Autism Direct Funding Application

Available ONLY to those living in Waterloo Region

IMPORTANT: Please read all instructions before starting your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Families residing in Waterloo Region who have a child under the age of 18 with an ASD diagnosis are eligible to apply for Autism Direct Funding to potentially receive up to $500 that can be used in three possible ways. *Note – Not every applicant is guaranteed to receive funding.  Priority applicants will be those who are not yet receiving Special Services at Home funding.

1. To cover the cost of summer camp programs (all camp programs are eligible i.e., inclusive and specialized programs)

2. To pay for Respite support (e.g., to give caregivers a break) or 1-1 support (e.g., Support Worker at a camp program)

3. To pay for Recreation/Leisure/Skill Development Programs

Please note: This funding cannot be used to pay for any form of therapy, including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Applied Behaviour Therapy. 

For children 0 – 17 years living in Waterloo Region.

INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

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You can get the Application mailed to you!

Click here to let us know where to send your application

2025 Application

FOR PERIOD APRIL 1, 2025 – MARCH 31, 2026

Please Note: Funding is not available to individuals living outside of the Waterloo Region.

Do you agree to submit this form electronically over the Internet?

Is there more than one child/sibling in the home with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis?

Are you receiving Special Services at Home funding (SSAH)?

You indicated that you are receiving SSAH funding. Please enter the amount below (check your SSAH approval letter or contact your coordinator at Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region)

Are you planning to use ADF for camp fees? (Please note that funding can only be used for camps starting April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026)

Do you want to add another camp?

Do you want to add another camp?

Are you planning to use ADF for Respite or for 1:1 Support Worker? (Please note that funding can only be used for respite starting April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026)

Will you be using your Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region SSAH/Direct Support Person (DSP) to provide this respite?

Do you want to add another support worker?

Will you be using your Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region SSAH/Direct Support Person (DSP) to provide this respite?

Do you want to add another support worker?

Will you be using your Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region SSAH/Direct Support Person (DSP) to provide this respite?

Are you planning to use ADF for a recreation or skill development program? (Please note that funding can only be used for respite starting April 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026)

Do you want to add another program?

Do you want to add another program?

Total Funding Requested

Please wait for your “Confirmation” message after you click the submit button. You must receive a copy of this form to be sure it was submitted.

If your application is not submitting, please review to ensure that all mandatory fields have been filled.

If approved, a cheque will be made payable to parent/guardian identified above. Cheques will be mailed out in April 2025. If your mailing address changes, please update it by calling the Autism Direct Funding Committee at 519-741-1121 ext. 2288.

*Note: To qualify for funding, your completed form must be received at our Office by 5p.m., Friday, January 31st, 2025.

If you are having difficulties with the online form on this page — or require assistance, we can offer you three options:

Option 1

Click here to request a paper copy of the form be mailed to you by Canada Post.


Option 2

You can download the form and print it, and fill out the application. You can mail it or drop it off to us.


Option 3

Visit our office at 205 – 1120 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, to pick up a paper form.