Privacy, on your terms.Analytics run by default. Decline any time.
Autism support in Ottawa-Carleton District School Board - IEP, EA, Autism Support Program, IPRC, and French school board context in Ottawa.
Direct answer
OCDSB currently lists an Autism Spectrum Disorder Secondary Credit Support Program for secondary students and autism programs for elementary and secondary students. All schools use a tiered support approach. Parents may submit a written IPRC request to the principal, and every student identified as exceptional by an IPRC must have an IEP.
Every school support in Ontario runs through the same sequence. Here is the order the steps come in.
Ten steps · four phases
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
Complete the clinical and transition work before the first school day.
Phase 02
Move from informal conversations to a documented placement and support plan.
Phase 03
Use the next formal route only when the school-level process has not resolved the issue.
Phase 04
Use the IEP transition plan to connect school with the path after secondary education.
About This Article
Published:
OCDSB says it supports autistic students in regular classes and specialized program classes. Its current program list includes the Autism Spectrum Disorder Secondary Credit Support Program for secondary students and Autism Spectrum Disorder programs for elementary and secondary students. All OCDSB schools use a tiered approach to assessment and intervention for students who require special education programs and services.
For the secondary autism specialized program, OCDSB referrals are coordinated by the multidisciplinary team at the student's school. Questions go to the student's current school, a parent or caregiver must give signed consent before a referral is submitted to Learning Support Services, and placement is determined through an IPRC.
An IEP must be developed for every student identified as exceptional by an IPRC. An IEP may also be developed for a student who has not been formally identified when the board deems that special education programming or services are required. The school must consult the parent, or the student when the student is 16 or older, and the principal must ensure that the IEP is developed within 30 school days of the start of the student's placement.
A parent or guardian can submit a written IPRC request to the principal. The committee decides identification and placement, and a review meeting is held within the school year. OCDSB invites parents and students aged 16 or older to attend, and an advocate invited by the parents may attend to provide support or speak on their behalf. The IPRC issues a written statement of decision. Written notice of an appeal must be given within 30 days of the original decision or within 15 days of the decision from a follow-up meeting.
Policy/Program Memorandum 140 requires school boards to offer students with autism special education programs and services, including programs using applied behaviour analysis methods where appropriate.
| Source | What it supports | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa-Carleton District School Board About OCDSB | Current student and learning-site figures. | 2026-08-26 |
| OCDSB Secondary Special Education Programs | Current special education program names and tiered support model. | 2026-08-26 |
| OCDSB Autism Spectrum Disorder Secondary Credit Support | Current program description and referral route. | 2026-08-26 |
| Ontario Individual Education Plans | IEP eligibility, development and consultation requirements. | 2026-08-26 |
| Ontario Identifying Students with Special Education Needs | IPRC requests, participation, decisions, reviews and appeal deadlines. | 2026-08-26 |
| Ontario Policy/Program Memorandum 140 | Provincial requirements for autism programs and applied behaviour analysis methods where appropriate. | 2026-08-26 |
| OCDSB IPRC Parent Guide | OCDSB identification, placement, review, participation and decision procedures. | 2026-08-26 |
OCDSB lists an Autism Spectrum Disorder Secondary Credit Support Program for secondary students and separate Autism Spectrum Disorder programs for elementary and secondary students. The board says support may be provided in regular classes or specialized program classes through a tiered approach.
Submit a written request to the school principal. Once the principal receives it, the principal must request an IPRC meeting for the student. For the secondary autism specialized program, OCDSB directs referral questions to the student's current school.
Every student identified as exceptional by an IPRC must have an IEP. The principal must ensure that it is developed within 30 school days of the start of the student's placement, and the school must consult the parent or a student who is 16 or older.
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board About OCDSB
Current student and learning-site figures.
Checked
OCDSB Secondary Special Education Programs
Current special education program names and tiered support model.
Checked
OCDSB Autism Spectrum Disorder Secondary Credit Support
Current program description and referral route.
Checked
Ontario Individual Education Plans
IEP eligibility, development and consultation requirements.
Checked
Ontario Identifying Students with Special Education Needs
IPRC requests, participation, decisions, reviews and appeal deadlines.
Checked
Ontario Policy/Program Memorandum 140
Provincial requirements for autism programs and applied behaviour analysis methods where appropriate.
Checked
OCDSB identification, placement, review, participation and decision procedures.
Checked
OCDSB's Autism Support Program and IEP process are key resources for Ottawa families during the OAP wait.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: August 26, 2026.
Can my child get an IEP without an autism diagnosis?
You do NOT need a formal medical diagnosis to get an IEP (Individual Education Plan) in Ontario schools. Write to your principal requesting an IPRC meeting, state you have a 'medical referral in progress,' and focus on identifying your child's needs rather than diagnostic labels.
Source: Ontario Education Act
Can autistic students get an educational assistant (EA)?
School boards may assign educational assistants (EAs) to autistic students based on needs identified through the IEP process. How EAs are allocated varies by board and school, so ask the principal how support is assigned for your child.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education — special education · Open source record
What rights do autistic students have in Ontario schools?
In Ontario, students with autism have the right to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and reasonable accommodations without a formal diagnosis, based on need. Parents can request an IPRC meeting to identify their child as 'exceptional', guaranteeing specific rights to support services.
Source: Ontario Education Act · Open source record
Check the author’s context, review method, and how to report an error.
Founder & Autism Advocate
Lived experience: Parent of autistic child navigating OAP system