Direct answer
Quick AnswerOntario requires transition planning for students with IEPs beginning at age 14 under PPM 156. The IEP must include a transition plan addressing post-secondary education, employment, and community living. At age 18, autistic individuals may become eligible for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Passport funding for community participation, and post-secondary accessibility services. School boards must facilitate referrals to adult services before the student exits the school system.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
Policy/Program Memorandum 156 (PPM 156) requires that every IEP for a student with an exceptionality who is 14 years of age or older (or in Grade 9) must include a transition plan. The plan must address the student's goals for post-secondary education, employment, and community living. It must be developed in consultation with the student, parents, and relevant community agencies.
At age 18, autistic individuals in Ontario may apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for income support and the Passport Program for community participation funding. The Passport Program provides funding for community activities, social skills development, and respite. Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services and should be contacted well before the student's 18th birthday.
Policy/Program Memorandum 156 (PPM 156) requires that every IEP for a student with an exceptionality who is 14 years of age or older (or in Grade 9) must include a transition plan. The plan must address the student's goals for post-secondary education, employment, and community living. It must be developed in consultation with the student, parents, and relevant community agencies.
The transition plan should include specific goals, timelines, actions, and the persons responsible. For autistic students, this may include referrals to Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) for adult services, applications for ODSP, exploration of post-secondary education with accessibility services, employment readiness programs, and connections to community support agencies.
At age 18, autistic individuals in Ontario may apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for income support and the Passport Program for community participation funding. The Passport Program provides funding for community activities, social skills development, and respite. Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services and should be contacted well before the student's 18th birthday.
Autistic students can remain in school until age 21 if they have not completed the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC). This extended time can be used for transition preparation, cooperative education placements, and life skills development. School boards should support families in navigating the transition to adult services during this period.
PPM 156
Policy/Program Memorandum 156: Supporting Transitions for Students with Special Education Needs — Ontario Ministry of Education (2013)
MCCSS
Passport Program and Developmental Services Ontario — Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (2024)
How to prepare an autistic child for kindergarten in Ontario. Covers OAP entry-to-school programs, IEP preparation, and school board transition protocols.
How autistic students access accommodations at Ontario universities and colleges. Covers accessibility services registration, AODA requirements, and available supports.
Ontario autistic children have legal rights to an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Learn what schools must provide under the Education Act and Ontario Regulation 181/98.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate
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