Transition to Study, Work & Adulthood.
Finishing school is one of the biggest changes a young person faces — more independence, less structure, and a lot of new things to figure out all at once.
For many young people, that transition takes longer than expected, and a bit of extra support makes all the difference.
That's exactly what our occupational therapists are here for.
What we can support
NDIS school leaver planning
- Understanding what changes when a young person moves from a school-based NDIS plan to an adult plan
- Identifying goals and supports that reflect what the young person actually needs post-school
- Contributing OT assessments and recommendations to NDIS planning conversations
- Supporting young people to use their new plan effectively after the transition
Transition to TAFE and vocational training
- Building the independence skills that TAFE environments require
- Managing timetables and study workload without school-style scaffolding
- Navigating campus environments, transport, and support services
- Building consistent routines that support attendance and engagement
Transition to university
- Executive functioning and study skills for independent learning
- Managing the social and sensory demands of campus life
- Building sustainable self-care routines alongside study commitments
- Accessing and advocating for university disability and wellbeing support
Work readiness and employment skills
- Building workplace routines, habits, and professional communication
- Managing time, tasks, and expectations in a work environment
- Interview preparation and navigating the job-seeking process
- Strategies for managing workplace anxiety or sensory challenges
- Understanding disclosure — whether to share a diagnosis and how
FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 15-25
Who is this for?
- Young people in Years 10–12 beginning to think about what comes after school
- Recent school leavers who are finding the adjustment harder than expected
- Young adults who have started TAFE, uni, or work but are struggling to manage the demands
- Parents who are worried about what comes next and want to start preparing early
- NDIS participants approaching or navigating the school leaver transition
Executive functioning challenges look very different from person to person — and they’re not about intelligence or effort. If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth a conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we start working on transition planning?
Earlier than you'd think. Building independence skills takes time, and starting in Year 10 or 11 means there's space to work on things gradually before the pressure of Year 12 kicks in. That said, it's never too late — we regularly support young people who are already post-school and finding things harder than expected.
How long will I need to be in OT for?
It depends!
Transition support looks different for everyone. Some young people work through a focused block of sessions in the lead-up to leaving school, while others benefit from more consistent support across six to twelve months as they settle into a new environment. Goals often shift as life does — and we reassess regularly to make sure sessions stay useful.
My child has finished school but isn't doing anything. Can OT help?
Yes — this is actually one of the more common situations we see. Young people who have left school but aren't yet studying or working often need support with structure, routine, motivation, and direction. We work on the practical skills that help them take the next step, at a pace that's realistic for them.
Is transition support covered by NDIS?
Yes. Transition to adulthood goals are typically funded under Capacity Building — Daily Activities (Support Category 7). Depending on the young person's goals, funding may also be relevant under Capacity Building — Finding and Keeping a Job, or Capacity Building — Improved Living Arrangements. We are a registered NDIS provider and can help you understand how your plan could fund this support.