You Finally Have OAP Funding: What Parents Need to Know After the Wait

For many Ontario families, receiving the call about Ontario Autism Program funding marks a long-awaited turning point. It often comes after years of learning, advocating, and doing the very best you can with the support available at the time. When the call finally arrives, it can feel like a mix of relief, validation, and cautious optimism.

With that moment comes a new set of questions: Now what? Where do I start? How do I make sure this funding truly supports my child and our family?

At elemenoe, we work with families at this exact moment every single week. We see the mix of excitement and overwhelm. We hear the questions. And we want you to know that you don't have to navigate this alone.

The Reality of Finally Getting Funding

When families first connect with us after receiving Core Clinical Services approval, we often hear similar stories:

"My child is so much older now than when we applied. I want to get started right away but want to make the right decisions."

"How do I manage a yearly budget for my child’s therapy?"

These feelings are completely valid. The wait is long, your child has changed, and the pressure to "get it right" can feel enormous. But here's what we want you to remember: this funding is a tool to support your child's growth, and you have more control over how it's used than you might think.

What You Need to Know Right Now

1. You Get to Choose Your Provider

One of the most empowering parts of Core Clinical Services funding is that you, as the parent, get to select the provider that feels right for your family. You're not assigned to anyone. You're not locked into a single approach.

This means you can look for a team that aligns with your values, respects your child's unique way of being, and offers the collaborative, neuro-affirming care you've been hoping for.

At elemenoe, we believe therapy should feel joyful, individualized, and rooted in respect for your child's autonomy. When you're interviewing providers, ask questions. Trust your instincts. This is your child's care, and you deserve a team that listens.

2. Funding Doesn't Mean You Have to Rush

After waiting for years, it's natural to feel like you need to start services immediately. But taking a breath to find the right fit is not wasting time; it's investing in the right foundation.

We encourage families to:

• Schedule consultations with a few providers to get a sense of their approach

• Ask about their philosophy, team collaboration, and how they involve families in goal-setting

• Consider what your child actually needs right now, not what you thought they'd need years ago when you first applied

Your child has grown. Their needs may have shifted. A thoughtful start will serve you better than a rushed one.

3. Interdisciplinary Care Makes a Difference

Many families come to us initially seeking speech therapy, only to discover that their child would benefit most from a combination of services: speech-language pathology, applied behaviour analysis, and sometimes psychotherapy.

Because we work as an interdisciplinary team, our clinicians collaborate regularly. Your child's speech-language pathologist and behaviour analyst aren't working in silos; they're sharing observations, aligning goals, and building on each other's work.

This kind of integration means your child gets cohesive, consistent support, and your funding is used strategically across the areas where they need it most.

4. Neuro-Affirming Care Is Not a Buzzword

You may have heard the term "neuro-affirming" and wondered what it actually means in practice. Here's how we think about it:

Neuro-affirming care means we're not trying to make your child act "less autistic." We're helping them build skills for communication, connection, and self-advocacy in ways that respect who they are.

We honour all forms of communication, whether that's spoken words, gestures, or AAC devices. We support sensory regulation instead of suppressing it. We use play, curiosity, and your child's interests as pathways for learning..

5. You're Part of the Team

Therapy doesn't just happen in our clinic. The most meaningful progress happens when families feel informed, involved, and empowered to support their child's growth at home.

We'll work with you to understand your goals, share strategies that fit into your daily routines, and keep you updated on your child's progress. You know your child best, and that knowledge is essential to building a care plan that actually works.

Common Questions We Hear

"How long will services take?"It depends on your child's needs and goals. Some families work with us for a year, others for several years. We'll reassess regularly and adjust as your child grows.

"What if my child doesn't like therapy?"Therapy should feel engaging, not stressful. If your child is resistant, we'll work together to figure out why and adjust our approach. Play-based, child-led sessions often make all the difference.

"Can I switch providers if it's not working?"Yes. You're not locked in. If a provider isn't the right fit, you have every right to explore other options.

"What happens when the funding runs out?"We'll help you plan ahead and prioritize goals so that the time you have with us is used strategically. We'll also connect you with community resources and other supports that can continue after OAP services end.

You've Waited Long Enough

The wait to access Core Clinical funding is long, often frustratingly so. But now that you're here, you have the opportunity to build a care team that truly supports your child's growth in ways that honour who they are.

You don't have to have all the answers today. You don't have to know exactly what your child needs or how to navigate every step of this process. That's what we're here for.

At elemenoe, we've walked alongside hundreds of families at this exact stage. We know the questions, the hopes, and the fears. And we're here to support you with clarity, collaboration, and care that centres your child's strengths.

If you're ready to explore what collaborative, neuro-affirming autism therapy could look like for your family in Burlington or Waterloo, we'd love to connect. Reach out to us at info@elemenoe.ca or schedule a free consultation.

Because after five years of waiting, you and your child deserve support that feels right.

OAP Parent Guide

Looking for more guidance? Download our full Parent Guide to the Ontario Autism Program for step-by-step information on navigating funding, choosing providers, and building your child's care team.