Autism Support Programs in the Toronto District School Board
Direct answer
Toronto District School Board · Ontario Ministry of Education · Verified 2026-02-27
In brief
Key points
- Guide to autism programs in the TDSB. ISP teams, communication classes, autism-specific supports, and special education services in Toronto schools.
- TDSB total enrollment: Approximately 235,000 students (Toronto District School Board)
- ISP class size: 6 students per class (Toronto District School Board)
| Fact | Record | Source |
|---|---|---|
| TDSB total enrollment | Approximately 235,000 students | Toronto District School Board |
| ISP class size | 6 students per class | Toronto District School Board |
| ISP availability | Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy | We are still checking the source for this figure |
| Key hospital partners | Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy | We are still checking the source for this figure |
- TDSB total enrollment
- Approximately 235,000 students
- Toronto District School Board
- ISP class size
- 6 students per class
- Toronto District School Board
- ISP availability
- Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy
- We are still checking the source for this figure
- Key hospital partners
- Not yet confirmed against the board's written policy
- We are still checking the source for this figure
How this page is organized
Intensive Support Programs (ISP)
TDSB offers Intensive Support Programs for some students who need more intensive support. Families can use the board's ISP list to see where programs are located across TDSB.
ISP programs are available at both elementary and secondary levels across the city. Students are placed through the IPRC process. The program focuses on academic, communication, social, and self-regulation skills.
ISP students may participate in integration activities with regular classroom peers. The level of integration is determined by the student's IEP goals and readiness. TDSB supports a continuum from self-contained to fully integrated settings.
Communication Classes and Autism Consultants
TDSB speech-language pathologists work with students, educators, and families on speech, language, and literacy skills. They do not provide one-on-one therapy. A student can be referred for an assessment or consultation after a School Support Team meeting.
TDSB employs autism consultants who provide direct support to schools. They conduct classroom observations, model strategies for teachers, and support IEP development. Families can request autism consultant involvement through their child's school.
In some cases, TDSB works with external services such as School-Based Rehabilitation Services or Holland Bloorview for specialized speech therapy. TDSB speech-language pathologists manage referrals as needed.
TDSB Special Education Plan
TDSB publishes its Special Education Plan annually, as required by the Ontario Ministry of Education. The plan describes all special education programs, services, and staffing. It is available on the TDSB website.
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) provides input to the board on special education matters. SEAC includes parent representatives and members from community organizations. Meetings are public and families can attend.
Parents can access the SEAC meeting schedule and agendas on the TDSB website. Attending SEAC meetings gives families insight into board-wide special education decisions and an opportunity to raise concerns.
Evidence and sources
Toronto District School Board
Special Education Plan (tdsb.on.ca/special-education)
Ontario Ministry of Education
Standards for School Boards' Special Education Plans
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
Request an IPRC meeting through your child's school. Bring a copy of the autism diagnosis and any clinical reports. The IPRC will review the evidence and recommend placement. ISP placement depends on the student's needs and program availability.
Transportation is provided when an IPRC or SEPRC places a student in a special education program outside the home school and the student meets eligibility criteria. Most students with special education needs must meet distance rules, but TDSB reviews each application for unique circumstances. Send the application form to the local school principal.
Yes. SEAC meetings are open to the public. The schedule and agendas are posted on the TDSB website. Attending gives you insight into special education decisions. You can also submit questions or concerns for SEAC to consider.
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