Understanding Mental Health

Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. It affects the way we think, feel and behave. A mental health problem can affect our ability to deal with life events.
Read MoreFor the latest updates on the Ontario Autism Program, please visit the Ministry website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/autism-ontario
October 22, 2020
Disruptions due to COVID-19
The Ministry has provided clarification to eligible and ineligible expenses during the COVID-19 outbreak. An extension to the amount of time families have to spend their Childhood Budget or One Time Funding and submit the expense form by up to six months.
August 6, 2020
Foundational Family Services now available to families registered for the OAP
Foundational Family Services are part of the new needs-based Ontario Autism Program and are now available to all registered children and youth with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
March 26, 2020
Extension provided to families registered for the OAP
Due to COVID-19, the Ministry has:
December 17, 2019
Ontario to Implement Needs-Based Autism Program In-Line with Advisory Panel's Advice
MCCSS Minister Todd Smith has announced additional information regarding changes to the Ontario Autism Program and moving towards a needs-based autism program.
July 29, 2019
Ontario is Working Towards a Needs-Based and Sustainable Autism Program
MCCSS Minister Todd Smith has announced changes to the Ontario Autism Program and moving towards a needs-based autism program by April 2020.
May 1, 2019
MCCSS Invites Families to Participate in Ontario Autism Consultations
The Ministry is engaging in a month-long series of public consultations on how children and youth with autism can better be supported. Public consultations are being conducted through an online survey and telephone town halls. Input will be used to determine how best to provide additional supports to children and youth with autism who have complex needs through additional direct funding. To read more and to register to participate, visit the Ministry website.
April 2, 2019
Ontario Government to Conduct Consultations to Continue to Enhance New Ontario Autism Program
Today the Ministers of Children, Community and Social Services, Education and Health and Long-Term Care jointly announced that the Ontario government will be conducting consultations to further enhance the new Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. It affects the way we think, feel and behave. A mental health problem can affect our ability to deal with life events.
Read MoreResearch suggests that children with autism are able to form attachments. However the way they express attachment can be unusual and it may seem as if they are disconnected.
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