Ontario to Increase Support for Students with Autism Transitioning to School

March 12, 2019

Queen’s Park – Yesterday the Minister of Education announced that the government will increase supports for educators and build on existing programs, so school boards will be prepared to help ensure students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) feel safe and supported in their classrooms. Through Enhancing Education Support: A Plan for Students with Autism, the government will:

• Promote professional learning by fully subsidizing an ASD-specific Additional Qualification course for teachers;
• Double funding to the Geneva Centre for Autism to provide online training opportunities for educators;
• Fund behavior expertise and student supports by continuing special education funding, including components responsive to enrolment of students with high needs;
• Expand after-school skills development programs for students on the Autism spectrum by providing funding to all 72 school boards; and
• Support students transitioning into school through the Connections for Students model with parents, educators and disability advocates.
• Fund school boards for each new student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entering the school system in the remaining months of the 2018-19 school year with an average of $12,300 to make sure there are proper supports available during the transition from therapy to school.

Quote by Effie Triantafilopoulos MPP:

“The Minister of Education has taken strong action to ensure students with autism can transition from therapy to school. The support offered to students, families and school boards illustrates our government’s commitment to ensure every student in Ontario has access to a meaningful education in a safe and supportive school environment.”