OAP Publicly Funded Programs and Services
Once your child is registered for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) there are a number of publicly funded services available to support you and your child.
OAP Publicly Funded Programs
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Caregiver Mediated Early Years Programs
Most children who are 12 to 48 months old and registered in the Ontario Autism Program are eligible to receive caregiver-mediated early years programs.
Maltby Centre – Project Impact
Project ImPACT is a highly regarded program that helps parents of young children with autism or social communication delays. It teaches practical strategies for parents to support their child’s social, communication, and play skills during everyday routines.
Project ImPACT – Maltby Centre
Kids Inclusive, Hotel Dieu Hospital – Social ABCS
Social ABCs is based on a combination of developmental and behavioural principles and focuses on improving a toddler’s use of vocalizations to communicate and share positive emotions with others. Opportunities for teaching and learning come from your child’s natural interests during playtime and day-to-day caregiving routines
ACT Learning Centre – The PLAY Project
The PLAY Project is an evidence-based, playful, practical, caregiver-implemented program that supports the development of social interaction, communication, play, and pre-academic skills in children on the autism spectrum.
A Caregiver Mediated Intervention for Young Children with Autism | The PLAY Project
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Entry to School Program
The entry to school program helps children develop school-readiness skills and provides transition supports as they enter kindergarten or Grade 1 for the first time.
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Urgent Response Service (URS)
URS is a time limited rapid service response for children and youth with Autism. The service is intended to address a specific behaviour need with a focus on preventing further escalation of risk of harm to self, others, and/or property. Eligible families can receive up to 12 weeks of services and support which are specifically designed to address a behavior of concern. Service through the URS may include:
- Short-term interdisciplinary consultation to a child/youth’s family and other professionals who may be working with the child and family including educator(s);
- Respite services;
- Direct support to the family and/or professionals involved to implement behavioral and therapy strategies with the child/youth using a mediator model approach; and
- Service Navigation
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School Support Programs
Connections for Students
Connections for Students (CFS) is a free service that helps students with autism who are leaving behavioural services and going/returning to full-time school. This program pairs your child with an Autism Spectrum Disorders Consultant who will work with your child’s therapy provider, your family, and your child’s school to support a successful transition.
Connections for Targeted Transition Support
The Connections Targeted Transition Support model is based on the more intensive Connections For Students for autistic children and youth, though designed to allow more flexible forms of service to be provided to a wider range of children and youth. The brief, targeted supports are available to any child or youth with an OAP number who is not currently involved in a full Connections For Students program. In comparison, this program has a shorter timeline and a more specific focus than the Connections For Students program, and referrals can only be made by the school board staff.
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School Based Rehabilitation Services
School-Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) consists of the delivery of Speech- Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy for children and youth in publicly-funded schools to support children’s functioning and development so they can participate more fully at school, at home and in their communities. In Kingston, SBRS is provided by Kids Inclusive. Anyone, including parents or guardians, teachers, physicians or other health care professionals may refer to School Based Rehabilitation Services. However, as this is a school-based service, families, physicians who may have concerns are encouraged to collaborate with the child’s school team to complete the referral form on their website.
Publicly Funded Services
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Speech and Language Pathology
KidsInclusive – Early Expressions Preschool Speech and Language Program
The Early Expressions Program provides services to children from birth until they start school. If you, your family doctor, and or childcare provider have concerns about your child’s speech and/or language skills, you may decide to make a referral to Early Expressions Preschool Speech and Language Program.
KidsInclusive – Early Expressions Preschool Speech and Language Program
KidsInclusive – Augmentative Communication Services
Augmentative Communication Services (ACS) provides services for children and youth aged 0-19 years old whose communication, either written or verbal, is not meeting their daily needs at home. We help provide specialized equipment to those who are in need of augmentative and alternative methods of communication (AAC).
KidsInclusive – Augmentative Communication Services
Kaymar Rehabilitation Services
Kaymar’s speech language pathologists treat children and adults experiencing speech, language and voice disorders, swallowing difficulties, or who need access to alternative forms of communications.
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Occupational Therapy
KidsInclusive – Community Based Rehabilitation Services
Clinicians in Community Based Rehab Services work with the child, family, other team members, and community partners to help to address movement, independence, and participation of your child in carrying out everyday activities. Social workers provide a range of intervention and support services directed toward supporting the child, youth and family with the impact of disability. These services include:- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Social Work
KidsInclusive – Community Based Rehabilitation Services
Kaymar Rehabilitation Services
Our occupational therapists develop a program to help you achieve realistic goals for increasing independence in daily living activities. We take the time to work with you to answer the many questions you have so that your individual needs are addressed. -
Psychotherapy/Mental Health Support
Maltby Centre (Child & Youth Mental Health)
At Maltby Centre, children and youth experiencing mental health concerns have quick access to services, free of charge. Read about our Mental Health programs below, and when you are ready, learn how you can connect with us to start your Maltby journey.
Maltby Centre Mental Health Services
Hospital / Community Mental Health (KHSC & Regional Clinics)
For mental-health concerns co-occurring with autism (anxiety, mood, etc.), contact Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) child/youth mental health or local community mental-health providers. Ask your pediatrician or KidsInclusive for referral guidance.