For a child with special educational needs (SEN) such as autism these changes may leave them feeling anxious about their next step.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability and is usually, although not always, diagnosed in early childhood. It is a spectrum disorder which means that people are affected in different ways and to different degrees.

There are, however, three main areas of difficulty always linked with autism which include:

• Social communication

• Social interaction

• Rigid and repetitive behaviours

To be diagnosed with autism a person must show significant difficulties in all three of these areas.

The National Autistic Society has advice and information to help you and your child prepare for the next steps in their education. (See below).

Preparation is key

For most families, preparation will start in the final year of primary school as soon as your child returns to school following the summer holidays. For some the preparation may need to start sooner.

Year 5

Part of the annual review of the statement in Year 5 should be used to discuss possible secondary placements.

It is not necessary (and may not be possible) to have a particular name of a school in mind at this stage, but it should be possible to have an idea of what sort of provision the child is likely to need at secondary school.

The annual review meeting report, produced after the meeting, should include a note that discussion has taken place regarding secondary placement.

Year 6

It is good practice, where possible, for the special educational needs coordinator (Senco) of the receiving school to attend the annual review meeting in the final year of primary education.

This will allow the receiving school to plan support for the start of the new school year.  It will also enable effective and supportive transition to take place.

The statement of SEN must be amended by 15 February of the year of transfer to name the secondary placement.

If you do not agree with the secondary placement named in your child’s statement, you have two months in which to appeal.

You can download the SEN Code of Practice online.

Start planning

It is almost never too early to start to think about secondary provision. However, if your child has a statement this process will formally start during their Year 5 annual review. For those children on School Action or School Action Plus, it is also a good idea to start to discuss options with school staff (the special educational needs coordinator, or SENCO) and other professionals that know your child, such as educational psychologists, autism advisory teachers and so on, in Year 5.

Transition plan

Start to identify, and make notes, of what your child will find it difficult to cope with when they move to secondary school. Also note down what needs to be done now, whilst they are still at primary school, so that they are as prepared and ready as possible. Good preparation should mean that your child is better able to cope with the changes. Making these notes will also help to inform what will need to be done once they do move on.

The National Autistic Society also has advice on how to develop a profile of your child, choosing a school, visiting schools and preparation.

References:

For more advice go to The National Autistic Society website: www.autism.org.uk

Written by Rachel Harrison, speech and language therapist, on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. www.integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk

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