The NAS Transition Support Service
What is the NAS Transition Support Service?
The TSS is a free and confidential service that provides a range of information and support for young people and their families during the transition process from;
-Secondary school to post 16/ further education
-Post 16/ further education to higher education or adult services
-Higher education to adult services
We aim to empower individuals and families with the correct information so that they are able to advocate effectively to professionals, have a good quality transition plan, ensure that all decisions made are in the best interests of the young person, that they receive the support they need in the future and that transitions are well managed and have a positive impact on people’s lives. Because the transition process can often be a long and at times difficult process, we strongly advise individuals/ families to contact us from as early as possible (year 9) to ensure you are aware of the process, your rights and entitlements etc.
When you contact the service you will be allocated a volunteer information provider (VIP) who will be your main point of contact. All volunteers have been through extensive training to ensure they are able to provide the highest quality support for families. The VIP will need to take details of your situation and/or any questions have and in most cases will need to go away and research the correct information for you. If we feel that there is a better service available to meet your needs (community care, welfare rights, education rights), we will be able to make you a direct referral/ appointment on your behalf. Support varies depending on your needs as an individual/ family and can be used for one-off questions or for ongoing support throughout the transition.
The TSS is an email and telephone support service, should you require face-to-face support or advocacy services please inform your VIP and they will be able to support you to find the appropriate service in your area.
Can the TSS support me?
The TSS supports young people with autism and their families from the age of 14 years (year 9) upwards. We offer support and information on a range of subjects including;
-questions about preparing for leaving school
-Planning for a big transition
-Accessing further or higher education
-What are adult services/ what is available in my area?
-What am I/ my family entitled to at 18?
-Support to understand and ensure the community care assessments/ carers’ assessments are done in a way that appropriately reflects you/ your child needs
-Highlighting risk – you may need to explain this one
Please note that although we are part of The National Autistic Society we offer a range of information on a variety of providers/ services that will best meet you/ your child’s needs. We are unable to offer our opinion or advise on the suitability of providers/ services, however we are able to provide you with a toolkit which will help support you in the decision making process.
We are currently funded to support families living in England. We can signpost families in other parts of the UK to appropriate services.
How do I contact the TSS?
You can contact the TSS on email at transitionsupport@nas.org.uk or leave a message on 0808 800 0027. Please be aware that during busier periods it can take several days to contact you but rest assured one of our VIPs will be in touch as soon as they can.
You can also download this information below.
The TSS is a free and confidential service that provides a range of information and support for young people and their families during the transition process from;
-Secondary school to post 16/ further education
-Post 16/ further education to higher education or adult services
-Higher education to adult services
We aim to empower individuals and families with the correct information so that they are able to advocate effectively to professionals, have a good quality transition plan, ensure that all decisions made are in the best interests of the young person, that they receive the support they need in the future and that transitions are well managed and have a positive impact on people’s lives. Because the transition process can often be a long and at times difficult process, we strongly advise individuals/ families to contact us from as early as possible (year 9) to ensure you are aware of the process, your rights and entitlements etc.
When you contact the service you will be allocated a volunteer information provider (VIP) who will be your main point of contact. All volunteers have been through extensive training to ensure they are able to provide the highest quality support for families. The VIP will need to take details of your situation and/or any questions have and in most cases will need to go away and research the correct information for you. If we feel that there is a better service available to meet your needs (community care, welfare rights, education rights), we will be able to make you a direct referral/ appointment on your behalf. Support varies depending on your needs as an individual/ family and can be used for one-off questions or for ongoing support throughout the transition.
The TSS is an email and telephone support service, should you require face-to-face support or advocacy services please inform your VIP and they will be able to support you to find the appropriate service in your area.
Can the TSS support me?
The TSS supports young people with autism and their families from the age of 14 years (year 9) upwards. We offer support and information on a range of subjects including;
-questions about preparing for leaving school
-Planning for a big transition
-Accessing further or higher education
-What are adult services/ what is available in my area?
-What am I/ my family entitled to at 18?
-Support to understand and ensure the community care assessments/ carers’ assessments are done in a way that appropriately reflects you/ your child needs
-Highlighting risk – you may need to explain this one
Please note that although we are part of The National Autistic Society we offer a range of information on a variety of providers/ services that will best meet you/ your child’s needs. We are unable to offer our opinion or advise on the suitability of providers/ services, however we are able to provide you with a toolkit which will help support you in the decision making process.
We are currently funded to support families living in England. We can signpost families in other parts of the UK to appropriate services.
How do I contact the TSS?
You can contact the TSS on email at transitionsupport@nas.org.uk or leave a message on 0808 800 0027. Please be aware that during busier periods it can take several days to contact you but rest assured one of our VIPs will be in touch as soon as they can.
You can also download this information below.
| the_nas_transition_support_service.docx |