What to Expect During Your Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Determination of Needs Meeting

If your child is registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and you're preparing for the Determination of Needs (DoN) meeting, you may be wondering what to expect. This important step helps ensure your child receives the right level of support and services tailored to their unique strengths and needs.

At The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services, we understand that navigating the OAP can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together this guide to help you feel prepared and confident going into your DoN meeting.

What is the Determination of Needs (DoN) Meeting?

The DoN meeting is a structured conversation between your family and an OAP care coordinator. The goal is to assess your child’s strengths, challenges, and support needs to determine the funding level and services that will best support their development.

This is an opportunity to advocate for your child and provide valuable insights into their daily life, skill levels, and areas where they need additional support.

How to Prepare for the Meeting

To make the most of your DoN meeting, it’s important to gather relevant information about your child’s development, behaviour, and support needs. Here are some ways to prepare:

✅ Review Your Child’s Current Skills & Challenges

• Consider communication, social skills, behaviour, emotional regulation, daily living skills, and academic abilities.

• Think about what supports they currently need at home, school, and in the community.

✅ Gather Reports & Documentation

• Recent assessments (psychological, speech and language, occupational therapy, ABA reports).

• School progress reports, Individual Education Plan (IEP), or teacher observations.

✅ Consider Your Family’s Needs

• What level of support does your child require daily?

• How does your child’s needs impact family routines and dynamics?

• Do you need respite care or additional resources for parent training?

✅ Prepare Questions

• What types of services can be covered under the OAP funding?

• How is the funding level determined?

• What happens if my child’s needs change over time?

What Happens During the Meeting?

During the Determination of Needs meeting, the care coordinator will:

🟢 Ask About Your Child’s Abilities & Challenges: You’ll discuss your child’s developmental milestones, social skills, communication, behaviour, and self-care abilities. This helps the OAP determine how much support your child requires.

🟢 Talk About Daily Routines & Family Support: Expect questions about how your child functions at home, at school, and in the community. The goal is to understand the level of care and supervision your child needs daily.

🟢 Determine the Level of Support Needed: Based on the information shared, the care coordinator will assess your child’s needs and assign them to a funding level within the OAP. This funding can be used for various services, including ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological services.

🟢 Discuss Next Steps & Available Resources: You’ll receive guidance on how to access services and use your child’s OAP funding. The care coordinator may also provide referrals to community resources and additional supports.

After the Meeting: What’s Next?

Following the DoN meeting, you will receive a funding allocation letter outlining the level of support your child qualifies for. You can then use these funds to access evidence-based services that best support your child’s development.

At The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services, we can help you understand your funding options and create a customized plan for your child’s growth and success.

Final Tips for a Successful DoN Meeting

✔ Be Honest & Detailed – Clearly explain the challenges your child faces and the level of support they need.

✔ Advocate for Your Child – If you feel your child needs more support, don’t be afraid to speak up.

✔ Take Notes – Keep track of key points discussed and next steps for accessing funding.

✔ Follow Up if Needed – If you have questions after the meeting, reach out to your OAP care coordinator for clarification.

We’re Here to Support You!

Navigating the OAP can feel complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need guidance before or after your Determination of Needs meeting, The Nest Family Behaviour Support Services is here to help.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about our ABA therapy, parent coaching, and family support services in York Region. Let’s work together to create a plan that helps your child thrive!