DURHAM REGION — Three autism service providers in Durham Region will receive nearly $1.2 million over the next two years as part of the Ontario government’s commitment to expand access to clinical services through the Ontario Autism Program.
The investment, drawn from a broader $37 million provincial fund, will be distributed among 100 public and private autism service providers across Ontario. In Durham, Grandview Children’s Centre and Progressive Steps Training and Consultation Inc., both based in Ajax, will each receive $400,000. Lake Ridge Community Support Services will receive $391,135.
“These investments here in Durham Region and throughout Ontario will help autism service providers build and retain stable, skilled teams that will allow more families to access the services they need close to home,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe, who also serves as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.
The funding is provided through the Ontario Autism Program’s workforce capacity fund. These grants, ranging from $50,000 to $400,000, support organizations in hiring and training staff, expanding service hours, investing in technology, and reaching underserved rural and remote areas.
Lake Ridge Community Support Services plans to use its funding to address service gaps for autistic adolescents facing mental health challenges. “With support from this grant, we will provide specialized training for our team and develop an evidence-based clinical skills curriculum,” said Clinical Director Renee Hacker.
Progressive Steps Clinical Director Kerry-Anne Robinson emphasized the grant’s potential to build on previous successes: “We’re committed to using these resources to reduce wait times without compromising the ethical, evidence-based care that defines our practice.”
At Grandview Children’s Centre, the funding will enhance service delivery and help more families get timely support. “This high-impact investment is a meaningful step toward improving access, reducing delays and enhancing behaviour program offerings,” said CEO Tom McHugh.
The province said earlier grants from 2022 and 2023 enabled providers to serve an additional 6,000 children, train more than 2,000 staff, and fund over 500 clinician positions.
Since 2019, Ontario has more than doubled its investment in the Ontario Autism Program, which now has a budget of $779 million, including $175 million announced in the 2025 budget.
“Autism service providers do an incredible job of helping children and youth reach their full potential,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Our government is proud to work with them to make it easier for more families to access timely, local supports tailored to their needs.”
The Ontario Autism Program supports children and youth aged 0 to 17 through a variety of services, including early intervention programs, school readiness, caregiver education, core clinical services, and urgent response initiatives.