Introduction

What is transition?

Transition is the process of moving from one stage to another.

The main transition stages for a young person are:

• starting preschool or nursery
• moving to primary school
• starting secondary school
• moving on to further or higher education
• leaving school
• finding a job or training course
• moving out of the family home

Why is transition important for young people with autism?

“Our little man changed schools last year and we were dreading it as him and change just do not go.”

Transition can be challenging for everyone, but for children and young people with autism, who often struggle to cope with change, accessing the right support during transition is vital.

The Autism Education Trust website explains: "Children with autism may undergo more transitions than most during their school-age years because the same type of educational setting may not be appropriate throughout. It is therefore vital that schools and other agencies consult thoroughly with parents and work with children to ease transition difficulties.”

Because of the complex social and communication difficulties typically experienced by people with autism, transition can be a stressful and anxious time – for the families as well as for young people themselves.

“My daughter who is now 18 has autism. She went to a mainstream secondary and I was so worried the first day I was sick all day long!”