School Support Program

Together, we can help young people with autism thrive at school

Our School Support Program helps children with autism confidently transition from clinical settings to school across the Toronto region.

Services are available for families, schools, and clinical settings. Each form of support is dedicated to helping children with autism flourish at school.

We offer services for:

• Families registered with the Ontario Autism Program
• Children who are entering school for the first time
• Children who are transitioning between the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) services to school
• Publicly funded school boards (English and French)

We offer the following services:

Transition Services

Transitions from clinical services to school are better when families and schools are all on the same page. Our ASD Consultants work directly with caregivers and their school boards to help students move into their education safely and positively. Using visual tools, school visits, and close collaboration with school staff, we help children apply the skills they’ve learned in therapy to their classroom environment.

New-to-School Caregiver Consultation Service

The New-to-School Caregiver Consultation Service is a 6–8-week service model for caregivers of children who will be registering and attending the school for the first time.

Before your child starts school, you will engage in weekly 1-to-1 consultation sessions with an ASD Consultant. This service is run virtually, and all members of the family unit are welcome to attend.

Caregivers will be provided support for:

• Understanding the registration process
• Understanding special education services
• Learning school processes
• Preparing their child for the transition to school
• Developing positive relationships with the classroom teacher, staff, and school administrators

School Support Drop-in Clinic

Caregivers can meet one-on-one, virtually, with an ASD Consultant to talk about school-related questions or concerns.

During the consultation, families can learn more about publicly available school information and how it may relate to their child’s needs. Topics may include:

• Registering for school
• Preparing for transitions, such as starting school, changing schools, or graduating
• Understanding and accessing supports available through the school

Families are encouraged to bring specific questions or concerns so they can get the most out of their consultation.

This service is available for families whose child or youth is attending a school within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), the Bloorview School Authority, le Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir, or le Conseil scolaire Viamonde.

If your family is receiving Entry to School or TRE-ADD services, please speak with your Transition Facilitator or Family Support Consultant about transition-related needs. These programs already include transition support.

Services for School Boards

ASD Consultants work alongside school personnel, sharing practical strategies and resources to help students succeed in the classroom. The goal of this program is to strengthen the supports already in place and create a more positive, inclusive learning experience for students with ASD across Ontario.