Guide
Read through the full diagnosis report so you understand every section. Note the recommendations that are relevant to school settings. Highlight specific accommodations the clinician has suggested, as these will guide your conversation with the school.
Email the school principal to request a meeting. Ask that the Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) attend. A written request creates a record and signals that this is a formal discussion. Suggest two or three possible meeting times.
Bring copies of the diagnosis report for the school to keep on file. Walk the team through the key findings and recommendations. Explain your child's strengths as well as their challenges so the school has a balanced understanding.
Based on the clinician's recommendations, request specific accommodations. Examples include preferential seating, sensory breaks, extended test time, or access to assistive technology. Be specific about what your child needs rather than making general requests.
Ask the school to begin developing an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP formalizes accommodations and sets measurable goals. Under the Education Act, the school must develop an IEP within 30 school days of a student being identified as exceptional.
After the meeting, send an email summarizing what was discussed and agreed upon. Include a list of the accommodations requested, the timeline for the IEP, and the name of the person responsible for next steps. This written record is essential if you need to escalate later.
Evidence
Ontario Ministry of Education
Individual Education Plan standards and resource guide (ontario.ca/education)
Ontario Human Rights Commission
Guidelines on accessible education for students with disabilities (ohrc.on.ca)
No. Sharing a diagnosis is voluntary. You can share functional needs without giving the full report. Schools can accommodate disability-related needs even when you share only the information needed to plan support.
The diagnosis information is part of your child's Ontario Student Record (OSR). Access is limited to educators and administrators directly involved in your child's education. You can ask the school to specify who will see the documentation.
If the school does not take the diagnosis seriously, put your concerns in writing to the principal. Reference the Education Act and the duty to accommodate under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Escalate to the school board's special education coordinator if needed.
Beginner · 2-4 weeks
Intermediate · 1-2 weeks preparation
Intermediate · 2-4 months
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents approximately 290% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
How long do families wait for Ontario autism services?
Ontario autism wait times for core clinical services now exceed 5+ years (2026). Most families currently receiving invitations registered in 2020 or earlier. This delay far exceeds the sensitive early intervention window recommended by developmental specialists.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?
Yes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated $965 million, leaving an estimated $385M+ annual shortfall. This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 91,974+ child waitlist.
Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO] · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate