Next Step Transitions

10/04/2026

Congratulations to our Youth Ambassador Sarah on her recent speech to the Public Health Agency on behalf of Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People explaining the need for young people to be involved in their health and the decisions surrounding it.

05/04/2026

This Easter we take a moment to reflect on the themes of growth, renewal, and new beginnings, values that resonate deeply with our mission of supporting autistic young people as they transition from school into the next chapter of their lives.

We are committed to providing the guidance, resources, and encouragement needed to help each young person navigate this important stage with confidence and purpose.

Wishing you all a joyful and restful Easter.

02/04/2026

April marks world Autism Month,

At Next Step Transitions we believe that autism isn’t something that appears for a month or a day and then disappears. It’s part of daily life, every day of the year.

But this month isn’t really for the people who already understand autism.
It’s for the people who are still learning.
It’s about helping the wider world understand, include, and support autistic young people so they don’t have to keep explaining themselves just to be accepted.

At Next Step Transitions, we see incredible autistic young people every day who have so much to offer, but too often they are expected to fit into a world that wasn’t designed with them in mind.

We believe it’s time to move beyond awareness and towards real acceptance and belonging.

Because it’s not enough for someone to simply know about autism.
We want a world where autistic young people are understood, supported, included, and valued for who they are.

Let’s use April as the beginning of more understanding, more acceptance, and more opportunities, not just for a month, but for the future.

27/03/2026

Next Step Transitions are incredibly grateful to the Asda Foundation for their generous support towards our Connections Club. This donation is a real boost for our work, helping us continue to provide a relaxed, inclusive space where young autistic people can build meaningful friendships, grow in social confidence and enjoy shared interests without pressure or expectation. This support will make a lasting difference, creating opportunities for connection, independence and personal growth for the young people.

20/03/2026

On reflection as we come to the end of Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

Every mind is its own kind of flower. Some people think quickly and speak boldly, like vivid sunflowers turning toward the sun. Others process more slowly or deeply, like delicate orchids that reveal their beauty over time. Some thrive in structure, others in spontaneity. Some notice patterns others miss; some feel things with an intensity that brings depth, creativity, and empathy into the world.

With understanding, acceptance, and support, every “flower” can open in its own time and in its own way—contributing something uniquely beautiful to the world.

16/03/2026

15/03/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the Incredible Moms of Autistic Children.

Today, we celebrate you the patient, loving and resilient mothers who navigate the world with unwavering strength and boundless compassion. You are your child's greatest advocate, cheerleader, and source of comfort. Through every milestone, challenge and moment of joy, your dedication shines brighter than words can express.

Your love speaks volumes in the gentle ways you understand, the fierce ways you protect and the beautiful ways you celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. You create a world where your child feels seen, valued and loved for exactly who they are.

Today is for you a reminder that your efforts are noticed, your sacrifices are appreciated and your love makes all the difference. Take a moment for yourself, knowing just how incredible you are.

Happy Mother’s Day. You are truly amazing

13/03/2026

Next Step Transitions was proud to attend the fourth Incorporation Conversation event held in the great hall at the Queen's University Belfast, which was hosted by the QUB Centre for Children’s Rights and NICCY Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Our CEO Joanne, alongside our Youth Ambassador Sarah, represented Next Step Transitions at this important discussion. During the event, Sarah and Joanne delivered powerful and moving speeches on the importance of collaboration between young people and their parents/carers, highlighting how working together helps ensure young voices are heard and supported.

The IC4 session brought together parents, carers and support organisations to explore what incorporating children’s rights into law in Northern Ireland could mean for families.

Since March 2025, the Incorporation Conversations events have created safe and welcoming spaces for key groups to share experiences and contribute to discussions about integrating children’s rights into law in Northern Ireland.

At Next Step Transitions, we believe that when young people, families, and organisations collaborate, we create stronger pathways for the future. It was an honour to be part of such an important conversation.

12/03/2026

Today is University Mental Health Day

This year’s theme is Human Connection – a reminder that strong relationships, understanding and support play a vital role in student wellbeing. University life can be exciting, but it can also bring challenges such as new environments, academic pressure, social expectations and living more independently. For many students, this can feel overwhelming.

For autistic students, the transition from school to higher education can bring additional anxiety around unfamiliar spaces, new routines, and meeting new people. That’s why preparation, understanding and the right support can make such a powerful difference.

At Next Step Transitions, we support young autistic people as they move from school into further and higher education. we help students explore new environments in advance, build confidence, secure personalised support and feel more prepared for the next stage of their journey.

Research tells us when students feel prepared and connected, they are more likely to thrive.

Today is a great opportunity to start conversations about student wellbeing and the importance of inclusive transition support.

If you work in schools, colleges or universities and would like to learn more about how we support autistic students transitioning into higher education, we’d love to connect.

06/03/2026

Discover CAFRE's open events which might be of interest to some of our participants.

🔹CAFRE SPRING OPEN WEEK🔹
Thinking about your next step this September and beyond?

Join us during Open Week to discover what CAFRE has to offer. Come along to find out more about our study pathways, the application process and enjoy a guided tour of our fantastic campus facilities. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with our staff and students, who will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Are you excited? We are!

Open Days are course-specific, so visit👉 www.cafre.ac.uk/events/ to book the event(s) that most interest you.

🐴 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 – Saturday 7th March
🍎 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 – Tuesday 10th March
🌿 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Wednesday 11th March
🚜 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Friday 13th March

Discover your possibilities at CAFRE..

05/03/2026

It was great to be involved in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough's Beyond School Fair. We're looking forward to seeing you all again next year.

04/03/2026

We were thrilled to attend the Beyond School Fair organised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough LMP, as part of our National Careers Week Programme. What an amazing opportunity to connect with young people, families, and professionals exploring life beyond school.

It was truly inspiring to see so much energy, curiosity, and support focused on transition planning, career pathways, and future aspirations all things at the heart of what we do at Next Step Transitions.

A big thank you to Antrim and Newtownabbey LMP for organising such a meaningful event and for championing inclusive pathways for young people in the community and to all those who stopped to chat.