Transition

people-460587_640Transition describes a stage in life that is full of change. Transition between classes, year groups, schools, colleges, university and the workplace are significant events that needs careful support.

We support the key people involved in transfer (the young person, parents/carers, teachers and support staff, people from the new placement, e.g. teacher, lecturer, support worker, employer) to communicate effectively. We use a person centred approach to manage change by using an autism passport and other visual tools, such as social stories, which smooths the transition and minimises anxiety. We can provide a sensory audit of the new setting to help staff understand and use individual support strategies that lead to a successful transfer.

The key to success is to plan early and ensure that the process of change is flexible and personalised to meet the  individual needs. This helps the young person feel they remain in control of their life and therefore able to achieve greater independence.

This form of support can also be provided online.

A positive transition will allow for:

  •  understanding new routines and organisation,
  •  curriculum continuity in order to maintain level of academic work,
  • improvement of self esteem and the development of new friendships,
  • settling successfully into the new environment with minimal anxiety.

In addition to educational transitions, there may be other changes to a young person’s situation which will require planning, understanding and support, such as moving house and finding employment, the onset of puberty and coping with bereavement.

We can support a young person to learn the strategies which will aid them and the people around them to move through the change in their lives smoothly.