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The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board serves approximately 75,000 students across 147 schools. For families navigating autism support, understanding the IEP and IPRC processes, ASD classroom options, and your legal rights as a parent is essential.
students enrolled across 147 schools in Ottawa, making OCDSB one of Ontario's largest public school boards
the provincial regulation governing special education identification, placement, and IEP requirements — binding on all Ontario school boards
maximum timeline for the OCDSB to provide parents with a copy of their child's IEP after the start of the school year or program placement
The Identification, Placement, and Review Committee formally identifies a student's exceptionality and recommends a placement. For autism, the committee considers assessments, teacher observations, and parent input.
The IEP documents your child's specific educational program, accommodations, and services. For autistic students, it is the central tool for ensuring appropriate support is provided and tracked.
Always request the IPRC and IEP documents in writing and keep copies. Ask for specific, measurable goals in the IEP rather than vague language. If you disagree with the IPRC decision, you have the right to appeal — contact the OCDSB Learning Support Services at (613) 596-8211 or email the Special Education department.
The OCDSB operates structured teaching classrooms specifically for students with autism spectrum disorder. These are distributed across schools throughout Ottawa, not concentrated in a single location.
Regular Classroom + Accommodations
Autistic student in general education with IEP accommodations and EA support. Appropriate for many students with moderate support needs.
Partial Integration
Student splits time between ASD classroom and general education classes. Common for students who benefit from structured support part-day.
Full-Time ASD Classroom
Student placed entirely in structured ASD classroom. For students requiring intensive supports throughout the school day.
An autism identification through the IPRC does not automatically entitle a student to a full-time Educational Assistant. The OCDSB allocates EA time based on demonstrated need as documented in the IEP. The board uses Ontario's special education funding model, which includes a per-pupil special education amount and high-needs funding for students with intensive requirements.
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) is the primary hospital partner for the OCDSB in autism diagnostic and consultative support. Families navigating the intersection of CHEO assessments and OCDSB special education should understand how both systems interact.
The OCDSB has its own psychoeducational assessment staff. These school psychologists and psychological associates conduct assessments for students where a special education need is suspected.
Note: Board psychoeducational assessments document learning needs for IEP purposes. A formal autism diagnosis typically requires a clinical assessment through CHEO or a private psychologist.
No student may be excluded from a French Immersion program solely on the basis of an autism diagnosis or other exceptionality. The right to French language education is protected under the Ontario Education Act. The OCDSB must provide appropriate accommodations in French Immersion, not redirect students away from the program.
| Feature | OCDSB (Public) | OCSB (Catholic) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | ~75,000 students | ~38,000 students |
| Schools | 147 schools | 87 schools |
| IPRC/IEP Requirements | Yes (Ontario Reg. 181/98) | Yes (same provincial law) |
| ASD Classrooms | Yes — distributed across board | Yes — distributed across board |
| French Immersion | Available across multiple schools | Available at select schools |
| Primary Difference | Non-denominational public | Catholic faith-based instruction |
| SEAC (Parent Advisory) | OCDSB SEAC — public meetings | OCSB SEAC — public meetings |
Both boards operate under identical provincial legislation for special education. Program availability at specific schools varies. Contact both boards to compare options near your home before deciding.
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is a formal advisory body to the OCDSB Board of Trustees. It includes representatives from parent associations, disability organizations (including autism-specific groups), and community members. SEAC meetings are open to the public.
Always follow up phone calls with written communication (email or letter) and keep records of all correspondence regarding your child's IEP and placement.
Navigating OCDSB special education alongside autism diagnosis and OAP services can be overwhelming. Start with the right diagnosis, connect with Ottawa-specific support, and advocate confidently for your child's IEP.
This page is part of the Regional Information topic cluster. Location-specific resources and data.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.