How Can Peer Support Be Utilized During Transitions for Students with Autism? 

Transitions, whether changing classrooms, teachers, or school environments can be challenging for students with autism. The uncertainty of new routines, people, and expectations can create anxiety and stress. Peer support can be a powerful tool in helping students navigate these transitions by providing reassurance, guidance, and a sense of belonging. 

According to the NICE guideline (CG128), peer support is an effective inclusion strategy, fostering social connections and emotional resilience during change. When implemented thoughtfully, peer support can ease the anxiety of transitions and build meaningful, supportive relationships. 

1. Peer Buddies and Mentorship Programs 

Peer support programs, such as peer buddies or mentorship schemes, allow students to build positive relationships with neurotypical peers. The DfE’s Whole School SEND programme promotes structured peer mentoring as a way to foster inclusion during transitions. 

Buddy systems work particularly well when: 

• Buddies are trained to support their peers with autism, explaining what to expect and offering reassurance. 

• Buddies and mentees share activities or interests (e.g., reading, sports, art) to create natural bonds. 

• The buddy system is ongoing, offering continuous support through the transition period and beyond. 

These relationships help autistic students feel more confident in their new environment and allow neurotypical students to better understand autism and inclusion. 

2. Social Skills and Role-Modeling 

Peers can play a key role in helping students with autism learn and practice social skills. According to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) Autism Guidance (2025), social interactions often require explicit modeling and practice, which can be facilitated through peer support. 

Peer role models can help by: 

• Demonstrating appropriate social behaviours such as taking turns, asking for help, or greeting peers. 

• Providing a safe space for practice, guiding autistic students through social exchanges like introducing themselves or joining a group. 

• Encouraging communication and interaction by supporting peer-to-peer exchanges during activities like lunch or group work. 

Role modeling from peers normalises social expectations and provides a non-threatening environment for autistic students to develop social skills. 

3. Promoting Self-Advocacy and Confidence 

Peer support helps students with autism feel empowered to advocate for their needs during transitions. The NHS National Autism Team emphasises that peer support can foster self-confidence by validating the student’s perspective and encouraging autonomy. 

Peers can support self-advocacy by: 

• Encouraging the student to express their needs (e.g., “I need a break” or “I prefer to work in a quiet space”). 

• Offering feedback on coping strategies and promoting independence in managing transitions. 

• Helping the student navigate new environments, pointing out familiar features and offering reassurance. 

Building these skills through peer interaction not only supports students in school but also prepares them for future educational or social transitions. 

4. Reducing Stigma and Promoting Understanding 

Inclusive peer support reduces the risk of bullying and isolation. The DfE SEND Code of Practice (0–25 years) stresses that social inclusion is most effective when the entire school community understands neurodiversity and embraces it as a strength. 

By involving peers in supporting students with autism, schools help to: 

• Promote empathy and understanding through educational activities about autism. 

• Challenge stereotypes and reduce stigma by normalising differences and fostering positive relationships. 

• Strengthen school culture by making inclusion everyone’s responsibility. 

When students with autism are supported by peers who understand their needs, they are more likely to feel safe, accepted, and included not just during transitions but in everyday school life. 

Reassuring Insight for Parents and Educators 

Peer support is a powerful way to make transitions easier, more comfortable, and more meaningful for students with autism. By pairing students with understanding peers and fostering positive relationships, schools can create an environment where inclusion thrives. 

If you’d like expert guidance to better understand your child’s educational progress and sensory needs, Autism Detect offers comprehensive autism assessments for both adults and children.