The provincial government released the Autism Advisory Panel’s report on October 30, 2019.

Today, Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, issued a statement after receiving the Autism Advisory Panel's report on recommendations for a new needs-based and sustainable Ontario Autism Program (OAP). The panel's recommendations are currently under review and the Ministry will use it to inform the new OAP. Implementation of the new OAP is planned for April 2020.

The 20-member panel was made up of parents with lived experience, autistic adults, educators and other experts from a range of disciplines including psychology, behaviour analysis, rehabilitation services, developmental pediatrics and research. The panel was tasked to provide recommendations on the design of a needs-based, sustainable OAP within the increased $600 million funding envelope.

We appreciate that changes to the OAP have a significant impact on many of the children, youth and families Children’s Treatment Network and our network partners work with. We encourage clients and families to stay updated on what is happening via the Ministry’s website and speak with their service providers. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.

For information on community supports and services, please connect with CTN via our ACCESS team at 1-866-377-0286.