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OCDSB is Ottawa's largest English school board, serving approximately 74,000 students across 145 schools. Its Autism Support Program (ASP) provides specialized school-based consultants who work with classroom teachers on IEP goals, programming, and direct student support. ASP must be requested through the school principal in writing. Every student with autism is entitled to an IEP; EA support requires a formal needs assessment.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
OCDSB's ASP is a board-specific service that goes beyond the baseline provincial requirements. ASP staff are specialized autism consultants who consult with classroom teachers on programming and environmental modifications, help develop IEP goals based on ABA-informed approaches (aligned with PPM 140), work directly with autistic students in some cases, support staff training on autism-specific strategies, and assist with transition planning between grades and schools.
IEP (Individual Education Plan): Required for all identified exceptional students. Must be developed with parent consultation within 30 school days of identification.
OCDSB's ASP is a board-specific service that goes beyond the baseline provincial requirements. ASP staff are specialized autism consultants who consult with classroom teachers on programming and environmental modifications, help develop IEP goals based on ABA-informed approaches (aligned with PPM 140), work directly with autistic students in some cases, support staff training on autism-specific strategies, and assist with transition planning between grades and schools.
ASP involvement must be requested through the school principal and is not automatically triggered by a diagnosis. Put your request in writing.
IEP (Individual Education Plan): Required for all identified exceptional students. Must be developed with parent consultation within 30 school days of identification.
IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee): Formally identifies a student as exceptional, sets placement, and reviews annually. Parents attend, may bring a support person, receive written statements, and may appeal within 30 days. ASP assessment can inform the IPRC.
Ottawa's four school boards: OCDSB (English public), OCSB (English Catholic), CEPEO (French public), and CECCE (French Catholic). All four operate under the same Ontario Education Act requirements. Your rights are identical regardless of which board your child attends.
Visit ocdsb.ca/specialeducation for the Special Education Plan, parent guides, and contact information. Always communicate in writing.
OCDSB
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Special Education Plan (ocdsb.ca/specialeducation)
PPM 140
Ontario Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum 140
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.
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