Autism Education Resources and Study Highlight School Belonging in Canada

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) offers free educator resources to support autistic students, including an elementary‑level guide, a Level 1 ASD guide, a middle‑ and high‑school curriculum, and a safety guide. These materials provide actionable strategies for inclusive classrooms and aim to improve academic and social outcomes for neurodivergent learners.

A mixed‑methods study by the University of Ottawa surveyed 232 parents of K‑12 autistic students in Ontario during the 2022‑2023 school year. Results showed that lower absenteeism and more inclusive class placements were associated with a stronger sense of school belonging. Caregivers highlighted challenges such as insufficient staffing, inadequate accommodations, systemic barriers, and poor school‑home communication, underscoring the need for better supports to foster belonging and reduce exclusion.