Educational transitions for students with autism or emotional disturbance

The purpose of this project is to develop a transition profile for students with autism or emotional disturbance to use when they are transitioning from one educational program to another. At this time, there appear to be no systematic plans in place in public schools to deliver informal information about the student from one program to the next. Due to the similarities between students with autism and students with emotional disturbance, such as difficulty with change, behavioral concerns, and difficulty with socialization, the need for planned, systematic transition is essential to help the student reach their highest potential. For the purpose of this project, the current literature on education, both general and special, autism, emotional disturbance, transition, collaboration and informal assessment was reviewed. A transition profile was developed. Instructions for completing the transition profile as well as five samples of transition profiles were also developed.