High School Transition Planning for Autistic Students in Ontario
Direct answer
Under PPM 156, every student with an IEP must have a transition plan, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. For exceptional students aged 14 or older, 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. When building the transition plan, the principal must consult the community agencies and post-secondary schools they consider appropriate.
The numbers behind the answer
- Transition Planning Age
- All students with an IEP (K-12)
- PPM 156
- School Exit Age
- No set age; adult rules at 21
- Ministry of Education
- Passport Funding
- Adults 18+ with a developmental disability
- MCCSS Passport Program
The school route, step by step
Every school support in Ontario runs through the same sequence. Here is the order the steps come in.
Ten steps · four phases
See the whole school journey before choosing your next step.
This overview shows the order of the main routes. The detailed guide below explains what happens, what parents can request, and which records to keep at each stage.
Phase 01
Prepare for school
Complete the clinical and transition work before the first school day.
Phase 02
Put supports in writing
Move from informal conversations to a documented placement and support plan.
Phase 03
Escalate when support stalls
Use the next formal route only when the school-level process has not resolved the issue.
Phase 04
Plan the next transition
Use the IEP transition plan to connect school with the path after secondary education.
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IEP Transition Plan Requirements
- Policy/Program Memorandum 156 (PPM 156) requires a transition plan for every student who has an IEP, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. For exceptional students aged 14 or older, 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.
Adult Services and Funding at Age 18
- At age 18, autistic individuals in Ontario may apply for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for income support and, if they have a developmental disability, the Passport Program for community participation funding. The Passport Program provides funding for community activities, work and daily life skills, and caregiver 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 keep attending high school after 18. From age 21, the board may move them to continuing education, but an IPRC can recommend that an exceptional student stay in a secondary day school program. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Under PPM 156, every student with an IEP must have a transition plan, starting in Kindergarten. The transition plan is a required component of the IEP. For exceptional students aged 14 and older, it must address work, further education and community living.
Yes. School attendance is required only until 18, but students can keep attending. At 21, the board may move them to continuing education, unless an IPRC recommends that an exceptional student stay in a day school program. This additional time can be used for transition preparation and cooperative education placements.
At age 18, autistic adults can apply for ODSP (income support). Those with a developmental disability can also apply for the Passport Program (community participation funding) and adult developmental services through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), which can confirm eligibility from age 16. Contact DSO well before the student's 18th birthday to begin the intake process.
Sources
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)
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