Moving from primary to secondary school can be a big jump for many autistic children. Starting at a new school may mean having to get used to a bigger and busier environment.

Children may have to follow a new route to get to school or even have to learn to travel independently. It can also be difficult to get to know new people and make new friends.

Here are some ideas to make the transition to secondary school easier:

• Many schools offer the opportunity to visit the school during the summer term to get a feel for what a typical day is like. You may also be able to arrange to meet your child’s form tutor, some subject teachers and the special needs coordinator (SENCO).
• Create visual support, such as a photo book with pictures of the school building and key members of staff to prepare for the transition.
• Read books and social stories about school to get familiar with the changes.
• Let your child express their fears, for example by writing them down in a worry diary or by drawing how they feel.
• Create a visual countdown to the start of school, such as a calendar with the remaining number of days on it.
• Practise the new school route, putting on the school uniform and packing bags. If your child has sensory sensitivities, it can help to wash the uniform a few times to make the fabric softer and to remove any scratchy labels.
• Some local authorities may offer transition workshops for children as part of their local offer.

For more tips and advice on the transition to secondary school, please click on the links below.