Supporting a neurodivergent young person as they move beyond 16 and towards adulthood can be both exciting and overwhelming. It is a stage marked by major transitions—greater independence, new responsibilities, leaving school, entering further education or work, managing relationships, navigating health and social care systems, and making meaningful choices about their future. For some young people, this journey also includes managing challenging behaviours, staying safe around drugs and alcohol, or coping with difficulties in remaining in education or securing employment.
Parents and carers often find themselves searching for reliable, practical guidance that reflects the realities of life for neurodivergent young adults. The digital landscape can feel crowded and confusing, and knowing where to look for trustworthy, up‑to‑date information is essential.
This section brings together a carefully selected range of digital resources designed specifically to support parents of neurodivergent young people aged 16 and over. These platforms offer guidance on preparing for adulthood, fostering independence, understanding legal rights, supporting emotional and behavioural needs, and helping young people access further education, training, employment and community life.
Whether your young person is taking their first steps into adulthood or is already navigating early adult challenges, these resources aim to support you both—equipping you with knowledge, reassurance, and practical tools to help them thrive in the next chapter of their lives.
Comprehensive mental health support information, advice and service for adults and young people, including in mental health crisis and with self harm:
Resources to support young people's mental health, including with Self Harm
A huge range of resources aimed at young people to help them understand the risks involved in drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping, gambling and sexting and sharing nudes:
Comprehensive mental health support information, advice and service for adults and young people, including in mental health crisis and with self harm:
Resources to support young people's mental health, including with Self Harm
A huge range of resources aimed at young people to help them understand the risks involved in drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping, gambling and sexting and sharing nudes:
To find out what options your young person has when they leave school, check out our comprehensive section on Post 16 Options for young people with additional needs.
To find out what options your young person has when they leave school, check out our comprehensive section on Post 16 Options for young people with additional needs.
Preparing for adulthood is an important journey for every young person, and for neurodivergent young people and their families, the transition can bring both exciting opportunities and new challenges.
Here you’ll find guidance, practical tools, and local services designed to support neurodivergent young people as they move towards greater independence and participation in their community.
Preparing for Adulthood – NDTi
A national programme supporting young people with SEND into adulthood. Offers transition planning tools, system guides, training, coproduction frameworks, and resources for independence, employment, and community inclusion.
Search Preparing for Adulthood - NDTi
Local Government Association – Preparing for Adulthood (Learning Disability & Autism)
Comprehensive guidance for supporting autistic and learning‑disabled young people as they become adults. Covers rights at 16+, changes in legislation, independence, relationships, and moving into work or education.
Search Local Government Association - Preparing for Adulthood
Council for Disabled Children – Preparing for Adulthood Resource Hub
Offers guides, toolkits, case studies and EHCP‑related materials aimed at helping young people gain employment, live independently, access health services and engage in their communities.
Council For Disabled Children - Preparing for Adulthood
The Local Offer
We have a huge amount of resources for young people with any type of additional needs which is accessible and was co-produced with young people themselves.
Autism Hampshire - Preparing for Adulthood
Autism Hampshire offers a range of services designed to build skills, confidence, and independence for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent young people. Their support includes information and guidance, community connections, practical skills development, and access to specialist services.
Serendipity Community Groups
These peer‑led groups help autistic young people and adults:
Find a Serendipity Support Group
Autism Alert Programme
The Autism Alert card helps young people interact more safely and confidently with emergency services or in unfamiliar situations—an important part of independent adult life.
Find out how to apply for an Autism Alert Card
Local Autism Directory
Preparing for adulthood is an important journey for every young person, and for neurodivergent young people and their families, the transition can bring both exciting opportunities and new challenges.
Here you’ll find guidance, practical tools, and local services designed to support neurodivergent young people as they move towards greater independence and participation in their community.
Preparing for Adulthood – NDTi
A national programme supporting young people with SEND into adulthood. Offers transition planning tools, system guides, training, coproduction frameworks, and resources for independence, employment, and community inclusion.
Search Preparing for Adulthood - NDTi
Local Government Association – Preparing for Adulthood (Learning Disability & Autism)
Comprehensive guidance for supporting autistic and learning‑disabled young people as they become adults. Covers rights at 16+, changes in legislation, independence, relationships, and moving into work or education.
Search Local Government Association - Preparing for Adulthood
Council for Disabled Children – Preparing for Adulthood Resource Hub
Offers guides, toolkits, case studies and EHCP‑related materials aimed at helping young people gain employment, live independently, access health services and engage in their communities.
Council For Disabled Children - Preparing for Adulthood
The Local Offer
We have a huge amount of resources for young people with any type of additional needs which is accessible and was co-produced with young people themselves.
Autism Hampshire - Preparing for Adulthood
Autism Hampshire offers a range of services designed to build skills, confidence, and independence for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent young people. Their support includes information and guidance, community connections, practical skills development, and access to specialist services.
Serendipity Community Groups
These peer‑led groups help autistic young people and adults:
Find a Serendipity Support Group
Autism Alert Programme
The Autism Alert card helps young people interact more safely and confidently with emergency services or in unfamiliar situations—an important part of independent adult life.
Find out how to apply for an Autism Alert Card
Local Autism Directory
The Girl With the Curly Hair Project
The Girl With The Curly Hair - Autism Training, Animations, and Books
Autistic Girls Network
Mustard Seed Autism Trust
Different Thinkers
The Girl With the Curly Hair Project
The Girl With The Curly Hair - Autism Training, Animations, and Books
Autistic Girls Network
Mustard Seed Autism Trust
Different Thinkers