Aspire SEND CIC — Post-16 Transition Support for SEND Young People

Aspire SEND CIC is a London community interest company that supports young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including autistic and other neurodivergent young people, through the years between 16 and 25. That stretch — leaving school, starting college, finding work or simply running more of their own life — is often where support thins out just as expectations rise. Aspire SEND steps into that gap with consistent one-to-one support that sits alongside a young person's existing school, college or services rather than replacing them.

The organisation was founded by Nadia Abudulkadir, who holds an MSc in Autism Studies and has more than five years' experience supporting young people with SEND; her autistic brother's own transition to adulthood showed her how much the right support, and the wrong support, can change. Its board includes a non-executive director who is a parent of a child with SEND. Work follows four stages — Aspire, listening to understand the young person's needs and goals; Develop, building confidence and everyday life skills; Thrive, supporting the move into further education, employment or adult life; and Sustain, staying involved so progress holds after the transition. Content covers confidence, independence and life skills, preparing for adulthood, and employment support such as career planning, CVs, interview practice and workplace readiness. Sessions run in person or online.

Parents and carers can get in touch directly for a no-obligation first conversation, and are offered one-to-one guidance and help with transition planning that links up with the professionals already involved. Schools, colleges, local authorities, Family Hubs and community organisations can refer, with a response promised within five working days. Consent from the young person and family comes before any plan is agreed, and all staff hold enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training. Costs are not published, so it is worth asking about fees or funded places at the first contact.