Transition to Adulthood (16-25)
Your autistic child is growing up. The system changes. Here's what Kent parents need to know about the transition years — from benefits to EHCP to adult services.
💙 A Note to Parents
Transition is hard. You're not just preparing your child for adulthood — you're navigating a completely different system while fighting for the support they've always had. It's exhausting. Be proud of what you've already achieved.
The Transition Timeline
Here's what happens and when:
Year 9 (Age 13-14) — Start Planning
- School should begin transition planning
- Request a review of the EHCP with transition as focus
- Think about future goals: college, employment, living independently
Year 11 (Age 15-16) — Key Decisions
- EHCP must be reviewed with a focus on post-16 options
- Decide: college, apprenticeship, employment
- Your child starts making their own decisions (with your support)
- Request a 'transitions assessment' from Kent adult social care
Age 16 — Benefits Change
- Child Benefit stops at 16 (or 20 if in approved education)
- Can claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of DLA
- You may be able to claim Carer's Allowance
Age 18 — Adulthood
- EHCP continues until 25 (if in education/training)
- Adult social care assessment kicks in
- May be eligible for NHS Continuing Health Care
EHCP at 16+
Your child's EHCP continues. But there are changes:
- Your child is the decision-maker — not you. They can choose whether to accept or decline support
- Name changes to 'young person' — they become the lead in meetings
- You can still attend — with their permission
- It continues to 25 — as long as they're in education or training
📋 At the Year 11 EHCP Review
Ask for:
- A clear post-16 plan in Section I
- Specified college/sixth form placement
- Any therapies to continue (SALT, OT)
- Support for exams/access arrangements
Benefits at 16+
Your Child Can Claim
-
PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
Replaces DLA at 16. Helps with extra living costs.
Apply online at gov.uk/pip
Universal Credit
If not in employment/education, or working few hours.
Apply at gov.uk/universal-credit
You Can Claim (as parent)
-
Carer's Allowance
If you care for 35+ hours/week and earn under £151/week.
Currently £83.25/week
College Support
Colleges have legal obligations to support students with SEND:
- EHCP must be respected — college must provide the support specified
- Apply by February — Year 11 students apply through Kent Choices
- Many colleges have specialist SEND units
Kent College Options
- West Kent College
- East Kent College
- North Kent College
- Hadlow College (land-based)
- MidKent College
Visit colleges, meet the SENCO, ask about their autism support.
NHS Continuing Health Care (CHC)
If your child has complex health needs, they may qualify for free NHS care (not social services):
- Starts at 18
- Assessment at 16-17 — should be referred by children's services
- Covers all care costs — if eligible
This is worth exploring if your child has significant health needs alongside their autism.
Employment Support
Preparing for work:
- Supported Internships — programmes with employers
- Access to Work — government grant for workplace adjustments
- Kent Supported Employment — local service
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child have to stay in education until 18?
Yes — all young people must be in education, employment, or training until 18. This can include college, apprenticeship, or supported internship.
What if my child can't go to college?
There are alternatives: supported internships, vocational courses, or other training programmes. Talk to your EHCP coordinator about options.
Who makes decisions at 16+?
Your child does — unless they lack capacity. You support them, but the legal decision-making is theirs. You can still attend meetings as their advocate.
What happens to the EHCP at 25?
It ends. Planning should start at 21-22 for this transition. Adult services should take over support.
Key Contacts in Kent
- Kent SEN Team: 0300 041 4100
- Kent Adult Social Care: 03000 416161
- SENDIASS: 0300 123 6728
- IPSEA: 0800 018 4016
📋 EHCP Guide
Full application guide
💷 DLA/PIP Guide
Benefits explained
💰 Grants
Funding available
🆘 Crisis Support
When you need help