How to Request School Accommodations for Your Autistic Child in Ontario

Contact your child's teacher or principal in writing to request a meeting. Ask for the Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) to attend. Put the request in an email so you have a dated record.

Gather your child's diagnosis report, therapy assessments, and any notes from clinicians. Write a brief summary of what your child struggles with at school. Include examples of situations where accommodations would help.

Write a letter to the principal requesting specific accommodations. Reference the Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2, and your child's right to appropriate support. List each accommodation clearly and explain why it is needed.

Request an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) meeting if the school has not initiated one. The IPRC will formally identify your child as exceptional and recommend a placement. You have the right to attend and present evidence.

After accommodations are agreed upon, check in with the teacher monthly. Ask your child how things are going. Review the IEP at each reporting period to confirm accommodations are being applied consistently.

If the school fails to implement agreed accommodations, put your concerns in writing to the principal. Escalate to the school board's special education department. You can also file an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.