Primary Secondary transition of students with autism spectrum disorder

The move from the primary to the secondary stages of education brings with it many changes and presents demands for all students. For students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this transition presents particular challenges due to the nature of their difficulties with social interaction, social communication and imagination. This paper will focus on the development and implementation of a programme designed to facilitate the transition of nine male students, all of whom had a diagnosis of ASD, moving from primary to secondary school. The impact of this programme, taking account of the views of these students, their parents and teachers, will be described. Implications for policy and practice and possible areas for future research will be considered.