Transition

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

When a person receiving special education services turns 22 they “age out” and need to transition from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Department of Developmental Services. The transition process usually begins at age 14.

Transition from High School

Fact Sheets

Resource Guide

Autism Society of America

“Preparing for a Lifetime” Pamphlet

A brief description of how to guide someone through the transition process from a school setting to adulthood.

Adulthood Page

Links to information about driving, social relationships, living arrangements, employment, and transitioning from a pediatrician to a primary care doctor.

Self-Advocacy Page

Provides a definition of self-advocacy and ways to foster it. Also includes links to self-advocacy organizations and information about disability legislation.

Future Planning Page

Provides information about guardianship, special needs trusts, powers of attorney, etc.

Autism Speaks

Transition to Adulthood Page

A comprehensive review of the transition process with links to toolkits and guides. Covers such topics as housing, employment, healthcare, and advocacy. Also includes exert advice and personal stories.

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

Roadmap to Transition

A handbook covering a plethora of topics related to entering adulthood from self-advocacy to supported decision making to education, employment, and health care.

Healthcare Transition Toolkit

Addresses the issues involved in transitioning from a pediatrician to a primary care doctor with advice for families, individuals, and policy makers.

Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston

Think Work! Transition Pages

Provides a toolkit on using community service programs to aid in the transition process, a self-assessment tool for state agencies wishing to improve outcomes, and demonstrations of best practices through case studies and transition program assessments.