From Primary to Secondary: Empowering Autistic Students to Thrive

For more information about my speaking and training work, visit: https://www.pookyknightsmith.com/speaking/

Session outline:
From Primary to Secondary: Empowering Autistic Students to Thrive

This session equips school staff with the empathy, knowledge, and practical strategies needed to support autistic students during the transition to secondary school. Focusing on reducing anxiety and fostering success, the session covers continuity of support, building familiarity, and promoting strong relationships, leaving attendees inspired and ready to make a positive impact.

By the end of the session, attendees will:
• Understand the challenges autistic students face during transition
• Develop empathy for autistic students’ sensory, social, and emotional experiences
• Explore practical strategies to ensure a smooth, positive transition
• Learn how to equip students with key skills for success in secondary school
• Take away actionable ideas to implement immediately in their schools

1. From Primary to Secondary

Empowering
Autistic Students

to Thrive ln Sie xy
pere ÎEE

@PookyH

[email protected] | pookyknightsmith.com

2. It felt like
everything |
knew was gone.
No one knew me,
| and I didn't know

what to expect

3. Pooky

4. What's something
New you ve
started recently,
and how did it
feel?

5. Pass on What Works Well

6. I felt like a
completely
different person
because no one
knew what |

needed

7. Autistic students thrive on consistency. Losing
established strategies can cause regression and anxiety.

Small details (e.g. sensory preferences, seating needs,

communication methods) make a big difference

XK + Y
Why it Matt
sa A. 3 ers

8. Pass on What Works Well

Practical Strategies

Use Transition Involve students and Ensure secondary
Profiles to ensure families in shaping staff know what
detailed student transition plans works before the

information is shared first day

CM

9. _
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Chi nom:
Classroom Tips EEE

Hurdles, stressors & opportunities

Why it happens What we do

10. What to Include in a Transition Profile

Include information about my sensory sensitivities, such as
lighting, noise, textures, and smells.

Make sure my communication preferences, such as
written or spoken instructions, are understood

Share what helps when I'm struggling, including myWY
emotional triggers and self-regulation strategies

11. My safe

| FA pe
| |
RK. | +

My strengths — ry hopes L dreams
+

Hi My name is

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12. Have students
complete a "what
Helps Me Thrive”

one-pager to
share with new
teachers

13. _
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What Helps Me Thrive

[" Best Way to Support Me in Class

u

3 Things that Help If Im Struggling or Overwhe
i

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| ! !

Ae ES

3

M” Want You to Know About Me |

14. I was nervous, but
my teacher already
knew I needed
quiet spaces. That
helped a lot

15. If you were an autistic
student moving up, what

would you want your new

teachers to know about you?

16. Make the Unfamiliar Familiar

18. New environments are overwhelming -
predictability reduces anxiety.
C 4 Sensory factors (sounds, smells, textures) can

make transition easier or harder.

ide Ee
Why it Matt
mn 7% A —

19. Make the Unfamiliar Familiar

Practical Strategies

Provide structured Use visual guides Allow students to

visits and quiet (photos, maps, video practice key routines

transition days walk-throughs) before September

@Pookyh

21. Send a “Meet
Your Teacher"

video before
transition day

22. I had a video tour, y

it was recorded so
I could watch it 1
over and over.

When I arrived, it

all felt familiar

ZA instead of scary

24. The hardest part
wasn't the lessons
— it was not
knowing where to

sit at lunch

26. — peojumo(| -

27. Focus on Relationships

Practical Strategies

Assign a peer Use structured social Ensure each student
mentor or buddy for | activities to has a named trusted
the first term encourage adult in school

friendship-building

@Pookst

29. Having a buddy
helped me feel like
I wasn't alone on
the first day

30. What small change could
help an autistic student

feel like they belong from

day one?

32. I got in trouble
for being late to
class, but I didn't
know where the

classroom was

34. Teach Key Routines & Self-Advocacy

Practical Strategies

Teach self-advocacy "What to Help students
skills (how to ask for if..." guides (e.g., if develop skills

help, when to self-
regulate)

you're late, forget a
homework)

| @PookyH

36. |

=
wo

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3
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39. Having a checklist
of what I needed
each day made
things way less

stressful

40. What's the most
important skill for

autistic students moving

up to secondary school?

41. Provide a Safety Net

43. Transition isn't just about the first week

Some autistic students mask struggles until

later, when support may no longer be in place.

Without support, autistic students may disengage,

develop school anxiety, or become overwhelmed.

Why it Matters