At Bright Strides, we understand that supporting your child’s learning is a significant investment. While our services are not occupational therapy or medical treatment, there may be ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

1. Private Insurance / Extended Health Benefits

Some private insurance plans cover tutoring or educational support under “learning support” or “special needs services.”

Families should contact their provider to ask if tutoring for children with autism/ADHD qualifies for coverage.

2. Autism Funding (Ontario Autism Program – OAP)

The OAP provides funding for eligible children and youth with autism.

Families can choose how to use their OAP funds, including tutoring and learning support if it aligns with their child’s individualized plan.

Learn more: Ontario Autism Program

3. Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

Families of children with autism or ADHD may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

While the DTC itself doesn’t directly pay for tutoring, it reduces overall tax burden, which can help free up resources for services like tutoring.

Learn more: Canada Revenue Agency – Disability Tax Credit

4. School Board & Community Resources

Some school boards offer Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) support or funding for after-school tutoring.

Community agencies and local autism societies sometimes offer bursaries or subsidies for tutoring/educational support.

5. Charitable & Nonprofit Supports

Organizations like Autism Ontario, local children’s foundations, and community service clubs (e.g., Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis) may offer financial assistance.

Parents are encouraged to reach out to these groups directly.

6. Respite Care Funding

Many families of children with autism or ADHD receive respite funding through provincial programs or local agencies to support care.

While Bright Steps Tutoring is educational support and not formal respite care, families may choose to apply their respite hours or funding if their provider allows it.

Each agency or program has its own rules so please check with your respite provider to confirm if tutoring qualifies.

💡 Note for Families:
Funding availability varies by child and family situation. Please check with your insurance provider, the Ontario Autism Program, respite agencies, and community support to confirm eligibility.