Government Launches OAP Programs

The Ontario Autism Program has launched its Entry to School Program (beginning March 2022) to support children entering kindergarten or grade 1 for the first time and has awarded grants to service providers to hire and train new clinical staff so they can support more families. This will include a 6-month program focused on developing school-readiness skills in communication, play, social interactions, behavioural self-management and learning and attention.

The Independent Intake Organization (IIO) has been announced and includes a consortium of Accerta Services Inc., McMaster University, Autism Ontario, and HealthCare 365. As the name suggests, this group will be responsible for the intake of children/youth and their families into the OAP and will help them navigate and access services. The IIO is scheduled to start supporting families in spring 2022 and will play a key role in providing families with funding to purchase core clinical services (including OT) for their children and youth.

Read more about these new initiatives.

Implications for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists interested in working with children/youth with autism should familiarize themselves with the new Ontario Autism Program. OTs working in organizations offering the Entry to School Program should explore how OT can support this programming. 

Find out more how occupational therapists can join the OAP Provider List. OTs can Now Register for Ontario Autism Program Provider List - (osot.on.ca).