Ontario Autism Program Direct Funding Option and Other Enhancements in effect January 2018


In December 2017, government announced new commitments to enhance Ontario’s New Autism Program to come into effect January 2018. The announcement introduces a new direct funding option for evidence-based behavioural services, and program enhancements targeted to deliver effective services. 

Beginning January 15, 2018 government will;


  • Implement a new direct funding option that will provide families in the OAP with the choice of receiving direct funding to purchase evidence-based behavioural services for their child or youth, or service through one of Ontario's regional providers.

  • Increase the maximum hourly rate for evidence-based behavioural services purchased through the OAP from $39 per hour to a maximum of up to $55 per hour, for families who choose the direct funding option.

  • Communicate new qualifications for clinical supervisors that will be phased in over time so that families feel confident that they are receiving consistent, high-quality behavioural services. This will be accompanied by the creation of an OAP provider list that will be implemented in 2018 to help families select a qualified OAP service provider.

  • Implement an Independent Clinical Review Process to give families in the OAP the opportunity to request a review of key components of their child or youth's OAP behaviour plan by a team that includes two clinicians and a family representative, in the event that they have concerns with any clinical decisions.

  • Change accountability and clinical oversight for behavioural services. Clinical supervisors will be accountable for OAP behaviour plans. Direct service providers will no longer provide clinical oversight for evidence-based behavioural services delivered through the direct funding option.

  • Introduce a quality assurance review process in spring 2018 in which OAP behaviour plans for both direct funding and direct service options, will be assessed by a team of third-party clinical reviewers.

  • Update the Ontario Autism Program Guidelines effective January 15, 2018 

  

View the Backgrounder that provides details on new OAP enhancements effective January 2018 and Spring 2018. 


Supports to Families and Health Professionals through Transition


The Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) is hosting webinars and town hall meetings to address the needs and questions of parents and families over the month of January.  Further, the MCYS is working on initiatives to assist OTs and other professionals to understand the inner workings of the OAP as it relates to their roles with families.  These include:

A new section of the OAP website is dedicated to health professionals.  View here.

A webinar series for practitioners, including OAP service providers that will;​​ 

  • Provide information about the OAP and the new program enhancements;
  • Support practitioners in their roles; and
  • Help practitioners answer questions from families.

The first webinar will take place in February. Dates for these webinars are coming soon.

Implications for Occupational Therapists


OSOT urges occupational therapists to familiarize themselves with OAP implementation to date and new enhancements as they affect the children and families they may work with.  Ensure you visit the new Health Professional Section of the OAP website. 

OSOT has recently conducted a survey of members working with children across the province to assess knowledge of and comfort with changes of the OAP and to identify professional development needs of members related to the new program and implications for OT practice.  Watch for the results of this survey and supports from the Society.

OSOT has representation on the OAP Provincial Expert Committee that continues to provide advice on implementation issues of the program.  Debra Kennedy is OSOT’s representative to this Committee.