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?

Transition can be challenging for everyone. Because of the complex social and communication difficulties they experience, people with autism can find it especially hard to cope with change. So accessing the right support during transition is vital. Transition can be a stressful and anxious time both for young people with autism and their families.

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.

The Autism Education Trust