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Community Assistance Program (CAP) 

Creating accessible pathways to care for the Autistic community and those who support them. 

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Overview: 
Autism Canada’s Community Assistance Program (CAP) provides subsidized financial support to reduce barriers to care for Autistic people across the lifespan, including children, youth, and adults, as well as the families and caregivers who support them. Funding is intended for essential services not covered by public or private sources. 

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With the support of recognized service providers, CAP helps the Autistic community access meaningful, person-centred care that reflects their needs, goals, and strengths. 

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Who Can Apply: 
Applications must be submitted by a recognized service provider on behalf of a client or their caregiver. Families and Autistic adults cannot apply directly. 

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Each applicant may receive CAP support once per calendar year. Service providers may submit up to two applications per organization per year, with additional submissions considered on review. 

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Who Qualifies as a CAP Service Provider? 

To be eligible for Autism Canada’s CAP Roster, service providers must offer direct supports to Autistic people or their families. Qualified licensed providers may include: 

  • Licensed psychologists or psychological associates 

  • Occupational therapists 

  • Speech language pathologists 

  • Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) 

  • Psychotherapists or mental health counsellors 

  • Social workers (RSW or MSW) 

  • Therapeutic recreation specialists 

  • Respite providers or personal support workers 

  • Neurodivergent-led support workers or coaches 

  • Camp directors or recreational program leaders 

  • Transition or life skills coaches 

  • Multidisciplinary clinics offering the above services 

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All providers must demonstrate relevant credentials, Autism Canada reserves the right to approve 

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Eligible Services: 
CAP provides financial support for the following services: 

  • Psychological Assessment (ASD) – For those seeking a formal autism diagnosis 

  • Therapeutic Supports – Speech language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural supports 

  • Mental Health Supports – Psychotherapy, counselling, trauma informed care, CBT 

  • Post Secondary Transition Support – Life skills coaching, supported employment, community-based programs 

  • Respite Services – Short term care for families, caregivers, or Autistic adults living independently 

  • Camps – Day or overnight camps offering neurodivergent programming and one to one support 

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How It Works: 

  • Service providers complete an automated application form on behalf of the client or caregiver 

  • All applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis 

  • Applications must be fully completed, including required fileable PDFs: 

  • Consent Form 

  • Referral Letter or Statement of Need 

  • Direct Deposit Form 

  • Applications are prioritized based on need, available funding, and documentation 

 

Important Notes: 

  • Applicants must be diagnosed or suspected to be on the Autism Spectrum 

  • Service providers are not permitted to charge families or Autistic people any fees to submit a CAP application. Please note that funding is limited and not guaranteed. All applications are carefully reviewed through a thorough vetting process. 

  • All services must be completed before payment is issued 

  • Incomplete or inconsistent applications will not be processed 

 

Payment Timeline: 
Once services have been rendered and the invoice submitted, payment may take up to 60 business days due to high application volume. 

Payments are made directly to the service provider, not to families or clients. 

 

Program Timeline: 
CAP operates in two phases: 

  • Current cycle ends October 2025 

  • Next cycle begins January 2026 

 

Questions? 
Visit our CAP FAQ for more information. If your question is not answered there, you can contact the CAP Team at cap@autismcanada.org. ​​

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