Family Needs and Service Trajectory During the Transition to School for Children With Autism

The transition to school is challenging for families of children with autism, especially in the context of socioemotional and behavioral challenges. This study focuses on the needs of 64 parents of children with autism in Montreal during the transition from early behavioral services to school through the lens of the family needs assessment model. The research team collected data on family needs and socio-behavioral profiles at two critical periods during the school transition: the beginning and end of the first school year in kindergarten. Results indicated that the support needs expressed by parents to facilitate their child’s school transition are evolving and time-sensitive, particularly concerning children’s complex needs, education, and disability-related services, with family needs decreasing over the course of the year. The study underscores the necessity for diverse support throughout the transition period.