Ontario Investing in Autism Services to Better Serve Children and Families

September 9, 2025

Thorold – The Ontario government is investing more than $37 million over the next two years in 100 public and private autism service providers across the province to help more children and families access clinical services in the Ontario Autism Program. This investment includes provincial funding of $399,530 over two years for Bethesda Community Services in Niagara.

“Children with autism and their families deserve real support and I am proud to say that our government is listening and taking action,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“Our investments here in Niagara and across Ontario will help autism service providers build and retain a stable, skilled teams that will allow more families to access the services they need close to home.”

Bethesda Community Services is receiving the provincial support through the Workforce Capacity Fund of the Ontario Autism Program. This fund provides two-year grants ranging from $50,000 to $400,000 in value to help providers hire new staff, increase staff hours, train employees, invest in technology and reach rural and remote communities.

“We are grateful to receive this funding through the Workforce Capacity Fund of the Ontario Autism Program, which will allow us to expand access to much-needed Applied Behaviour Analysis services for children and youth,” said Paul McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Bethesda Community Services.

“By strengthening our clinical team and dedicating more resources to family-centered practices, we can ensure that not only are children supported through increased therapy hours, but caregivers are also equipped with the tools and strategies they need to support their child’s growth at home and in the community. This investment will make a meaningful difference for families across our region.”

“We are incredibly grateful for Ontario’s investment in autism services here in Thorold,” said Terry Ugulini, Mayor of the City of Thorold.

“This support will make a real difference in the lives of children and families across our region. By improving access to early intervention, therapy, and community resources, we are building a more inclusive and compassionate future for every child. This is a vital step toward ensuring that all families in Niagara feel supported, heard and empowered.”

“Protecting Ontario starts by safeguarding the province’s most vulnerable and ensuring that all children are provided with opportunities to achieve lifelong success,” said Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

“Autism service providers do an incredible job of helping children and youth reach their full potential. Our government is proud to work with them to make it easier for more families to access timely, local supports tailored to their needs.”

Funding for local service providers through the workforce capacity fund is part of the province’s total investment in the Ontario Autism Program. Since 2019, Ontario has more than doubled the program’s annual budget, bringing it to a total of $779 million with the addition of a $175 million investment through Budget 2025. This new investment will continue to support the enrolment of children and youth in core clinical services.

The Workforce Capacity Fund is one initiative under the Capacity Action Plan of the Ontario Autism Program. The province prioritizes applications that support families and service providers in Northern, rural and remote communities, as well as Francophone and Indigenous families recognizing the unique challenges these groups face.