Direct answer
The Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) is a school board committee mandated by Ontario Regulation 181/98 that determines whether a student is exceptional and recommends an appropriate placement. Parents can request an IPRC meeting at any time, and the committee must meet within the school year. For autistic students, the IPRC typically identifies them under the Communications exceptionality.
Under Ontario Regulation 181/98, parents or the school principal can request an IPRC meeting. The committee consists of at least three people, including a principal or supervisory officer. The IPRC reviews all available assessment data — including psychological, educational, and medical reports — to determine if a student meets the criteria for an exceptionality under the Ontario Education Act categories.
For students with autism, the IPRC typically applies the Communications: Autism exceptionality. The committee then recommends a placement: regular class with indirect support, regular class with resource assistance, regular class with withdrawal assistance, a special education class, or a special education school. Parents must consent to the placement.
Parents should gather all relevant documentation before the IPRC: the child's diagnostic assessment, any private therapy reports, progress notes, communication logs with teachers, and any previous IEPs. Under the regulation, parents have the right to attend the IPRC meeting, present information, and bring an advocate or representative.
If parents disagree with the IPRC decision, they have 30 days to file an appeal with the school board's Special Education Appeal Board (SEAB). If still unsatisfied after the SEAB process, parents can appeal to the Ontario Special Education Tribunal. Legal representation is advisable at this stage.
Ontario Reg. 181/98
Identification and Placement of Exceptional Pupils — Ontario Regulation 181/98 under the Education Act
Ministry of Education
Special Education in Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Resource Guide (2017)
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.
Step-by-step guide to appealing an IEP or IPRC decision in Ontario. Learn about the Special Education Appeal Board, timelines, and your legal options.
Ontario has no legislated EA-to-student ratio. Learn how EA support is allocated for autistic students and what parents can do to advocate for adequate support.
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.
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents approximately 290% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
How long do families wait for Ontario autism services?
Ontario autism wait times for core clinical services now exceed 5+ years (2026). Most families currently receiving invitations registered in 2020 or earlier. This delay far exceeds the sensitive early intervention window recommended by developmental specialists.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?
Yes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated $965 million, leaving an estimated $385M+ annual shortfall. This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 91,974+ child waitlist.
Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO] · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate