Some Support • Ages 14-16 • Goal:

Make a Transition Plan

Action step 1.

Think about options for high school.

High school options include:

  • Graduating with a diploma or a certificate
  • Graduating in four years
  • Staying in special education longer, up to age 22
  • Going to vocational education or trade school

Talking about these options can help you:

  • Set goals
  • Decide what classes to take
  • Decide what supports you need to help you reach your goals after high school

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
trade school
vocational education

Action step 2.

Think about options after high school.

After high school, you may:

  • Want to get a job
  • Want to go to college or another kind of school
  • Need time and help to figure out what you want to do

Thinking about what you want to do after high school can help you plan for your time in high school.

Resources

  • From Autism Speaks about the transition process
  • From The Center for Autism Research on comparing employment and college

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. Getting help from a tutor and taking practice tests can help you get ready for the test.

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

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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