Once your child becomes an adult, there will be changes to the services and benefits they can access. You will also lose your parental responsibility and your child will gain the right to make their own decisions, unless it is agreed that they do not have the mental capacity required.

Education

When your child turns 16, they can legally leave school. However, all young people must stay in some kind of education or training until the age of 18.

Health

After the age of 18, autistic young people move from the care of a paediatrician to adult services. This may involve changes in the health professionals they see and the services that can be accessed.

Social care

If your child is receiving care support, they will move to adult care and support when they turn 18. The Care Act 2015 exists to ensure that there is no gap in services during the transition period from child to adult.

Benefits

Once your child becomes an adult, they may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). There may also be bursaries for education and other benefits, such as Universal Credit, that your child can access. You may have to choose whether to keep claiming benefits for them as a dependent, or if your child should claim benefits in their own right.

Decision-making

The right of young people to make decisions is subject to their capacity to do so, as set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The aim of the Act is to ensure that people are empowered to make as many decisions for themselves as possible, and that any actions taken on their behalf are in their best interests.

You can access more information on transition to adult services by clicking on the links below.