Tips for parents and students:

  1. Create a High School transition Plan That Supports Your Goals In Illinois, transition planning for individuals with disabilities begins at the age of 14. It is important to determine your goals and create a transition plan that supports those long-term goals. On-line resources are provided to assist in the transition planning process.
  2. Understand More About Postsecondary Education It is important that you are aware of the procedures and expectations that go along with applying for and attending a postsecondary institution. Various websites are included to provide information about this and other information that will be valuable for those interested in attending college.
  3. Begin Looking For the Right College, It’s Never Too Early! Choosing the right college is essential for success. It is important to ask questions that will allow you to understand more about the college or university you may be interested in attending. On-line and book resources are also listed as potential resources.
  4. Understand Your Rights It is important to understand how your rights change when you graduate from high school and continue on to postsecondary employment or education. Useful websites and resources for better understanding the rights of students and parents are provided.
  5. Begin to Prepare for College Life There are many things you can do to begin preparing for college throughout high school. Here you can find helpful hints for preparing for college, potential problems and ways to react to specific situations, as well as on-line resources.
  6. Learn More about Local Transition Planning and Employment Services Of all the challenging times faced by individuals with autism and their families, planning the transition from public school can be one of the most frustrating. The 2009 Agency Transition Directory can help define all of the local resources available. From employment and job placement to health care, it can all be found here.