Is ABA Therapy Free in Ontario? What Parents Need to Know
Compassionate, Clear Guidance on ABA Therapy Funding Options for Ontario Families
Many parents across Ontario ask the same important question:
“Is ABA therapy free in Ontario?”
The short answer is no—ABA therapy is not completely free, but significant government funding and financial support options are available that can greatly reduce or even fully cover the cost for eligible families.
In this guide, Advance Therapy explains how ABA therapy is funded in Ontario, what programs are available, and how families can access the support their child needs.
Is ABA Therapy Free in Ontario?
ABA therapy in Ontario is not universally free, but it can be funded through government programs, primarily the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
Instead of providing therapy directly, the government offers funding to families, allowing them to choose approved ABA therapy providers.
This means families have flexibility and choice, but they must apply for and manage funding.
How Is ABA Therapy Funded in Ontario?
Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
The Ontario Autism Program is the primary funding source for ABA therapy in Ontario.
Through OAP, eligible families may receive funding to support:
Behavioral assessments
Skill development programs
Funding amounts depend on:
The child’s age
Family income
Individual needs
Is ABA Therapy Covered 100% by the Government?
In some cases, yes, but not always.
ABA Therapy May Be Fully Covered If:
Your child qualifies for OAP funding
Approved services stay within the allocated budget
Therapy hours match the funding amount
Partial Coverage May Apply If:
Therapy intensity exceeds funding limits
Families choose private services beyond OAP support
Many families combine OAP funding with private ABA therapy to ensure consistent care without long wait times.
What About Free ABA Therapy Services?
There are very limited situations where ABA therapy may be provided at no cost, such as:
School-based ABA supports
Publicly funded early intervention programs
Short-term community programs
However, these services often:
Have long waitlists
Provide limited hours
Do not offer individualized therapy plans
For comprehensive, personalized ABA therapy, most families rely on OAP funding or private services.
Who Is Eligible for ABA Therapy Funding in Ontario?
Your child may qualify if:
They have a formal autism diagnosis
They are registered with the Ontario Autism Program
Required documentation has been submitted
There is no age restriction for OAP registration, although funding structures vary by age group.
How Advance Academy Helps Families Access ABA Funding
At Advance Academy, we support families throughout the funding journey by helping with:
Understanding OAP eligibility
Choosing appropriate ABA therapy services
Maximizing therapy within available funding
Creating flexible, goal-focused treatment plans
Our team works closely with parents to ensure children receive consistent, evidence-based care—without unnecessary delays.
Benefits of Funded ABA Therapy
Families using funded ABA therapy often see:
Improved communication skills
Reduced challenging behaviors
Better emotional regulation
Increased independence
Stronger family routines and structure
Early and consistent intervention leads to better long-term outcomes.
Get Support With ABA Therapy Funding in Ontario
Navigating funding can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.
Advance Academy helps Ontario families understand their funding options and access high-quality ABA therapy services tailored to their child’s needs.
Contact us today to learn how ABA therapy funding can work for your family.