For Massachusetts students receiving special education services, Secondary Transition is a time that begins when they turn 14 (or earlier, if the Individual Education Program (IEP) team agrees). From age 14 until they graduate or turn 22, students on IEPs receive transition services from their public school districts. Transition services are defined by federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA) as a "coordinated set of activities…designed to be within a results oriented process,…to facilitate the student's movement from school to post-school activities." Transition services are based on the individual student's needs, taking into account his/her strengths, preferences, and interests. These services help young adults to live, work, participate in the community, and go on to further education or training as independently as possible when they leave high school.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has issued technical advisories for parents and school districts on transition planning:
- http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/13_1ta.html
- http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/2014-4ta.html
- https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/advisories/2017-1ta.docx
Printable guide
This brochure is intended to help families and individuals better understand the types of resources that exist in the Commonwealth and which may be available to an individual with ASD.
- Massachusetts Autism Commission: A Resource Guide for Transition Aged Youth and Young Adults (14-22 years of age) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (PDF)
- Massachusetts Autism Commission: A Resource Guide for Transition Aged Youth and Young Adults (14-22 years of age) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): SPANISH (PDF)
- Massachusetts Autism Commission: A Resource Guide for Transition Aged Youth and Young Adults (14-22 years of age) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): PORTUGUESE (PDF)
- Massachusetts Autism Commission: A Resource Guide for Transition Aged Youth and Young Adults (14-22 years of age) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): VIETNAMESE (PDF)
- Massachusetts Autism Commission: A Resource Guide for Transition Aged Youth and Young Adults (14-22 years of age) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): CHINESE (PDF)
- Massachusetts Autism Commission: A Resource Guide for Transition Aged Youth and Young Adults (14-22 years of age) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): HAITIAN (PDF)
Technical assistance advisory
Quick links
- Autism Support Centers
The mission of the Autism support centers, which are funded by The Department of Developmental Services, is to provide support for children, and adults with ASD, and their families throughout Massachusetts. The Autism support centers offer trainings, workshops, and activities to help connect families and help them to enable their children and adults with ASD to be integrated members of their communities. The link and the list below will guide you to the support center closest to your community.
www.mass.gov/service-details/dds-autism-support-centers - Autism Speaks 100 Day Tool Kit for Transition
This tool kit will provide you with suggestions and options for you to consider as you set out on this journey toward finding your child's own unique path to adulthood.
www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/transition-tool-kit - ATN/AIR-P Puberty and Adolescence Resource: A Guide for Parents
A tool to provide guidance on the subject of puberty for pre-teens with ASD to increase families' understanding of puberty and their ability to adapt to these changes with confidence.
www.autismspeaks.org/science/find-resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/atn-air-p-puberty-adolescence-resource - Community-based Skills Assessment
A tool to help you develop a personalized transition plan.
www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/community-based-skills-assessment - Autism Speaks Autism Response Team
Have questions? Contact the Autism Response Team for information, tools, and resources.
1-888 AUTISM2 (288-4762)
En Español: 1-888-772-9050
FamilyServices@autismspeaks.org - Department of Education
www.doe.mass.edu/sped/secondary-transition/default.html - Federation for Children with Special Needs
www.mass.gov/service-details/dds-autism-support-centers
The Federation for Children with Special Needs Link center has created the TIPS Brochure:
Transition Planning for Students with ASD (Ages 14-22)
www.fcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/ASD-FINAL-3.pdf - Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI)
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-higher-education - State Agencies with Services Related to Transitioning Students
www.doe.mass.edu/sped/secondary-transition/state-agencies.html - Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Before a student finishes high school, pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) can help the individual get ready for a job.
www.mass.gov/service-details/pre-employment-transition-services-pre-ets-0 - Autism Speaks Advocacy Tool Kit
www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/advocacy