Education Guide
EducationOver 155,000 students
PDSB total enrollment
Peel District School Board — Annual Report
Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon
Communities served
Peel District School Board
Elementary and secondary levels
ASD classroom availability
PDSB Special Education Plan
Age 14 for secondary-to-adult transition
Transition planning start
Ontario Ministry of Education — Transition Planning Requirements
PDSB operates Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classrooms at the elementary and secondary levels. These classes have smaller student-to-teacher ratios and are staffed with trained EAs. The classrooms focus on academics, communication, and social skills development.
Placement in an ASD classroom is determined through the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process. Parents can request an IPRC meeting to discuss whether an ASD classroom is appropriate. The child's IEP team provides input on placement.
Students in ASD classrooms may also participate in regular classroom activities for parts of the day. This integration is planned based on the student's readiness and goals. The aim is to provide the least restrictive environment possible.
PDSB employs Autism Resource Teachers and behaviour consultants who support autistic students across the board. These specialists provide classroom strategies, staff training, and direct student support. They work alongside the school-based special education team.
Families can request involvement of the Autism Resource Team through their child's school. The team conducts classroom observations, reviews the IEP, and recommends strategies. They also assist with transition planning between grades and schools.
The Autism Resource Team coordinates with external service providers. This includes Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funded therapists, community agencies, and hospital programs. Collaboration between school and community supports leads to better outcomes.
PDSB has structured transition processes for key stages: entry to kindergarten, elementary to secondary, and secondary to post-secondary or community. Each transition point includes planning meetings with parents and receiving school staff.
For the kindergarten transition, PDSB offers school visits and gradual entry options. Families can share reports from private therapists. The school team reviews this information before the child starts.
The secondary-to-adult transition begins at age 14 and includes community living skills, employment preparation, and connections to adult services like Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).
Peel District School Board
Special Education Plan and Annual Report (peelschools.org)
Ontario Ministry of Education
Special Education in Ontario: Policy and Resource Guide
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.
Verified Facts
Under the Ontario Education Act, every student with special needs is entitled to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and access to an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC)
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50, According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement