Special Education Transition Planning Workbook (Ages 14–22)

The transition to adulthood doesn’t start at graduation. It starts at 14.

Quick facts

• What it is: An age-by-age transition planning toolkit for parents of special education students
• Pages: 27
• Size: 8.5" × 11"
• Format: Instant digital PDF download; fillable and searchable
• Who it's for: Parents of students ages 14–22, in four stages (14–15, 16–17, 18, 19–22)
• Covers: IEP goals, employment, SSI, Medicaid and ABLE, supported decision-making and guardianship, future living
• License: One family; schools and agencies can ask about group licenses
• Designed by: Stephanie Angelides, Certified Family Life Educator – Provisional (CFLE-P), with The Spectrum Dispatch

The years between 14 and 22 decide a lot: which skills your child builds, which services are lined up and which applications get filed on time. This toolkit shows you exactly what to do at each stage, so nothing important gets missed.

Created in partnership with The Spectrum Dispatch, it’s organized by your child’s age. Find their stage, start there, and come back to the next section as they grow.

Four stages, one plan
✔ Ages 14–15, Dream & Discover: prepare for the first transition meeting and capture your child’s strengths and goals
✔ Ages 16–17, Build & Practice: write measurable IEP goals, explore work and track life skills
✔ Age 18, The Big Year: benefits, decision-making options and the 18th-birthday checklist
✔ Ages 19–22, Launch: diplomas and exit credentials, paths after high school and future living options

What’s inside
✔ Start Here guide and Transition Roadmap
✔ At-a-glance page for every stage: what you’ll hear, what to do, what to keep
✔ Before Your First Transition Meeting: questions to ask and documents to bring
✔ Strengths & Priorities worksheets
✔ Transition Assessment Planner
✔ Measurable IEP goal examples and a goal-drafting page
✔ Employment Planning, resume starter and interview practice
✔ Employment Options After High School (8 pathways)
✔ Independent Living Skills Tracker
✔ SSI, Medicaid, ABLE and adult benefits checklist
✔ Supported Decision-Making, Guardianship & Conservatorship overview
✔ Your Adult Support Team guide
✔ Diploma & Exit Credential planner
✔ Future Living Options planner
✔ Adult Agencies Contact Log
✔ Transition Binder organizer and Master Checklist
✔ Glossary of transition terms and acronyms

Why it helps
Transition planning comes with a lot of meetings, forms and acronyms. This toolkit turns it into clear steps you can follow at your own pace. You’ll walk into meetings prepared, apply for benefits on time and keep every document in one place, so you can focus on helping your child build confidence and independence.

Product details

• Instant digital download (PDF)
• 27 pages
• Fillable: type directly into the worksheets on a computer, or print on standard 8.5" × 11" paper
• Searchable text
• Created by Stephanie Angelides, Family Life Educator, in partnership with The Spectrum Dispatch
• Licensed for use by one family. Schools and agencies can ask about group licenses.

Questions and answers

Will this work if my autistic child is already 18?
Yes. The workbook is organized by age, so you start at your child's stage. Age 18 has its own section with an 18th-birthday checklist.

Can I fill it in on my computer?
Yes. It is fillable, so you can type into the worksheets. You can also print it on standard 8.5" × 11" paper.

Does it cover my state's rules?
It explains the general steps. Program names, eligibility and state requirements vary, so check details with your state and school team.

Can our school use it with several families?
This version is licensed for one family. Schools and agencies can ask about group licenses.

Disclaimer: This resource is for educational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical or educational advice. Program names, eligibility and state requirements vary.