Autism Support Programs in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Direct answer
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board · CHEO · Ontario Human Rights Commission · Verified 2026-02-27
In brief
Key points
- Guide to autism programs in the OCDSB. Specialized programs, bilingual supports, regional coordinators, and special education services in Ottawa schools.
- OCDSB total enrollment: Over 70,000 students (Ottawa-Carleton District School Board)
- French-language board option: Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy (We are still checking the source for this figure)
| Fact | Record | Source |
|---|---|---|
| OCDSB total enrollment | Over 70,000 students | Ottawa-Carleton District School Board |
| French-language board option | Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy | We are still checking the source for this figure |
| Key hospital partner | Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy | We are still checking the source for this figure |
| Specialized program availability | Kindergarten, primary, junior, intermediate, and senior | Ottawa-Carleton District School Board |
- OCDSB total enrollment
- Over 70,000 students
- Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
- French-language board option
- Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy
- We are still checking the source for this figure
- Key hospital partner
- Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy
- We are still checking the source for this figure
- Specialized program availability
- Kindergarten, primary, junior, intermediate, and senior
- Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
How this page is organized
Autism-Specific Programs
OCDSB offers autism special education classes from kindergarten through secondary school, and places them in designated schools. The current plan lists six students in each ASDP class and ten in each ASDCSP class. It lists one teacher with special education qualifications and educational assistants as available resources.
Placement in specialized programs is determined through the IPRC process. Parents can request an IPRC review at any time. The school team provides recommendations based on the student's assessment data and current functioning.
For students who do not need a self-contained program, OCDSB provides in-school support through Learning Support Teachers (LSTs). LSTs work with classroom teachers to implement IEP accommodations and modifications.
Bilingual and French-Language Options
At OCDSB, elementary programming is moving toward English with Core French and Early French Immersion, while Middle French Immersion is being phased out. French-language education has separate admission rules tied to section 23 rights. Families without rights-holder status may still apply, and the board's admission committee reviews the request.
CEPEO offers special education programs and services for students with special needs. Its Omer-Deslauriers secondary school says it offers three autism classes.
If a French Immersion change is suggested, ask for the reasons and accommodations in writing. A disability diagnosis alone should not decide program placement.
Regional Coordinators and CHEO Partnership
OCDSB lists Learning Support Consultants and an Autism/Developmental Disabilities Team as district-level supports. Learning Support Consultants work with their schools to build capacity to support students. Learning Support Services staff also work with teaching staff and parents or caregivers to meet the needs of students and schools.
CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario) is a key partner for autism diagnosis and treatment in the Ottawa region. CHEO's Autism Program provides assessments, parent training, and research-based interventions. The hospital coordinates with school boards on transition planning.
OCDSB's current special education plan lists Autism Ontario, Ottawa Chapter in its Special Education Advisory Committee membership. The plan also describes ongoing liaison with CHEO Development and Rehabilitation for students entering from Children's Treatment Centre services.
Evidence and sources
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Special Education Plan and Learning Support Services (ocdsb.ca)
CHEO
Autism Spectrum Disorder Program (cheo.on.ca)
Ontario Human Rights Commission
Guidelines on accessible education and French-language education rights
If the first request doesn't resolve it
This is general information, not legal advice, and no outcome is guaranteed at any rung. It is the same escalation path used across End The Wait Ontario's School Support Navigator.
School Principal
Put your concern in writing to the principal. Most issues resolve at this level once there is a dated, written record — and every later rung will ask what you raised here.
Superintendent of Special Education
If the principal does not respond in writing or the issue continues, escalate to the board's superintendent responsible for special education, attaching your correspondence with the school.
Director of Education / School Board
The board level: the Director of Education, and in parallel the board's SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) for systemic issues. Suspension appeals also live here — with a 10-school-day notice window (Education Act, s. 309(3)).
Ombudsman Ontario
Since September 1, 2015, the Ontario Ombudsman takes complaints about school boards. It reviews how the board handled your concern — bring your dated chronology and the record of the steps you already took.
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (information only)
The HRTO hears applications about discrimination, including disability discrimination in education services. Applications must be filed within one year of the incident (or the last in a series) — Human Rights Code, s. 34(1). This site provides general information only; get advice from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (hrlsc.on.ca) or a lawyer before filing.
- See the full escalation ladder with citations and deadlines
Frequently asked questions
Ask the school to put any proposed change in writing. The family has an important consent and advocacy role, but placement and program rules may also apply. Ask what accommodations were tried.
You can get a referral from your family doctor, paediatrician, or nurse practitioner. CHEO's Autism Program accepts referrals for children and youth. Wait times vary. You can also request a school-based assessment through OCDSB while waiting for CHEO.
No. Specialized ASD programs are located at specific schools across Ottawa. Students are transported to the nearest school with the appropriate program. Contact OCDSB Learning Support Services for a current list of program locations.
Take Action to End the Wait
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