Webinar: When the transition doesn't go to plan: supporting autistic pupils moving to secondary school

Content

The transition from primary to secondary school is a key milestone in a young person's educational journey, but for some autistic learners it can result in increased anxiety, disengagement, and a loss of confidence. Changes in environment, expectations, relationships, and support structures can create significant challenges, particularly where continuity is limited.

This session will explore why transition can be difficult for autistic pupils, examining the social, emotional, and systemic factors that contribute to distress and disengagement. It will consider how issues such as belonging, communication, and unmet additional support needs impact wellbeing and learning.

Aimed at upper primary and secondary practitioners, the session will provide opportunities to reflect on current transition practices and share practical, evidence-informed strategies to support more inclusive, collaborative approaches and improve outcomes for autistic learners.

Target Audience

Upper primary and secondary practitioners, Pastoral teachers.

Presenter

Victoria Castelli-MacLennan, Engagement Support Manager, National Autistic Society.

Victoria has experience supporting children and young people across primary and secondary education. Her work focuses on inclusive practice and implementing reasonable adjustments to promote belonging, continuity, and positive outcomes for autistic learners.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families. NAS provides education, training, and professional development to support inclusive practice, drawing on evidence-based approaches and lived experience to help autistic children and young people thrive.