; VIA Rail age restrictions apply. Submit application; healthcare professional completes Section C. Link
Transportation Accessible Parking Permit Allows parking in accessible parking spots. Eligible conditions: cannot walk, needs oxygen, poor vision, limited mobility. Complete form; healthcare practitioner completes Part B; bring to ServiceOntario. Link
Therapy Surrey Place Integrated autism supports for children and families. – Single access point for ASD services – Family‑centred, multidisciplinary programs – Includes assessments, therapy, and coaching Eligibility varies by program. – Intake visit required – Toronto-based services Call 1‑833‑575‑5437 for intake. – Or inquire online – View full program list Visit Site
Therapy Preschool Speech & Language Program Supports early communication and language development. – Helps with speech, interaction, and school readiness – Parent training and resources available Live in Toronto. – Preschool-aged child – Speech or language challenges Email childrens.registration@surreyplace.ca – Or call 416‑925‑5141 – Online inquiry form available Visit Site
Therapy Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Provincial program supporting children and youth with ASD. – Provides funding and service pathways – Includes multiple streams of support Must live in Ontario. – Under 18 – Written ASD diagnosis required Submit OAP registration form. – One form per child – Upload required documents Visit Site
Therapy Access OAP Central service connecting families to OAP supports. – Family portal to view services – Manages intake and registration Must be registered in OAP. – Same eligibility as OAP – One account per child Families receive instructions by email. – Create Access OAP account – View available services Visit Site
Therapy OAP Care Coordination Helps families navigate OAP services and funding. – Provides guidance and planning – Connects families to local supports Must be registered in OAP. – All OAP families eligible – Coordinators assigned via Access OAP Create Access OAP account. – Families contacted directly – Supports core clinical services Visit Site
Therapy Geneva Centre for Autism Wide range of clinical services for individuals with ASD. – Behaviour therapy, groups, parent coaching – Toronto-based service provider ASD diagnosis required. – Must live in Toronto (postal code starting with “M”) – Diagnosis must include required details Complete online intake form. – Phone support available – Programs listed online Visit Site
Therapy Centennial Infant and Child Centre Supports children with developmental delays or disabilities. – Early Intervention and Integrated Preschool programs – Serves ages 0–5 EI: delays in 2+ areas, no diagnosis required. – Preschool: ages 18 months–4 years EI: email completed form to lchiarotto@cicc.on.ca – Preschool: email jrobbins@cicc.ca – Program brochures available Visit Site
Therapy Child Development Institute Mental health and behavioural programs for children. – Individual, group, and school-based supports – Focus on social-emotional development Learning Disabilities & Mental Health: ages 8–18. – Must have LD with mental health concerns Apply online through CDI website. – Intake required – Program details available online Visit Site
Therapy Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital Specialized diagnostic and developmental services. – Interdisciplinary autism expertise – Supports complex developmental needs Must have recent ASD diagnosis. – Under 18 years, 6 months – Toronto or areas without local treatment centres Pediatrician referral required. – Referral form available online – Community referrals after diagnosis Visit Site
Therapy Strides Toronto Mental health and developmental services for children/youth. – Supports ages 0–29 – Crisis and intake support available Serves Scarborough and East York. – Some programs require referrals Call 416‑438‑3697 for intake. – Coordinator provides referrals – Program list available online Visit Site
Therapy Lumenus Broad range of mental health and developmental services. – Supports infants, children, youth, and families – Toronto-wide programs Eligibility varies by program. – Requirements listed online – Services across multiple locations Visit program pages online. – Submit inquiry forms – Follow program-specific steps Visit Site
Therapy Help Ahead Central phone line for child and youth mental health services. – Supports ages 0–18 and their families – Provides navigation and referrals Open to anyone seeking mental health support. – Toronto-based services – No diagnosis required Call 1‑866‑585‑6486. – Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–4pm – Website lists resources Visit Site
Funding DISABILITY TAX CREDIT Federal tax credit that reduces income tax for people with disabilities. Helps offset long-term disability-related costs. Required to access other supports like the RDSP. Must have a severe and prolonged impairment. Doctor must complete Form T2201. Child must be a Canadian resident. Submit Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201). Keep receipts for CRA review. Retroactive adjustments may be available. Visit Site
Funding MEDICAL EXPENSE TAX CREDIT Reduces income tax for families paying medical expenses out of pocket. Covers a wide range of eligible medical costs. Can be claimed for children or grandchildren. Must have paid eligible medical expenses not reimbursed by insurance. Applies to expenses for yourself, spouse, or dependents. Claim expenses on line 33199 of tax return. Keep receipts for CRA verification. Review CRA list of eligible expenses. Visit Site
Funding CITY OF TORONTO CHILDCARE FEE SUBSIDY Helps families pay for licensed childcare for children up to age 12. Subsidy amount depends on income. Supports parents who work, study, or have extra support needs. Must live in or be moving to Toronto. Parent must be working, in school, or have support needs. Families on OW or ODSP are eligible. Apply by phone or online. Provide NOA, ODSP/OW statements, and childcare program choices. Visit Site
Funding SPECIAL SERVICES AT HOME Provides funding for personal development and respite. Supports children with developmental or physical disabilities. Flexible funding based on family needs. Child must have a developmental or physical disability. Must live in Ontario. No income test required. Apply online or by paper. Submit to local MCCSS regional office. Renew annually if needed. Visit Site
Funding ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES Monthly financial support for families caring for a child with a severe disability. Helps cover extra disability-related costs. Funding ranges from $25 to $550 per month. Child must be under 18 and live at home. Eligibility based on income, family size, severity, and extraordinary costs. Apply online through ACSD portal. One application per child. Must submit within 90 days of starting. Visit Site
Funding EASTER SEALS INCONTINENCE SUPPLIES GRANT Annual grant (two payments) to help cover incontinence supplies. Supports children with chronic physical or developmental disabilities. Funded by the Ministry of Health. Must live in Ontario and be age 3–18. Must have chronic disability causing incontinence for 6+ months. Must have valid OHIP card. Apply online or email/fax completed forms. Physician or NP must complete Section 3. Visit Site
Funding JENNIFER ASHLEIGH CHILDREN’S CHARITY Provides financial support for medical treatments, therapies, and care costs. Helps families facing serious illness or disability-related expenses. Supports hospital, household, and specialized care needs. Child must have a serious illness or disability. Family income must be $65,000 or less. Must be Canadian Citizen or PR. Apply online, by email, or by mail. Submit medical and financial documentation. Visit Site
Funding JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE Ensures First Nations children receive needed health, social, and educational supports. Covers respite, equipment, therapy, and more. Available on- and off-reserve. Any First Nations child aged 0–18. Status card not required. Non-status children on-reserve may be eligible. Parents or guardians may apply. Call 1‑855‑JP‑CHILD for support. Forms available online. Visit Site
Funding SMILE CANADA SUPPORT SERVICES Supports racialized children and youth with disabilities. Focus on refugee and newcomer families. Offers respite, funding, and community programs. Child/youth must be 21 or under. Must demonstrate financial need. Open to all backgrounds and faiths. Download application and email to nida.khan@smilecanada.org. Review scholarship and funding details online. Visit Site
Recreation CANOO Mobile app offering free admission to Parks Canada sites for one year. Includes national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas. Designed for newcomers to explore cultural and natural attractions. Must be a newcomer to Canada within the last 5 years. Permanent Residents or new Citizens (within 12 months). Age 18+ to register. Download the Canoo app and create an account. Access full list of Parks Canada locations online. Visit Site
Recreation WELCOME POLICY Helps pay for City of Toronto recreation programs. Provides annual credit for camps, sports, and classes. Supports low‑income families and those on OW/ODSP/ACSD. Must live in Toronto and be 18+. Must meet income requirements or receive OW/ODSP/ACSD. Proof of ID, address, and income required. Complete the Welcome Policy application form. Submit by fax, mail, or in person at civic centres. Visit Site
Recreation ACCESS 2 CARD Card allowing a support person to accompany a child with a disability at participating venues across Canada at no cost. Accepted at museums, cinemas, attractions, and events. Any age with a permanent disability. Must require a support person for participation. Healthcare professional must sign the application. Download and complete the Access 2 application form. Submit online with required documentation. Visit Site
Recreation BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Mentorship programs pairing children with trained adult mentors. Offers 1‑1 and group mentoring to support social and emotional growth. Helps build confidence, connection, and life skills. Children ages 7–16 who may benefit from mentorship. Open to families across Toronto. Complete the online inquiry form. Find local agency locations and program details online. Visit Site
Recreation PEER PROJECT Mentorship program for youth, including newcomer youth. Supports social connection, leadership, and community engagement. Offers group and 1‑1 mentoring opportunities. Two eligibility groups: Canadian youth and newcomer youth. Open to children and teens seeking mentorship. Complete the appropriate online application form. Choose Canadian youth or newcomer youth form. Visit Site
Recreation EARLYON Free early learning and family programs for children up to age 6. Supports play‑based learning, social skills, and parent engagement. Drop‑in programs available across Toronto. Open to all families with children 0–6. No diagnosis or referral required. No application needed. Attend any EarlyON centre. Check local schedules and locations online. Visit Site