Helping Neurodivergent Students Start High School With Confidence
Starting high school is a major milestone—one that brings new environments, routines, expectations, and social dynamics. For many neurodivergent students, this transition can feel overwhelming without the right preparation, support, and tools.
The Social Space Psychology Clinic’s Transition to High School Workshop is a structured, neuro-affirming program designed to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and equip students with practical strategies to thrive in their new setting. Our Transition to High School provides an engaging, supportive space where students can learn what to expect and how to manage the shift from primary to secondary school. Delivered by psychologists experienced in Autism, ADHD, and school transitions, this two-day workshop blends visual supports, hands-on learning, and real-world skills to help students enter Year 7 feeling prepared and across the workshop, students explore:
- Familiarisation with their new school layout, routines, and expectations
- Strategies for adapting to changes in teachers, classes, and schedules
Practical self-care tools for managing sensory overload and emotional stress - Time management, planning, and organisation tools for new academic demands
- Confidence-building exercises to help them approach challenges with a growth
mindset
This program gives students the skills and the self-belief to begin Year 7 with clarity and confidence.
Skills Covered
Understanding & Navigating the High School Environment
- Exploring school maps, key areas, and routines
- Learning how timetables, classrooms, lockers, and systems work
- Understanding school rules, expectations, and communication with teachers
Organisation, Planning & Daily Routines
- Using visual planners and time-management tools
- Establishing morning, afternoon, and homework routines
- Breaking tasks into manageable steps and building independence
Self-Care, Emotional Regulation & Confidence Building
- Managing stress, overwhelm, and sensory needs
- Using calming strategies and knowing when to seek support
- Developing a growth mindset, resilience, and confidence in new situations
Participation Requirements
This workshop is ideal for:
- Students currently in Year 6 who are transitioning to Year 7
- Neurodivergent students (Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, learning differences) who benefit from explicit preparation
- Children who experience stress, uncertainty, or sensory overwhelm in unfamiliar settings
- Students who thrive with visual supports, structured routines, and practical strategies
- Attendance for both full workshop days is essential to ensure students gain the full
benefit of the program.
No diagnosis is required this program is open to any student seeking support with the transition.
Why It Matters
The transition to high school is one of the biggest developmental shifts young people face.
New environments, social expectations, academic demands, and increased independence can
create significant anxiety especially for neurodivergent students.
Without clear guidance and structured support, students may experience:
- Increased stress or emotional overwhelm
- Challenges with organisation and time management
- Difficulty adapting to new routines
- Social withdrawal or uncertainty
- Reduced confidence in their abilities
Our neuro-affirming workshop bridges this gap by providing the tools, practice, and reassurance students need to feel ready.
By strengthening emotional regulation, self-advocacy, planning skills, and independence, the program helps students begin high school with confidence and lays the foundation for long-term wellbeing and academic success.
Participation Requirements
This workshop is ideal for:
- Students currently in Year 6 who are transitioning to Year 7
- Neurodivergent students (Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, learning differences) who benefit from explicit preparation
- Children who experience stress, uncertainty, or sensory overwhelm in unfamiliar settings
- Students who thrive with visual supports, structured routines, and practical strategies
- Attendance for both full workshop days is essential to ensure students gain the full
benefit of the program.
No diagnosis is required this program is open to any student seeking support with the transition.
Why It Matters
The transition to high school is one of the biggest developmental shifts young people face.
New environments, social expectations, academic demands, and increased independence can
create significant anxiety especially for neurodivergent students.
Without clear guidance and structured support, students may experience:
- Increased stress or emotional overwhelm
- Challenges with organisation and time management
- Difficulty adapting to new routines
- Social withdrawal or uncertainty
- Reduced confidence in their abilities
Our neuro-affirming workshop bridges this gap by providing the tools, practice, and reassurance students need to feel ready.
By strengthening emotional regulation, self-advocacy, planning skills, and independence, the program helps students begin high school with confidence and lays the foundation for long-term wellbeing and academic success.
Program Structure
Duration
Two Full Day Sessions (9:30am – 3:30pm) during school holidays
Format
Small Group Workshops with targeted strategies to manage the transition
Delivery
Step by step instructions, role plays, interactive activities.