# Waiting for an autism assessment in Canada? What you can do now

> While you wait for an autism assessment in Canada, you can start helping your child right away, because much of the help does not need a diagnosis. Use visual supports and simple communication strategies at home, and keep notes of what you see. Contact services that take families directly, such as Ontario's Preschool Speech and Language Program, and in Alberta, apply for FSCD while the diagnosis is in progress.

- Canonical page: https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/guides/waiting-for-an-autism-assessment
- Publisher: Rocks Make Pebbles (https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca)
- Topic: Signs, assessment and diagnosis
- Applies to: Canada
- Last updated: October 1, 2026. Checked against sources: September 29, 2026
- Professional review: Not yet reviewed (waiting for review by a developmental pediatrician or registered psychologist and special education advocate)
- Drafted with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources listed below. Editorial policy: https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/editorial-policy

## Key points

- You don't need a diagnosis to start visual supports and communication strategies at home.
- Ontario's Preschool Speech and Language Program takes families directly, with no doctor's referral.
- In B.C., Autism Information Services can talk you through what to do while you wait.
- In Alberta, you can apply for FSCD while your child's diagnosis is in progress.
- In Ontario, register with AccessOAP the day the diagnosis arrives: core clinical services invite children in registration order.
- If your child loses skills, may be having seizures or is losing weight, see a doctor promptly.

## How long is the wait for an autism assessment in Canada?

Waits are long in much of Canada, and no one publishes a national figure. The Canadian Paediatric Society said in 2019 that three guidelines recommend a wait of 3 to 6 months at most, but that referral to a team assessment "commonly takes more than a year in many Canadian communities" ([Canadian Paediatric Society](https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/asd-diagnostic-assessment)).

| Province | What is published | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | No published wait figure. The province's service objectives for its five regional diagnostic hubs set no wait-time target | [Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/document/2025-2026-mccss-service-objectives-children-special-needs/2025-2026-services-delivered-23), April 2026 |
| British Columbia | About 21 months for a public assessment, with priority for children under 6 | [ACT](https://www.actcommunity.ca/information/autism-diagnosis-in-bc/), April 2025 |
| Alberta | No official figure found | Checked September 2026 |

B.C. also has an online lookup of public assessment wait times ([B.C. government](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis/how-autism-is-diagnosed)). Wherever you live, ask your local service for its current wait. In Ontario, there is often a second long wait after the diagnosis, for Ontario Autism Program funding (see the Ontario section below).

## Do you need a diagnosis to get help?

No. Much of the help for young children does not need a diagnosis. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that children who may be autistic are referred "immediately" for local early intervention services, such as infant development programs, speech-language therapy and [occupational therapy](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#occupational-therapist), "pending a diagnostic assessment" ([Canadian Paediatric Society](https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/asd-early-detection)). SickKids' AboutKidsHealth puts it simply: "You do not have to have a diagnosis to seek out supports" ([AboutKidsHealth](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/what-to-do-while-you-wait-for-an-asd-diagnostic-assessment-for-your-child)).

| What you can do now | Who can help | Do you need a diagnosis? |
|---|---|---|
| Use visual supports, such as a First-Then board | You, with ideas from daycare, school or a [speech-language pathologist](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#s-lp) | No |
| Try simple communication strategies at home | You; a speech-language pathologist can advise | No |
| Keep notes of what you see | You | No |
| Make a one-page profile of your child | You, your child, and daycare or school | No |
| Speech and language help before school (Ontario) | The Preschool Speech and Language Program | No, and no doctor's referral |
| Guidance while you wait (B.C.) | Autism Information Services | No |
| Apply for FSCD (Alberta) | Alberta's FSCD program (apply online) | No: you can apply while the diagnosis is in progress |
| Ask what daycare or school can put in place | Staff, the resource teacher or the principal | No |

### At daycare or school

Talk to your child's daycare staff or teacher now. Ask what they have noticed, and what they can try. At school, ask whether a written support plan would help: an [IEP](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#iep) (individual education plan), or an [IPP](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#ipp) (individualized program plan) in Alberta. In Ontario, school boards can write an IEP for a student who has not been formally identified through an [IPRC](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#iprc), the school board committee that identifies students with special education needs ([Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/document/special-education-ontario-policy-and-resource-guide-kindergarten-grade-12/requirements)).

## What can I start at home now?

You can start today with approaches used widely with autistic children. None of them needs special equipment.

### Visual supports

[Visual supports](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#visual-supports) are pictures, objects or written words that show your child what is happening and what comes next. A large US review counted 65 studies supporting them ([NCAEP 2020](https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf)), although most studies in that review were small ([Hume and colleagues, 2021](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04844-2)).

1. Make a [First-Then board](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#first-then-board): one picture for what happens first and one for what comes next. Our [printable First-Then board](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/printables/first-then-board) is free.
2. Use photos of your child's own things if symbols are hard to understand. ConnectABILITY's free Visuals Engine, from Community Living Toronto, builds printable picture supports in English or French ([ConnectABILITY](https://connectability.ca/visuals-engine/)).
3. Put things your child enjoys on the board too, not only tasks they dislike.
4. When that works, try a [visual schedule](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#visual-schedule) for part of the day, using our [printable visual schedule](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/printables/visual-schedule).

See our guides to [First-Then boards](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/guides/first-then-boards) and [visual schedules](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/guides/visual-schedules).

### Communication strategies

You don't need to wait for speech-language therapy to start. Speech-Language & Audiology Canada says "There are no 'pre-requisites' required for an individual to be considered for AAC" ([Speech-Language & Audiology Canada](https://www.sac-oac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SAC-Info-Sheet-AAC-EN-Digital.pdf)). [AAC](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#aac) (augmentative and alternative communication) means pictures, signs, or a device or app that speaks. A review of studies with autistic children found that AAC did not hold back speech, and that gains in speech were modest ([Schlosser and Wendt, 2008](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/18663107)).

Try ten minutes of "together time" each day, when your child is calm:

- Get down to their level and watch what interests them. Don't ask for eye contact.
- Join in by copying what they do, with a similar toy of your own ([Hanen Centre](https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/imitate-to-connect)).
- Wait. Stop talking, lean in and give them time: the Toronto-based Hanen Centre suggests up to 10 seconds ([Hanen Centre](https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/waiting-the-key-to-supporting-your-childs-communication)).
- Treat any look, sound, reach, sign or word as a turn, and answer it.
- Talk about what they're already looking at ("Car. Fast car.") rather than asking lots of questions.
- Play simple games with a pause, such as "Ready, set..." and wait for any signal before "go".

In two UK trials of PACT, a program in which a therapist coaches parents (and, in the second trial, school staff), parents learned to respond in step with their child, and children started more interactions with them. Gains in language were small or absent ([Green and colleagues, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20494434/); [Green and colleagues, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35605069/)). See [will my autistic child talk?](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/guides/will-my-autistic-child-talk) for more.

### A calm bedtime routine

Sleep is often hard for autistic children. A review of 11 studies found that behavioural sleep programs that include training for parents were "generally effective and valued by parents" ([Kirkpatrick and colleagues, 2019](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/30529483)).

- Do the same few steps in the same order every night, and show them as pictures.
- Switch screens off at least an hour before bed, as the Canadian Paediatric Society advises, and keep them out of the bedroom: screens in children's bedrooms are linked with less sleep ([Canadian Paediatric Society](https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-preschool-children)).
- Tell your family doctor if your child snores loudly, chokes or seems to stop breathing in their sleep.

### Notes of what you see

Notes help professionals see your child's everyday life, not just one appointment. They also help when you fill in forms for the assessment or for programs such as FSCD.

> **Try this:** For two weeks, jot down a few lines each day: what happened, where, what came just before, how your child showed you how they felt, and what helped. Add short phone videos of things a professional may not see, kept private. Note sleep, first words and any lost skills too.

### A one-page profile

A [one-page profile](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#one-page-profile) is a short summary of your child: what they love, how they communicate, what upsets them and what helps them feel calm. It helps new people, such as a babysitter, doctor or daycare worker, get to know your child quickly. Our [one-page profile template](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/printables/one-page-profile) is free to print.

## What help can I get in my province before a diagnosis?

Each province runs its own services, so the route to an assessment, and the help while you wait, differ.

### Ontario

- **Who can diagnose.** Ontario lists family physicians, pediatricians, [developmental pediatricians](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#developmental-pediatrician), psychiatrists, psychologists, psychological associates and nurse practitioners. Five regional diagnostic hubs also assess children: contact your local hub to find out how to apply ([Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/page/autism-assessment-diagnosis)). Start by talking to your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
- **Speech and language.** The Preschool Speech and Language Program serves children "from birth until they start school", and "You do not need a referral from your doctor" ([Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/page/preschool-speech-and-language-program)). You can contact your local program directly.
- **After the diagnosis.** To join the Ontario Autism Program ([OAP](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#oap)), a child needs a written diagnosis from a qualified professional ([Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program)). Children are invited to core clinical services "in the order that they registered" ([Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program-core-clinical-services)).

> **Good to know:** Register with [AccessOAP](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#accessoap) at 1-833-425-2445 the same day the diagnosis report arrives, as the parent-run site End the Wait Ontario advises. Its freedom-of-information figures show that on May 13, 2026, 77.5% of the 91,974 registered children were still waiting for a funding agreement ([End the Wait Ontario](https://www.endthewaitontario.com/how-to-get-diagnosed)).

### British Columbia

- **Who can diagnose.** Pediatricians, psychiatrists and registered psychologists assess children through the public BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN), which is free and needs a referral from your doctor, or privately, which you pay for ([B.C. government](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis/how-autism-is-diagnosed)). Family doctors in B.C. cannot diagnose autism, but they can refer you ([ACT](https://www.actcommunity.ca/information/autism-diagnosis-in-bc/)).
- **Guidance while you wait.** [Autism Information Services](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#bc-autism-information-services) has support specialists who can talk through what to do next, at 1-844-878-4700, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The province's page for waiting families also lists services to contact now, including Child Development Centres, the Infant Development Program, Supported Child Development, and speech and occupational therapy ([B.C. government](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis/waiting-for-diagnosis)).
- **Funding is changing.** As of September 29, 2026, Autism Funding, which needs a diagnosis, is accepting new applications until March 2027 ([B.C. government](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis/waiting-for-diagnosis)). It ends on March 31, 2027, and a new Children and Youth Disability Benefit is due to open to new families on April 1, 2027 ([B.C. government](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs)). The province says the new benefit is based on a child's "level of support needs, not their diagnosis or family income" ([B.C. government](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/financial-supports/disability-benefit)). B.C. votes on October 24, 2026 ([CBC](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/livestory/british-columbia-snap-election-2026-ndp-leader-david-eby-9.7349059)), so check the province's pages before you rely on these dates.

### Alberta

- **Who can diagnose.** Family doctors can refer your child to a developmental pediatrician, which is free under Alberta Health Care. Some children are referred to Child Development Services at the Alberta Children's Hospital, and some families pay a psychologist for a private assessment ([Autism Calgary](https://autismcalgary.com/faq/)).
- **FSCD.** [Family Support for Children with Disabilities](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#fscd) (FSCD) can help with [respite](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/glossary#respite), counselling, child care supports, aides and some costs linked to your child's disability ([Alberta](https://www.alberta.ca/fscd-supports-and-services)). You can apply before a diagnosis: the province accepts medical documentation that your child "is awaiting a diagnosis" ([Alberta](https://www.alberta.ca/fscd-eligibility)). Autism Calgary says families were waiting around 2 to 3 years for basic agreements as of January 2026 ([Autism Calgary](https://autismcalgary.com/faq/)). So apply early.

### Other provinces

- **Saskatchewan:** contact a local autism program or an ASD consultant. The consultant screens your child, links you to services and, if needed, refers your child for a diagnostic assessment ([Saskatchewan](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/health-services-for-people-with-disabilities/autism-services)).
- **Manitoba:** for preschool children eligible for Children's disABILITY Services, the Child Development program serves children "with any developmental needs". Its Autism Outreach program needs a diagnosis ([Manitoba](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/cds/early-intervention.html)).
- **Nova Scotia:** if you have concerns, talk to your child's health care provider. Direct Family Support for Children pays up to $2,200 a month for respite to qualifying families caring for a child with a disability at home, and the province says there is no waitlist ([Nova Scotia](https://novascotia.ca/autism/)).

> **Provinces and territories:** This guide doesn't yet cover New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island or the territories in detail. Ask your family doctor, or call 211, for local services. Quebec's services work differently and are not covered here.

## Should we pay for a private assessment?

That is your choice, and it depends on your circumstances. A private assessment can be quicker, but you pay the whole cost. These are single clinics' published prices, checked on September 29, 2026:

| Province | Example price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $3,750 for ages 2 to 5, including a report and feedback meeting; $5,000 for a psychoeducational and autism assessment at 6 to 18 | [CASE Psychology](https://casepsychology.com/services/autism-assessments/), Burlington |
| British Columbia | $3,000 to $4,500 on average | [A Vancouver clinic](https://www.drryanchan.com/faq) |
| Alberta | $2,500 to $3,500 for a targeted autism assessment; $3,500 to $4,500 or more for a psychoeducational and autism assessment | [Manor Clinic](https://manorclinic.ca/autism-assessment-cost-edmonton/), Edmonton |

Alberta psychologists set their own fees, and their association's recommended fee for 2026 is $235 an hour ([Psychologists' Association of Alberta](https://psychologistsassociation.ab.ca/recommended-fee-schedule)). In Ontario, the same Burlington clinic notes that a diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician is "usually covered under OHIP" ([CASE Psychology](https://casepsychology.com/services/autism-assessments/)).

Before you pay:

1. **Check the report will be accepted.** For the Ontario Autism Program, the written diagnosis must include your child's full name and date of birth, the assessment date, a statement that your child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, and the professional's name and credentials ([Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program)). For B.C. Autism Funding, a private assessment must include two tools, the ADOS-2 and the ADI-R, and children under 6 need a multidisciplinary diagnosis. The pediatrician report for under-6 private applications has been temporarily waived since October 8, 2025 ([B.C. government](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis/how-autism-is-diagnosed)).
2. **Check who will do it.** Look the professional up on their college's public register, such as the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario ([CPBAO](https://cpbao.ca/)), the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC ([CHCPBC](https://chcpbc.org/)) or the College of Alberta Psychologists ([CAP](https://www.cap.ab.ca/)).
3. **Get the total price in writing**, with what it includes: interviews, testing, a written report and a feedback meeting.
4. **Ask your extended health plan** whether it covers any of the cost, before you book.
5. **Ask your family doctor** whether your child can keep their place on the public waiting list.

## How do I chase the referral and use the waiting time?

Check the referral has arrived, then keep in touch.

1. Ask whoever referred your child, such as your family doctor, to confirm it was sent, and ask for a copy.
2. Contact the service to check it has arrived. Ask how long the current wait is, what help they offer before the assessment, and whether they keep a cancellation list.
3. Keep a note of every call, email and letter, with dates.
4. Send the service anything new in writing, such as a daycare report or a big change in your child's needs.
5. Make sure your child has had recent vision and hearing checks and has seen a dentist, as AboutKidsHealth suggests ([AboutKidsHealth](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/what-to-do-while-you-wait-for-an-asd-diagnostic-assessment-for-your-child)).
6. Get ready for the day: fill in any forms the service sends, gather report cards, and ask the daycare or school for an update on how your child is doing (same source).

## When should I ask for an urgent review?

Some changes should not wait for the assessment. See your family doctor or pediatrician promptly, and tell the assessment service in writing, if your child:

- loses words, social skills or other skills they used to have, which the Canadian Paediatric Society lists as a red flag at any age ([Canadian Paediatric Society](https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/asd-early-detection))
- may be having seizures
- is hurting themselves, or getting injured often
- is eating very few foods, losing weight or not growing as expected
- snores loudly, chokes or seems to stop breathing when asleep
- is often sent home from daycare or school, or your family is reaching breaking point

> **Get help now:** Call 911 in an emergency, if anyone's life is at risk or if your child is missing. If your child loses skills, may be having seizures, is losing weight or is getting hurt, see your family doctor or pediatrician promptly. For urgent health advice, call your family doctor or your province's health line: in B.C., nurses at [HealthLink BC](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/) answer 8-1-1 at any time. If you're thinking about suicide, or worried about someone who is, call or text [9-8-8](https://988.ca/about). Children and teens can also call [Kids Help Phone](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#kids-help-phone) at 1-800-668-6868.

## How do I look after myself, and where can I find support?

Waiting is hard, and your well-being matters too.

- **Talk to other parents who are waiting.** AboutKidsHealth suggests local and virtual support groups ([AboutKidsHealth](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/what-to-do-while-you-wait-for-an-asd-diagnostic-assessment-for-your-child)).
- **Ask about respite.** In Alberta, FSCD can fund respite, and in Nova Scotia, Direct Family Support for Children can too (see above). [211](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#211-canada) can find local services, including respite and parenting support, 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages ([211](https://211.ca/)).
- **Call an autism support line.** [Autism Canada](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#autism-canada) has a national support line at 1-800-983-1795 ([Autism Canada](https://autismcanada.org/)). [Autism Ontario](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#autism-ontario), [ACT](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#act-autism-community-training) in B.C. and [Autism Society Alberta](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#autism-society-alberta) also give families information and support.
- **If you're struggling,** talk to your family doctor. You can call or text the [9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#988-canada) at any time. The [Hope for Wellness Help Line](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#hope-for-wellness) supports Indigenous peoples 24 hours a day at 1-855-242-3310 ([Hope for Wellness](https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/)), and [Kids Help Phone](https://rocksmakepebbles.com/ca/where-to-get-help#kids-help-phone) supports children and teens, including brothers and sisters, at 1-800-668-6868 ([Kids Help Phone](https://kidshelpphone.ca/)).

## Questions parents ask

### What support is there while waiting for an autism diagnosis?

More than many parents expect, and much of it needs no diagnosis. Start visual supports and simple communication strategies at home, keep notes of what you see, and ask your family doctor about speech-language and occupational therapy. In Ontario, the Preschool Speech and Language Program takes families directly. In B.C., Autism Information Services can guide you, and the province lists services for families who are waiting. In Alberta, you can apply for FSCD while the diagnosis is in progress. You can also ask your child's daycare or school what they can put in place now.

### How long is the wait for an autism assessment in Canada?

There is no national figure, and it varies a lot by province and area. The Canadian Paediatric Society said in 2019 that three guidelines recommend a wait of 3 to 6 months at most, but that referral to a team assessment commonly takes more than a year in many Canadian communities. In B.C., the charity ACT's page, last updated in April 2025, puts the public wait at about 21 months, and the province has an online wait-time lookup. Ontario publishes no wait-time target for its diagnostic hubs. Ask your local service for its current wait.

### Can a family doctor diagnose autism in Ontario?

Yes, if they have the right training. Ontario lists family physicians, pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychological associates and nurse practitioners as professionals who can diagnose autism after specific training. Your family doctor may assess your child or refer you to a specialist or one of Ontario's five regional diagnostic hubs. B.C. is different: there, family doctors cannot diagnose autism, but they can refer you to a pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or the public BC Autism Assessment Network.

### How much does a private autism assessment cost?

Published prices from single clinics, checked in September 2026, were $3,750 for ages 2 to 5 at an Ontario clinic, an average of $3,000 to $4,500 in B.C. according to a Vancouver clinic, and $2,500 to $4,500 or more at an Edmonton clinic. Before you pay, check that the report will be accepted by the programs you need, such as the Ontario Autism Program or B.C. Autism Funding, and ask your extended health plan whether it covers any of the cost.

### When should I register with the Ontario Autism Program?

As soon as you have the written diagnosis. To be eligible, a child must be under 18, live in Ontario and have a written diagnosis of autism from a qualified professional. Children are invited to core clinical services in the order they registered, so it's worth registering with AccessOAP at 1-833-425-2445 the same day the diagnosis report arrives, as the parent-run site End the Wait Ontario advises.

### Can I apply for FSCD before my child is diagnosed?

Yes. Alberta accepts medical documentation that your child has a disability or is awaiting a diagnosis for Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), and Autism Calgary says families can apply while a child is in the process of being diagnosed. FSCD can help with respite, counselling, child care supports, aides and some extra costs linked to your child's disability. Waits are long: families were waiting around 2 to 3 years for basic agreements as of January 2026, so it's worth applying early.

### Will B.C. accept a private autism assessment?

For Autism Funding, yes, if it meets the province's standards. A private assessment must include two tools, the ADOS-2 and the ADI-R, and children under 6 need a multidisciplinary diagnosis, although the pediatrician report has been temporarily waived since October 2025. Autism Funding accepts new applications until March 2027. From April 1, 2027, new families apply for a needs-based Disability Benefit instead. Check the province's page before you book, because these plans may change.

## Sources

1. [Standards of diagnostic assessment for autism spectrum disorder (position statement)](https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/asd-diagnostic-assessment), Canadian Paediatric Society, October 24, 2019
2. [Early detection for autism spectrum disorder in young children (position statement)](https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/asd-early-detection), Canadian Paediatric Society, October 24, 2019
3. [2025-26 service objectives for children with special needs: autism diagnostic hubs](https://www.ontario.ca/document/2025-2026-mccss-service-objectives-children-special-needs/2025-2026-services-delivered-23), Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, April 15, 2026
4. [Autism diagnosis in B.C.](https://www.actcommunity.ca/information/autism-diagnosis-in-bc/), ACT (Autism Community Training), April 15, 2025
5. [How autism is diagnosed](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis/how-autism-is-diagnosed), Government of British Columbia, June 10, 2026
6. [What to do while you wait for an ASD diagnostic assessment for your child](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/what-to-do-while-you-wait-for-an-asd-diagnostic-assessment-for-your-child), AboutKidsHealth (SickKids), September 24, 2025
7. [Special education in Ontario, kindergarten to grade 12: requirements](https://www.ontario.ca/document/special-education-ontario-policy-and-resource-guide-kindergarten-grade-12/requirements), Ontario Ministry of Education, May 14, 2026
8. [Evidence-based practices for children, youth and young adults with autism (NCAEP report)](https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf), National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice, 2020
9. [Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism: third generation review (Hume and colleagues)](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04844-2), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2021
10. [Visuals Engine](https://connectability.ca/visuals-engine/), ConnectABILITY (Community Living Toronto)
11. [Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) info sheet](https://www.sac-oac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SAC-Info-Sheet-AAC-EN-Digital.pdf), Speech-Language & Audiology Canada, October 2024
12. [Effects of AAC intervention on speech production in children with autism: a systematic review (Schlosser and Wendt)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/18663107), American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 2008
13. [Imitate to connect](https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/imitate-to-connect), The Hanen Centre, June 2023
14. [Waiting: the key to supporting your child's communication](https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/waiting-the-key-to-supporting-your-childs-communication), The Hanen Centre, May 2024
15. [Parent-mediated communication-focused treatment in children with autism (PACT): a randomised controlled trial (Green and colleagues)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20494434/), The Lancet, 2010
16. [PACT-G randomized controlled trial of coaching at home and in education (Green and colleagues)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35605069/), NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation, 2022
17. [Systematic review of parent training in behavioural sleep interventions for autistic children and children with intellectual disability (Kirkpatrick and colleagues)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/30529483), Sleep Medicine, 2019
18. [Screen time and preschool children: promoting health and development in a digital world (position statement)](https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-preschool-children), Canadian Paediatric Society, November 24, 2022
19. [Autism assessment and diagnosis](https://www.ontario.ca/page/autism-assessment-diagnosis), Government of Ontario, March 10, 2026
20. [Preschool Speech and Language Program](https://www.ontario.ca/page/preschool-speech-and-language-program), Government of Ontario, January 20, 2026
21. [Ontario Autism Program](https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program), Government of Ontario, April 16, 2026
22. [Ontario Autism Program: core clinical services](https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program-core-clinical-services), Government of Ontario, March 10, 2026
23. [How to get diagnosed](https://www.endthewaitontario.com/how-to-get-diagnosed), End the Wait Ontario
24. [Waiting for a diagnosis](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis/waiting-for-diagnosis), Government of British Columbia, July 23, 2026
25. [Children and youth with support needs](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs), Government of British Columbia, September 15, 2026
26. [Children and Youth Disability Benefit](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/financial-supports/disability-benefit), Government of British Columbia, September 16, 2026
27. [British Columbia snap election 2026](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/livestory/british-columbia-snap-election-2026-ndp-leader-david-eby-9.7349059), CBC News, September 22, 2026
28. [Frequently asked questions](https://autismcalgary.com/faq/), Autism Calgary
29. [FSCD supports and services](https://www.alberta.ca/fscd-supports-and-services), Government of Alberta
30. [FSCD eligibility](https://www.alberta.ca/fscd-eligibility), Government of Alberta
31. [Autism spectrum disorders: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and other resources](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/health-services-for-people-with-disabilities/autism-services), Government of Saskatchewan
32. [Early intervention](https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/cds/early-intervention.html), Government of Manitoba, Children's disABILITY Services
33. [Autism services in Nova Scotia](https://novascotia.ca/autism/), Government of Nova Scotia
34. [Autism assessments](https://casepsychology.com/services/autism-assessments/), CASE Psychology
35. [Frequently asked questions](https://www.drryanchan.com/faq), Dr. Ryan Chan (Vancouver)
36. [Autism assessment cost in Edmonton](https://manorclinic.ca/autism-assessment-cost-edmonton/), Manor Clinic
37. [Recommended fee schedule](https://psychologistsassociation.ab.ca/recommended-fee-schedule), Psychologists' Association of Alberta, January 1, 2025
38. [College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario](https://cpbao.ca/), CPBAO
39. [College of Health and Care Professionals of BC](https://chcpbc.org/), CHCPBC
40. [College of Alberta Psychologists](https://www.cap.ab.ca/), CAP
41. [HealthLink BC](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/), Government of British Columbia
42. [About 9-8-8](https://988.ca/about), 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
43. [211](https://211.ca/), 211 Canada
44. [Autism Canada](https://autismcanada.org/), Autism Canada
45. [Hope for Wellness Help Line](https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/), Hope for Wellness
46. [Kids Help Phone](https://kidshelpphone.ca/), Kids Help Phone

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Our guides give general information for families in Canada. They are not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your child's health, contact your family doctor or pediatrician, or your provincial or territorial health line (8-1-1 in most places). In an emergency, call 911.