Resources
Overview
The following resources support transition planning, skill development, career preparation, advocacy, and research. They are organized to help educators, families, and autistic young adults locate practical tools aligned with effective transition practices.
This list is curated rather than exhaustive and is updated as new tools, organizations, and publications emerge.
ATTAIN Webinars
Bridging the Research to Practice Gap with Knowledge of Transition Predictors for High School Students with Autism
View Video Download SlidesAutism and Disability Organizations
These organizations provide research, advocacy, guidance, and educational resources.
Drexel Autism Institute
A research institute focused on autism research, policy, and community impact.
NTACT:C
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative provides transition-focused resources and technical assistance.
Autism-Focused Organizations
Advocacy organizations led by or centered on autistic people can provide guidance on rights, inclusion, accessibility, and community priorities.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
An organization advocating and creating resources for the autistic community.
Autism Society
An organization providing advocacy, education, information, referral, and community support.
UK National Autistic Society
A UK-based organization offering information, guidance, and support related to autism.
Tools and Assessments
These tools help educators, schools, and families evaluate transition practices and align them with evidence-based predictors.
ATTAIN Educator Checklist
Transition Predictors of Education & Training for Youth with Autism Checklist
ATTAIN Policy Brief
Predictor Implementation School/District Self-Assessment (PISA)
A self-assessment tool designed to help schools and districts evaluate how well they are implementing known predictors of post-school success.
Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI)
An evidence-based instructional model designed to strengthen self-determination skills in students.
Career Exploration Tools
These tools support career exploration, occupational research, and youth-focused career planning.
GetMyFuture
A youth-focused career planning tool.
My Next Move
A career interest exploration tool that helps users learn about possible occupations and career paths.
O*NET
Occupational data and career exploration information.
Programs and Services
These programs provide structured pathways to employment and workforce development.
Apprenticeship.gov
A national resource for exploring apprenticeship opportunities and learning about apprenticeship programs.
Job Corps
A national career training and education program for eligible young people.
WIOA Youth Formula Program
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth programs are available locally and vary by location and eligibility.
YouthBuild
A program model that supports education, job training, leadership development, and community service for young people.
Skill Building Resources
Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy
I’m Determined
Resources that support self-determination, student voice, and goal setting.
KU SDLMI Resources
Resources connected to the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction.
PEATC Self-Advocacy and Self-Directed IEP Fact Sheets
Fact sheets and tools that support self-advocacy and student participation in IEP planning.
2BSD: Resources for Self-Determination
Resources focused on self-determination and self-advocacy.
Social Skills and Communication
Autism Society social connection resources
Resources related to social connection, community participation, and support.
VCU Autism Center for Education Resources
Educational resources related to autism, instruction, and support.
Independent Living and Financial Skills
ABLE Accounts
Savings accounts that can help eligible people with disabilities save for qualified disability expenses.
Centers for Independent Living
Community-based organizations that support independent living, advocacy, and access to services.
Independent Living Life Skills Checklist
A PEATC resource that supports planning around independent living skills.
Research Publications
ATTAIN publications provide additional detail about predictors of post-school outcomes for autistic youth.
Predictors of Postsecondary Education and High School Exit for Autistic Youth
Citation: Brendli Brown, K. R., Enayati, H., & Shaw, L. (2025). Predictors of postsecondary education and high school exit for autistic youth. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 0(0).
Plain Language Summary
This study looked at 19 different experiences and skills in high school to figure out which of these experiences and skills were linked to successfully exiting high school, measured as the completion of a diploma, credential, or certificate of completion, and enrolling in postsecondary education, such as college or university, for autistic young people. Several of these experiences and skills were linked with one or more of these outcomes. For example, high parent expectations were linked to autistic young people successfully exiting high school. As another example, autistic young people who complete household tasks have higher odds of successfully completing high school and participating in postsecondary education.
Predictors of Employment for Autistic Youth
Citation: Brendli Brown, K. R., Shaw, L., & Enayati, H. (2026). Predictors of employment for autistic youth: Initial and follow-up PROMISE survey results. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 0(0).
Plain Language Summary
Many autistic people have a hard time getting and keeping paid jobs, especially in the first few years after they leave high school. There is not a lot of research available that looks at what experiences and skills are linked to getting a paid job after high school for autistic young people living in poverty. This study found strong links between multiple career development activities, such as having a paid job or work experience while in high school, and student skills, such as making your own decisions, with having a paid job after high school.
Predictors of Life Experiences
Citation: Shaw, L., Brendli Brown, K. R., & Enayati, H. (accepted). Autistic people and life experiences: The role of student skills and support. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 0(0).
Plain Language Summary
Autistic people report lower quality of life in comparison to both people with other disabilities and the general population, particularly when it comes to social functioning. This study found that the most common social experience for autistic youth and adults was falling in love, followed by moving into one’s own home. Whether a person experiences pregnancy, caregiving, falling in love, marriage, independent living, or being arrested is related to how old they are, their gender, and whether they have mental and physical health problems. Having these experiences is also related to skills gained during high school, such as learning to set goals, self-advocacy, doing chores, and persisting with tasks.