From changes in a school or work environment to changes in healthcare providers, transitioning can be both an exciting and difficult time for autistic individuals and their families. Similarly, providers, such as educators, direct support professionals and specialists, may often wish they had more information to support transitions as seamlessly as possible. Below is a collection of transition toolkits across the lifespan, organized by transition period from infancy through adulthood. This resource page is designed so you can find these toolkits in one place, making the journey a little easier. Click on the transition period you are interested in to view the resources and toolkits available.
Transition Toolkits
Autism Speaks Toolkit
Created specifically for families of children ages 4 and under to make the best possible use of the 100 days following their child’s diagnosis of autism. Provides information about autism, getting services, treatment, a week by week plan, worksheets to organize medical information and additional resources.
Early Intervention (EI) to Kindergarten – Ages 0-5
School District of Philadelphia and Elwyn SEEDS: Transition to Kindergarten
A guide for parents. Provides a summary of the EI to Kindergarten transition timeline and responsibilities, a checklist by month, answers to questions, tips on how to be a good advocate and additional resources.
Autism Society of America, Living with Autism: Transitioning from Preschool to Kindergarten
A short guide on transitioning to kindergarten. Provides suggestions on the IEP process, talking to teachers, special education staff, and other new school staff.
Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program
This toolkit is designed to provide assistance to school districts when a migrant student enters school. Provides information on the Migrant Education Program, its goals and services.
Autism Society of America Transition Across Grade Levels
This brief 2-page document includes general transition information for parents and educators across all grade levels.
Education Law Center Early Intervention Services in PA
This link describes each early childhood learning program in Pennsylvania, eligibility criteria and how to apply, as well as parent tools, problem-solving tips, and information about legal rights.
Elementary to Middle School – Ages 5-11
ASERT FAQ Middle School Transition
FAQ one-pager on tips for transitioning to middle school. Includes tips for preparation during elementary school, reviewing an IEP, preparing for a new environment and a checklist for the future.
Autism Society of America, Living with Autism: Going to Middle School
This link provides information for elementary school staff on preparing for the last year in elementary school, planning the curriculum, preparing the parents, preparing the student and preparing the staff.
Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program
This toolkit is designed to provide assistance to school districts for when a migrant student enters school. Provides information on the Migrant Education Program, its goals and services.
Autism Society of America Transition Across Grade Levels
This brief 2-page document includes general transition information for parents and educators across all grade levels.
Middle School to Secondary/High School – Ages 11-21
ASERT FAQ High School Transition
FAQ one-pager on tips for transitioning to high school. Information includes tips for preparation during middle school, reviewing an IEP, preparing for a new environment, and a checklist for life after graduation.
PaTTAN Transition Guide
This guide is for youth, young adults, parents and professionals. Provides information on topics including health, finances, employment, post-secondary education and training, self-determination, recreation and leisure, school, community living, agencies, and supports.
PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit
Secondary transition toolkit written and designed by youth with disabilities for youth with disabilities, as well as family members and professionals. This interactive guide includes personal stories, Q & A, and worksheets. Categories of information include empowerment, accommodations, and checklists for middle school to 12th grade.
Vanderbilt LEND Program, The Healthy Bodies Toolkit
Includes toolkits for both boys and girls, available in both English and Spanish. Both toolkits include information on preparing to talk about puberty, hygiene, hormones and navigating peer relationships. The appendices for both toolkits include visual stories. The female toolkit has information specific to periods and using feminine hygiene products. The male toolkit has information specific to nocturnal emissions and erections.
Autism Speaks Health Toolkit
This toolkit provides information about health and medical care transitions. Topics include physical health, women’s health needs, mental health, personal hygiene, sexuality, relationship skills and more. Additional resources are included, such as a worksheet to organize medical appointments and medications.
The Lead Center Ability Path, The Journey to Life After High School: A Road Map for Parents of Children with Special Needs
This roadmap details each stage and considerations in high school and beyond. Topics include IEP Meeting Planning, self advocacy, considering employment or college, and securing benefits.
Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit
This toolkit was created to assist families of individuals with autism from adolescence (self advocacy and IEP planning) to adulthood (community living and employment). Information about legal matters, housing, technology and other post-secondary opportunities are also included.
Organization for Autism Research: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood
This toolkit provides parents and professionals with information on the law, transition planning, vocation, education, life skills, and looking ahead. This toolkit includes appendices that provides a comparison chart of ADA, IDEA and Section 504, contact log sheet, worksheet on income and expenses, monthly budget, job ideas, letter of intent template, and calculating future cost of care.
Autism Speaks Community-based Skills Assessment: Developing a Personalized Transition Plan
This tool is designed to help parents and professionals assess the current skill levels and abilities of individuals with autism beginning at age 12 and continuing into adulthood, in order to develop a comprehensive transition plan. Functional life skills were selected based on instruments that were reviewed and thought to contribute to successful functioning into adulthood.
Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program
This toolkit is designed to provide assistance to school districts for when a migrant student enters its schools. Provides information on the Migrant Education Program, its goals and services.
Autism Society of America Transition Across Grade Levels
This brief 2-page document includes general transition information for parents and educators across all grade levels.
Post-Secondary – Ages 18-26
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
A health care guide for youth and families. Provides information on health insurance coverage, Medicaid, supported decision making and strategies for organizing medical information. This toolkit also includes worksheets on Making an Appointment, What to Bring, Symptoms, and After the Visit.
Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule 3-Part Toolkit
This toolkit provides information on home-and community-based settings and how to advocate for them.
Devereaux Autism Transition Handbook
This handbook provides information for adults and families. Includes information regarding timeline, transition planning, Social Security and Medicaid, financial planning, and health care.
Autism Speaks Employment Toolkit
This toolkit is designed for individuals with autism seeking employment. Families, transition coordinators, vocational rehabilitation staff, business leaders, and anyone who is helping someone with autism find and keep employment may also find this resource helpful.
U.S. Department of Education, Transition to Post-Secondary Education: Guide for High School Educators
The purpose of this FAQ guide is to provide high school educators with answers to questions students with disabilities may have as they get ready to move to the post-secondary education environment.
Pennsylvania Department of Health, Transition to Adult Living in PA
This link includes a checklist, resources and steps to assist youth and families in making a transition to adult living that includes health and health care. Checklists include self advocacy, money management, medical management, community living, and information on waivers and public programs.
AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit
This toolkit has information and worksheets for adults with autism, supporters and healthcare providers. Information focuses on healthcare with a regular doctor and includes a tool where individuals can answer questions related to their healthcare and it will generate a report that can be shared with the doctor.
Autism Society of America, Living with Autism: Preparing to Experience College Living
This brief guide provides general information on students with autism transitioning into the college living environment.
Autism Speaks Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities Guide
This guide is designed to help individuals with autism and their families explore different learning environments and opportunities after high school. Provides information on types of post-secondary programs, how to obtain services and accommodations, and advice from professionals and people who have been through it.
A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Post-Secondary Guide for Transitioning Students
This brief guide provides information on the different types of post-secondary settings, how to prepare for post-secondary life, questions to consider, and a checklist for what to bring when visiting different colleges and programs.
Autism Speaks: Is It Autism and If So, What Next? A Guide for Adults
A guide for adults who have recently been diagnosed. Provides information on what autism is, its symptoms, getting a diagnosis, the experience from someone diagnosed as a young adult, rights, and relevant resources.
Rochester Institute of Technology, A Guide for Higher Education Professionals
A guide for professionals at post-secondary programs and institutions. This guide incorporates the ideas and successful practices of higher education professionals at post-secondary institutions who have worked with their universities to establish effective supports for students with autism.
Leaving the Pediatrician Charting the Medical Transition of Youth with Autism
This resource provides information on the medical transition from pediatric to adult medical care, including four parts to what a good medical transition looks like.
Allegheny County Family Resource Guide, Transition to Adulthood
These resources are specific to Allegheny County. This link provides information on the transition beyond high school, including available services for college-bound students, vocational support and job training, adult day programs, public programs, housing and transportation. For each category, relevant agencies are listed for you to further explore.
PaTTAN Transition Guide
This guide is for youth, young adults, parents and professionals. Provides information on topics including health, finances, employment, post-secondary education and training, self-determination, recreation and leisure, school, community living, agencies, and supports.
PYLN Secondary Transition Toolkit
Secondary transition toolkit written and designed by youth with disabilities for youth with disabilities, as well as family members and professionals. This interactive guide includes personal stories, Q & A, and worksheets. Categories of information include empowerment, accommodations, and checklists for middle school to 12th grade.
Autism Speaks Health Toolkit
This toolkit provides information about health and medical care transitions. Topics include physical health, women’s health needs, mental health, personal hygiene, sexuality, relationship skills and more. Additional resources are included, such as a worksheet to organize medical appointments and medications.
The Lead Center Ability Path, The Journey to Life After High School: A Road Map for Parents of Children with Special Needs
This roadmap details each stage and things to consider in high school and beyond. Topics include IEP Meeting Planning, self advocacy, considering employment or college, and securing benefits.
Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit
This toolkit was created to assist families of individuals with autism from adolescence (self advocacy and IEP planning) to adulthood (community living and employment options). Also has information on legal matters, housing, technology, and other post-secondary opportunities.
Organization for Autism Research: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood
This toolkit provides parents and professionals with information on the law, transition planning, vocation, education, life skills and looking ahead. This toolkit also includes an appendices that provides a comparison chart of ADA, IDEA and Section 504, contact log sheet, worksheet on income and expenses, monthly budget, job ideas, letter of intent template and calculating future cost of care.
Autism Speaks Community-based Skills Assessment: Developing a Personalized Transition Plan
This tool is designed to help parents and professionals assess the current skill levels and abilities of individuals with autism beginning at age 12 and continuing into adulthood, in order to develop a comprehensive transition plan. Functional life skills were selected based on instruments that were reviewed and thought to contribute to successful functioning into adulthood.
Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program
This toolkit is designed to provide assistance to school districts for when a migrant student enters school. Provides information on the Migrant Education Program, its goals and services.
Autism Society of America Transition Across Grade Levels
This brief 2-page document includes general transition information for parents and educators across all grade levels.
Older Adults
National Council on Aging, The Savvy Saving Seniors Financial Education Toolkits
This website provides three toolkits for older adults on financial management: 1) Becoming Resource-FULL with the Help of Benefits & Peace of Mind Savings; 2) Steps to avoid scams and; 3) It’s In the Cards (using government-issued pre-paid debit cards).
AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit
This toolkit has information and worksheets for adults with autism, supporters, and healthcare providers. This information focuses on healthcare with a regular doctor. It includes a tool where individuals can answer questions related to their healthcare and a report will be generated that can be shared with the doctor.
Lifespan
The Family Center on Technology and Disability, Assistive Technology in Transition
A guide for families that includes an introduction to transition planning and assistive technology, how to make a successful transition with assistive technology, laws on accommodations, glossary of assistive technology, etc.
PA Department of Education Bullying Prevention Toolkit
Resources for parents, educators and professionals serving children and youth both in and out-of-school settings. Includes specific information about how to differentiate between bullying and conflict, how to respond to cyberbullying, and potential legal implications of bullying-type behaviors.
Autism Speaks School Community Toolkit
For general education and administrative school staff, aides, office staff, bus drivers, nurses, custodians, classmates & family members who interact with students with autism. Sections are broken into modules, to be used in short units, such as at staff meetings or in-service.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes: Bullying and the Child with Special Needs
This report was created to educate all parents on the issue of bullying targeting children with disabilities and to empower parents and educators to take action, and to assist policymakers, administrators and professionals in ensuring that bullying is at the forefront of legislation and policies.
