Write a formal letter to your child's school principal requesting an IPRC meeting. Under Ontario Regulation 181/98, the principal must refer the request to an IPRC within 15 days and the IPRC must meet within 30 days after that. Include your child's name, date of birth, grade, and the reason you are requesting formal identification. Keep a copy and request written confirmation of receipt.
The IPRC will review all available information about your child. Submit copies of the autism diagnostic assessment, any clinical assessments, therapy progress reports, previous IEPs, report cards, and your own observations. The more comprehensive the documentation, the more informed the IPRC decision will be. Request that the school include its own assessment data.
The IPRC identifies students under specific exceptionality categories. For autistic students, the relevant category is "Communication — Autism." The IPRC will also determine the most appropriate placement: regular class with indirect support, regular class with resource assistance, regular class with withdrawal assistance, special education class, or special education school.
You have the right to attend the IPRC meeting, bring a support person or advocate, present information, and participate in the discussion. The IPRC must consider your input. Present your priorities for your child's education and explain what supports they need. Ask questions about the proposed identification and placement. Request clarification on anything you do not understand.
The IPRC will provide a written statement of decision that includes your child's identified exceptionality and recommended placement. You will be asked to consent to the decision. If you agree, sign and return the consent form. If you disagree, you can request a second IPRC meeting within 15 days or appeal to a Special Education Appeal Board within 30 days.
Once the IPRC identification is finalized, the school must develop or update the IEP to be consistent with the IPRC recommendations. The IEP must be completed within 30 school days of placement. Review the updated IEP to ensure it includes appropriate accommodations, modifications, and supports aligned with the IPRC identification.
Ontario Ministry of Education
Ontario Regulation 181/98: Identification and Placement of Exceptional Pupils (ontario.ca/laws)
Ontario Ministry of Education
Special Education in Ontario: Policy and Resource Guide, Section C — IPRC Process
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