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. CAP is available to Autistic people and families across Canada, regardless of province or territory, subject to provider availability and program funding.
CAP funding is made possible through the generosity of donors, fundraising efforts, and community support. As a result, available funding amounts may vary from year-to-year based on funds raised and overall program capacity.
Funding is intended to support essential services that are not covered by public programs, private insurance, or employer benefits. CAP is designed to supplement gaps in access to care and does not replace existing funding sources.
Approved applications may receive up to $2,000 per calendar year toward psychological assessments and up to $1,000 per calendar year toward other eligible supports. Funding is not guaranteed. All applications are reviewed individually and assessed based on demonstrated need, the type of service requested, provincial fee standards, existing funding sources, and overall application volume.
With the support of registered service providers, CAP helps the Autistic community access meaningful, person centred, and neuro affirming care that reflects needs, goals, and strengths.
Please note: We are currently experiencing a high volume of client applications. As a result, review timelines may be significantly extended. We appreciate your patience as we carefully work through submissions based on available capacity.
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 or the people they support. Service providers must complete a vetting process before receiving access to the CAP application portal.
Families, caregivers, and Autistic adults cannot apply directly and are asked not to email or call Autism Canada to follow up on an application. Prospective clients and caregivers are encouraged to consult the CAP Roster to locate and work with an approved provider in their area.
Who Qualifies as a CAP Service Provider?
To be eligible for Autism Canada’s CAP Service Provider Roster, providers must offer direct supports to Autistic people or their families.
Qualified licensed or recognized providers may include:
• Licensed psychologists or psychological associates
• Occupational therapists
• Speech language pathologists
• Board Certified Behaviour Analysts
• Psychotherapists or mental health counsellors
• Social workers
• 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
All providers must demonstrate relevant credentials. Autism Canada reviews provider websites and public facing materials to ensure alignment with organizational values, inclusive language, and neuro affirming practices. Autism Canada reserves the right to deny or revoke registration if these standards are not met.
Eligible Services
CAP supports services that are not covered by public or private funding sources.
Eligible services, up to $2,000 per calendar year
• Psychological assessments intended for diagnostic or clarifying purposes that have not yet occurred. CAP does not fund assessments that have already been completed or are currently in progress.
Eligible services, up to $1,000 per calendar year
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Speech language, occupational, or behavioural supports
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Mental health supports including counselling, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, or trauma informed ca
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Transition supports for Autistic youth and adults, including life skills development, employment readiness, post secondary preparation, and community based programs
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Respite services
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Day or overnight camps offering neurodivergent focused programming
How CAP Works:
1. Service Provider Registration: Service providers must apply to join the CAP Service Provider Roster. Applications are vetted by Autism Canada. Only approved service providers are eligible to participate in CAP.
2. Access to the Application Portal: If approved, service providers receive an access link to the CAP application portal and may submit funding applications on behalf of their clients.
3. Client Application Submission: Each client application must be fully completed and include all required documentation before it can be reviewed. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received and assessed based on program priorities, documentation completeness, and available funding. A complete application must include:
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Uploaded copy of completed Client or Caregiver Consent Form, completed by a caregiver for clients under 18 or by the person accessing services if 18 or older.
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Referral/statement of needs submissions from two separate professionals, who are not the service provider applying for funding, and who can speak to the person’s support needs.
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Uploaded copy of completed Direct Deposit Form.
Incomplete applications are not reviewed until all required documentation is received.
4. Review and Approval or Denial: Applications are reviewed by Autism Canada. Review timelines vary depending on application volume. Funding is not guaranteed. Services must not begin while an application is under review.
5. Memorandum of Understanding: If an application is approved, a Memorandum of Understanding is issued to the service provider for the specific client. Services may only begin once the Memorandum of Understanding has been fully signed and returned by both parties. Services delivered prior to approval and a fully executed Memorandum of Understanding are not eligible for funding. CAP does not provide retroactive funding under any circumstances.
6. Service Delivery: Once approval is confirmed and the Memorandum of Understanding is fully executed, the service provider may begin delivering the approved direct services to the client.
7. Invoicing and Payment: Invoices may only be submitted after the direct services outlined in the signed Memorandum of Understanding have been delivered in full or once the Memorandum of Understanding has reached its confirmed end date, whichever comes first. Invoices must align with the approved services and funding amounts specified in the Memorandum of Understanding and may not exceed the approved total. Payment is issued by electronic funds transfer. Typical processing time is approximately 45 to 90 business days from the date a complete invoice is received.
Program Timeline
CAP operates in two application cycles each year.
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Spring cycle, January to May
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Fall cycle, August to October
Service providers receive access to the client application portal upon provider approval or once the next application cycle opens, whichever comes first.
Payment Process
Funds are dispersed directly to the registered service provider or practice, not to the Autistic person or caregiver. Payments are issued only after all services are complete and a valid invoice has been received in accordance with the signed Memorandum of Understanding.
Important Notes
CAP does not provide retroactive funding.
Service providers may not charge families or Autistic people any fees to complete or submit a CAP application.
Funding amounts may be less than the annual maximum based on service type, provincial fee standards, existing funding sources, and application volume.
Each person accessing CAP support may receive funding once per calendar year.
One (1) family per calendar year may receive funding
Each service provider or clinic may submit applications for a maximum of two approved clients per calendar year. Additional applications may only be considered if funding remains available and at the discretion of Autism Canada.
CAP does not fund administrative fees, application related costs, travel or mileage, or services already covered by public programs or private insurance.
Autism Canada is unable to provide application status updates to clients, families, or caregivers. All CAP-related communication occurs directly with the registered service provider. If an application is not approved, the decision is final and is not subject to appeal. Applications may be declined for reasons such as limited funding, high application volume or waitlisting pressures, incomplete submissions, or eligibility criteria not being met.
Becoming a Registered Service Provider
Service providers wishing to join the CAP Service Provider Roster must complete Autism Canada’s Provider Intake Form. This form is intended for service providers only.
Once a complete registration is submitted, an automated confirmation email is issued. Please allow up to 20 business days for the vetting process to be completed and for a response to be provided.
Questions?
Visit our CAP FAQ for more information.