Developmental Services Ontario (DSO): Access to Adult Developmental Services
Offered by Developmental Services Ontario / Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Ontario)
Ontario's front door for MCCSS-funded adult developmental services, including Passport funding, respite, housing supports, community participation, and specialized supports.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the official access point for Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)-funded adult developmental services in Ontario. DSO does not deliver services directly; it confirms whether an adult is eligible and connects eligible people to available community supports when resources are available. Families can start the eligibility process at age 16, but adult services begin at age 18. For autism families, the key caveat is that DSO is a developmental-disability pathway, not an autism-only pathway: psychological documentation must address cognitive functioning, adaptive functioning, and age of onset.