Preparing for Transition to Adult Services

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in Ontario.

At 18, services through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) end. This means that individuals must apply through DSO to see if they are eligible to receive adult MCCSS-funded supports.

To learn more about preparing for the transition to adult services through DSO, please see the information below.

At 16 years of age:

  1. Parent registers with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) 
  2. Once registered, a referral is completed for adult services. Proof of Developmental Disability is required.
  3. The parent will be connected to a DSO Assessor if eligible.
    • **KEEP THE ELIGIBILITY LETTER** (You need it for the Ontario Disability Support Program - ODSP).
  4. The DSO Assessor will set up two meetings (approximately 3 hours each) to complete assessments and determine the level of support needed.
    • Available adult services include:
      • Adult Protective Service Worker
      • Behavioural Services
      • Case Management Services
      • Person Directed Planning
      • Passport Funding (Respite)
      • Housing Supports (Group Home, Supported Independent Living, Host Family Home)
      • Community Participation Supports (Day Programs).
  5. At 18, the client is placed on the DSO waitlist for the chosen support.

At 17 ½ years of age:

  1. Parent can begin applying for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for their youth.
  2. Parent can start the application and determine financial eligibility. Remember that it’s the client applying, so fill it out as though they were completing it (even if they can’t).
  3. A full package will be sent to you once deemed eligible. By using the DSO Eligibility Letter, you will bypass the medical portion of the ODSP application. Complete the rest and return it.
  4. An ODSP Worker will contact the parent for a face-to-face meeting with them and the client to finalize the application and determine the financial assistance that will be provided.
  5. Financial Assistance starts once the client turns 18.