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Since 2007, every Ontario school board is required to provide Applied Behaviour Analysis as an instructional approach for autistic students. Most parents do not know this policy exists.
Policy/Program Memorandum 140, issued by the Minister of Education in 2007, is a directive to all Ontario school boards. It is not a suggestion. Here is what it mandates:
School boards must offer ABA methods as an instructional approach for students with ASD. This means embedding ABA strategies into classroom instruction — not just in a separate therapy room.
Boards must ensure that school staff are trained in ABA. This includes classroom teachers, EAs, and special education resource teachers (SERTs) who work with autistic students.
Schools must work with families and external ABA providers to plan the transition from private or OAP-funded ABA therapy into the school setting. ABA strategies should carry over, not stop at the school door.
ABA-based strategies must be incorporated into the student's Individual Education Plan. The IEP should name specific techniques, not just say "behaviour support."
School-based ABA looks different from clinic-based ABA. Understanding the difference helps you advocate for the right level of support.
Many children transition from intensive 1:1 ABA therapy (20+ hours/week) to school where they receive zero ABA support. PPM 140 was designed to prevent this cliff — but enforcement is weak and many boards claim they lack trained staff. This is not your problem. It is the board's obligation.
Follow these steps to ensure your child receives ABA-based support as required by provincial policy.
Read the policy. PPM 140 requires ABA as an instructional approach for all students with ASD. It is not a request — it is provincial policy from 2007. When you cite it by name, schools take notice.
Gather records of any ABA therapy your child receives privately or through OAP. Document specific strategies, behaviour plans, and goals that should carry into the classroom.
Send a written request to the principal and special education coordinator specifically requesting ABA-based instructional strategies under PPM 140. Reference the policy by name and number.
Ask your child's ABA therapist or BCBA to provide a transition plan or attend the school meeting. PPM 140 expects schools to collaborate with external providers.
Ensure specific ABA strategies appear in the IEP: visual schedules, discrete trial teaching, naturalistic strategies, token economies, behaviour support plans. Reject vague language like "behaviour support."
If the school refuses, request the refusal in writing. Escalate: superintendent → school board trustee → SEAC → Ministry of Education. Consider contacting ARCH Disability Law Centre or filing a human rights complaint.
Dear [Principal Name] and [Special Education Coordinator],
I am writing to request a meeting regarding Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) support for my child, [Child Name], under Policy/Program Memorandum 140 (2007).
PPM 140 requires all Ontario school boards to offer ABA as an instructional approach for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Specifically, I am requesting:
[Child Name] currently receives [X hours/week] of ABA therapy through [private provider / OAP]. The strategies used include [list specific strategies]. Continuity of these evidence-based approaches in the school setting is essential.
I would appreciate a response within 10 business days to schedule this meeting.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Ontario tracks board compliance with PPM 140 through annual surveys published on the Ontario Open Data portal. The reality is that compliance varies dramatically across the province's 72 school boards.
"We don't have ABA-trained staff."
PPM 140 requires boards to train staff. This is the board's problem to solve, not a reason to deny your child support.
"ABA is a therapy, not an educational approach."
PPM 140 explicitly identifies ABA as an instructional approachfor schools. This argument contradicts the policy.
"We use other evidence-based methods."
PPM 140 specifically names ABA. Other methods may complement ABA, but they do not replace the board's obligation under this policy.
This page is part of the Education & Schools topic cluster. School rights, IEPs, IPRC, and advocacy for autistic students in Ontario.
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