In-depth guide
Our guide takes you through a wide range of topics to help you prepare for adulthood.
Information & advice
Transitioning to adulthood
The move from childhood to adulthood can be a stressful time of change for all young people and their families. There can be added stresses if you have special educational needs or disabilities. This guide will help you navigate this period in your or your child’s life.
Becoming an adult
All young people will have questions about who they will become as adults and how they will achieve their goals and aspirations. It can be an exciting time but it can also be a stressful time.
If you have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities you may have extra questions or need support to help you prepare for adulthood.
Preparing for adulthood means:
- Higher education and/or employment: this includes exploring different employment options, such as support for becoming self-employed and help from supported employment agencies.
- Independent living: this means young people having choice, control and freedom over their lives and the support they have, their accommodation and living arrangements, including supported living.
- Participating in society: including having friends and supportive relationships, and participating in, and contributing to, the local community.
- Maintaining good health: this means having access to the right assessments and services from the NHS and other services as well as being understanding how to – and being supported to – live in a healthy way.
Our in-depth guide on preparing for adulthood has lots of information about all these topics as well as tips on finance, housing, legal matters and more. Download it below.