Community Assistance Program (CAP)
Creating accessible pathways to care for the Autistic community and those who support them.
Overview:
Autism Canada’s Community Assistance Program (CAP) provides subsidized financial support to reduce barriers to care for Autistic people across their 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.
Approved applicants may receive up to $2,000 per year toward psychological assessments and up to $1,000 per year toward other eligible supports listed below. Funding is not guaranteed and all applications are vetted and assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account demonstrated need, the type of services requested, provincial fee standards, the client’s existing funding sources, and the overall volume of applications.
With the support of recognized service providers, CAP helps the Autistic community access meaningful, person-centred care that reflects their needs, goals, and strengths.
Who Can Apply
Only service providers who are registered and approved on Autism Canada’s CAP Service Provider Roster may submit applications on behalf of their clients. Providers must complete a vetting process before gaining an access link to the CAP application portal.
Families and Autistic adults cannot apply directly and are asked not to email or call to follow-up on their application. If you are a prospective client or caregiver looking for funding, please visit our CAP Roster to locate and work with a service provider in your area.
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:
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Licensed psychologists or psychological associates
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Occupational therapists
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Speech language pathologists
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Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs)
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Psychotherapists or mental health counsellors
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Social workers (RSW or MSW)
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Therapeutic recreation specialists
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Respite providers or personal support workers
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Neurodivergent-led support workers or coaches
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Camp directors or recreational program leaders
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Transition or life skills coaches
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Multidisciplinary clinics offering the above services
All providers must demonstrate relevant credentials. Autism Canada vets each provider’s website and public materials to ensure alignment with our vision, mission, values, and inclusive language. We reserve the right to deny or revoke registration if these standards are not met.
Eligible Services:
CAP provides support for services not covered by public or private funding, including:
Eligible services, up to $2,000:
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Psychological Assessment (ASD)
Eligible services, up to $1,000:
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Speech language, occupational, or behavioural therapy
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Mental Health Supports such as counselling, psychotherapy, CBT or trauma informed care
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Transition Support for Autistic youth and adults (life skills, employment, post-secondary, community programs)
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Respite Services
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Day or overnight camps offering neurodivergent-focussed programming
How It Works:
First, service providers must submit an application to join our CAP Service Provider Roster. If approved, service providers will receive an access link to our application portal and may submit funding applications on behalf of their client(s).
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All applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and assessed based on need, available funds, and documentation.
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Each application must be accompanied by:
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A completed Client or Caregiver Consent Form, provided by the caregiver for clients under 18 and by the person accessing services if they are 18 or older.
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Two referral letters or statements of need from two separate professionals who are not the service provider applying for funding. These professionals must be able to speak to and advocate for the client’s support needs. Examples include a teacher, educational assistant, resource teacher, family doctor, pediatrician, social worker, or another professional who works directly with the client.
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A completed Direct Deposit Form
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Incomplete or inconsistent applications will not be reviewed.
Program Timeline
CAP operates in two application cycles per year: Spring (January to May) and Fall (August to October).
Service providers will be provided an access link to the client application portal upon provider approval or once the next application cycle is open, whichever comes first.
Payment Process
Funds will be dispersed directly to the Service Provider or Practice, not the Client or Caregiver.
Funds will only be processed once an invoice has been received. Invoices are welcome only after the services have been completed in full or the confirmed MOU expiry date, whichever comes first.
Important Notes
Service providers are not permitted to charge families or Autistic people any fees to complete or submit a CAP application.
Funding is not guaranteed, and amounts may be less than the $1,000 or $2,000 maximum depending on the type of service, existing funding, provincial fee standards, and the number of applications received.
Each applicant may receive CAP support once per calendar year.
Each service provider or clinic is limited to receive a maximum of two CAP support clients per calendar year. Additional applications may only be considered upon review.
Becoming a Registered Service Provider
To become part of the CAP Roster, service providers must complete Autism Canada’s intake process. Please complete the Service Provider Intake Form and allow up to 20 business days for our team to complete the vetting process and provide a response.
Once a service provider submits a complete registration, an automated email is sent confirming receipt and outlining the allocated timeframe for our team to complete the vetting process and provide a response.
Questions?
Visit our CAP FAQ for more information.