Transition Planning for Youth with Autism—from Public Schools to Postsecondary Education, Employment, and Adult Life

Kelley Challen, Ed.M., CAS

September 22, 2022

About the Author

Kelley Challen directs NESCA’s person-centered and highly individualized transition services. She specializes in comprehensive assessment, vocational/life skill assessment for students with complex disabilities, planning/prep for college-bound students, and consultation, program development, and/or case management regarding post-12th grade programming.

This webinar is intended for teens and young adults, aged 14 – 22, their families, and professionals who work with those individuals. When an autistic individual is “school-aged,” it is natural to focus on helping that student to access and be successful with school. However, the purpose of public education is to prepare students for further education, employment, and independent living. In fact, students who participate in special education in the United States are legally entitled to transition planning and services provided by their school district. Join NESCA Director of Transition Services, Kelley Challen, as she:

• explains why it’s crucial to begin transition planning for adulthood early, even before schools are mandated to start the transition process
• identifies the skills known to make the biggest difference in postsecondary transition planning
• describes key terminology and characteristics of IEP transition services
• outlines important factors and resources related to transition planning such as “turning 18” and connecting with available federal and state benefits and programs
  

Language Disclaimer: Over the decades, many different terms have been used to discuss autism. AANE is shifting to identity-first language and the term “Autistic” to describe our community, but we continue to respect each individual’s choice of language to describe their own neurotype. Even though this presentation was made before our language shift, we have decided to continue to share it for its valuable information and insight. Learn more about our language and history.