Planning for Possibilities: Helping Teens with Additional Needs Transition to Adulthood

Adolescence is a time of growth, exploration, and change. For teenagers with disability, autism, or other additional needs, the transition to adulthood can be both exciting and challenging. With the right planning and support, this journey can be empowering and successful.

At Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN), we believe that every young person deserves a future filled with purpose, connection, and opportunity. Transition planning is a key part of making that future a reality.

What Is Transition Planning?

Transition planning is a structured process that helps teenagers move from school life into adulthood. It involves setting goals, identifying strengths and support needs, and preparing for changes in education, employment, living arrangements, and social life.

For teenagers with additional needs, transition planning is especially important. It ensures that their unique abilities and challenges are considered, and that they have the tools and support to thrive.

Why Start Early?

The earlier you begin transition planning, the better. Ideally, planning should start in the early secondary school years—around Year 7 or 8. This gives families, schools, and support teams time to explore options, build skills, and prepare for the future.

Starting early allows:

• Time to develop independence and life skills
• Opportunities to try different learning and work experiences
• A smoother transition from school to adult services
• Better outcomes in education, employment, and wellbeing

A Holistic Approach to Planning

Effective transition planning looks at the whole person—not just their diagnosis or challenges. It’s about understanding what makes each teenager unique and helping them build a life that reflects their values, interests, and goals.

Key Areas to Explore

1. Strengths and Interests
   • What does your teenager enjoy?
   • What are they good at?
   • What motivates them?
2. Goals and Aspirations
   • What do they want to do after school?
   • Do they want to work, study, volunteer, or explore other options?
   • What kind of life do they envision?
3. Support Needs
   • What help do they need to achieve their goals?
   • Are there physical, cognitive, emotional, or social supports required?
   • What services or programs can assist?

Components of a Transition Plan

A comprehensive transition plan should cover several key areas of life. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:

1. Education and Training

• Choosing the right school subjects or vocational pathways
• Exploring TAFE, university, or other post-school education options
• Accessing learning support or accommodations
• Building study and time management skills

2. Employment

• Identifying career interests and strengths
• Participating in work experience or internships
• Learning job readiness skills (e.g., resume writing, interview prep)
• Connecting with disability employment services

3. Independent Living

• Developing daily living skills (e.g., cooking, budgeting, hygiene)
• Exploring housing options (e.g., supported living, group homes)
• Understanding rights and responsibilities as an adult
• Planning for transport and mobility

4. Social Life and Relationships

• Building friendships and social networks
• Learning communication and relationship skills
• Participating in community activities or clubs
• Navigating dating and personal boundaries

5. Health and Wellbeing

• Managing physical and mental health
• Transitioning from paediatric to adult health services
• Understanding medications and medical appointments
• Accessing counselling or therapy if needed

6. Legal and Financial Matters

• Understanding legal rights and responsibilities
• Accessing financial support (e.g., Disability Support Pension)
• Learning about budgeting and money management
• Planning for guardianship or supported decision-making if needed

Working Together: Who Should Be Involved?

Transition planning is a team effort. It’s important to involve the teenager, their family, and a range of professionals who know and support them.

Key People to Include

• Teachers and school staff: They can help with academic planning, work experience, and school-based supports.
• Therapists and allied health professionals: Occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and psychologists can support skill development and emotional wellbeing.
• Support coordinators or case managers: They can help navigate services, funding, and NDIS planning.
• Medical professionals: Paediatricians and GPs can assist with health transitions.
• Family and carers: Their insights and advocacy are invaluable.

At SLCN, we work closely with families and professionals to create personalised transition plans that reflect each teenager’s goals and needs.

The Role of the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can play a vital role in transition planning. Through the NDIS, eligible teenagers can access funding for:

• Therapy and skill development
• Employment support
• Assistive technology
• Social and community participation
• Supported independent living

It’s important to include transition goals in your teenager’s NDIS plan. A support coordinator can help you identify relevant supports and prepare for plan reviews.

Tips for Successful Transition Planning

Here are some practical tips to help families and professionals support teenagers through the transition to adulthood:

1. Start Conversations Early

Talk about the future in everyday life. Ask questions like:

• “What kind of job would you like?”
• “Where would you like to live?”
• “What hobbies do you want to keep doing?”

These conversations help teenagers think about their goals and build confidence.

2. Use Visual Tools

Visual aids like timelines, goal charts, and mind maps can help teenagers understand the transition process and stay engaged.

3. Break Goals into Steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, achievable steps. For example:

• Goal: Get a part-time job
• Steps: Write a resume → Practice interviews → Apply for jobs → Start work

4. Celebrate Progress

Recognise and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. This builds motivation and self-esteem.

5. Be Flexible

Plans may change—and that’s okay. Stay open to new opportunities and adjust the plan as needed.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Here are a few examples of how transition planning has helped teenagers with additional needs:

Liam, 17, has autism and loves computers. His transition plan included work experience at a tech company, social skills training, and a TAFE course in IT. Today, he’s working part-time and studying for a diploma.

Sophie, 18, has an intellectual disability. Her plan focused on daily living skills, supported housing, and community involvement. She now lives in a shared home and volunteers at a local animal shelter.

Jayden, 16, has cerebral palsy. His plan included physiotherapy, assistive technology, and career exploration. He’s preparing to study graphic design and hopes to start his own business.

These stories show that with the right support, teenagers with additional needs can build meaningful, independent lives.

How SLCN Can Help

At Supporting Learning for Children with Needs (SLCN), we offer a range of services to support transition planning, including:

• Speech and occupational therapy to build communication and life skills
• Behavioural support to promote independence and emotional regulation
• Developmental education tailored to each teenager’s goals
• Support coordination to navigate the NDIS and connect with services
• Parent and carer training to empower families during the transition process

We work collaboratively with families, schools, and professionals to create transition plans that are practical, personalised, and empowering.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning to adulthood is a major milestone—and with thoughtful planning, it can be a time of growth, discovery, and success. For teenagers with disability, autism, or other additional needs, a well-crafted transition plan opens doors to education, employment, independence, and community life.

At SLCN, we’re here to support every step of the journey. Whether you’re just starting to think about the future or ready to build a detailed plan, we’re ready to help.

Get in Touch

Visit www.slcn.com.au to learn more about our services or book a consultation. Let’s work together to build a future full of possibilities.