Intensive Support • Ages 14-16 • Goal:

Make a Transition Plan

Action step 1.

Think about options for high school.

High school options include:

  • Learning in separate classrooms or being in regular classes with support
  • Graduating with a diploma or a certificate
  • Graduating in four years
  • Staying in special education longer, up to age 22

Your options and choices may change as your needs and goals change over time.

Resources

  • From Autism Speaks about the general transition to adulthood
  • From The Center for Autism Research about options after high school

Words to know

certificate
diploma

Action step 2.

Participate in IEP transition planning meetings.

Education after high school is part of IEP transition planning. This planning begins at age 14-16, depending on the laws in your state.

You can be part of the planning. You can help the IEP team make the plan fit your goals for the future. This can help you:

  • Learn about supports you may need
  • Practice self-advocacy

Resources

  • From Autism Speaks about the transition process
  • From Understood about IEP transition planning

Words to know

Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Individualized Education Program (IEP) team
Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition planning
self-advocacy

Action step 3.

Prepare for college entrance exams.

If your goal is to go to college, you may need to take a college entrance exam, like the SAT or the ACT. If you have an IEP or 504 plan, you can ask for accommodations on the day of the exam. Getting help from a tutor and taking practice tests can help you get ready for the test.

You may be able to get accommodations during the test, including communication support.

Resources

  • From ACT about testing accommodations for people with disabilities
  • From College Board about testing accommodations for people with disabilities
  • From The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia about post-secondary admissions assessments

Words to know

accommodations
college entrance exam

You’ve reached the end of the action steps for this support level and age group.

  • To find services and providers in your area, visit our Resource Guide.
  • For direct contact with a member of our Autism Response Team, call 1-888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762) or en Español 1-888-772-9050.
  • Send an email to: help@autismspeaks.org.
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