Navigating the Transition to High School: A Neuro-Affirming Workshop
The shift from primary to high school is a big milestone—exciting, but often overwhelming for neurodivergent students. This neuro-affirming workshop equips children with the preparation, strategies, and tools they need to navigate change successfully. Using interactive activities, visual supports, and practical planning tools, our psychologists help students build confidence, reduce anxiety, and approach high school with resilience. Delivered at our psychology clinic in Mascot or directly in schools, the program is tailored to the needs of students with autism, ADHD, or anxiety.
Benefits
- Develop practical strategies for adapting to new routines, teachers, and classmates
- Build self-care practices for managing stress, sensory overload, and emotions
- Gain confidence in navigating expectations, timetables, and responsibilities
- Learn time management, planning, and organisation skills
- Foster resilience and a positive mindset about growth and change
- Empower students to self-advocate and ask for help when needed
Participation Requirements
- Age Range: Students entering high school (Year 6 into Year 7)
- Suitable for: Neurodivergent students (e.g., Autism, ADHD, Anxiety) needing extra support for transition
- Commitment: Attendance for both workshop days
- Parent/Carer Involvement: Parents receive resources to reinforce strategies at home
- Funding: NDIS and Medicare rebates may apply
Why It Matters
The move to high school is a major transition. Without preparation, it can feel overwhelming and increase stress or anxiety. This workshop offers strengths-based, neuro-affirming support that builds independence, confidence, and resilience. With the right tools and guidance from our Sydney psychologists, every student can begin high school with clarity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Topics Included
- Getting Ready: Exploring school layouts, routines, and key areas
- Adapting to Change: Strategies for new teachers, classes, and unexpected situations
- Self-Care: Stress management, sensory regulation, and building daily routines
- Expectations & Systems: Understanding rules, workloads, and teacher communication
- Confidence & Resilience: Growth mindset, self-advocacy, and celebrating successes
Participation Requirements
- Age Range: Students entering high school (Year 6 into Year 7)
- Suitable for: Neurodivergent students (e.g., Autism, ADHD, Anxiety) needing extra support for transition
- Commitment: Attendance for both workshop days
- Parent/Carer Involvement: Parents receive resources to reinforce strategies at home
- Funding: NDIS and Medicare rebates may apply
Why It Matters
The move to high school is a major transition. Without preparation, it can feel overwhelming and increase stress or anxiety. This workshop offers strengths-based, neuro-affirming support that builds independence, confidence, and resilience. With the right tools and guidance from our Sydney psychologists, every student can begin high school with clarity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Topics Included
- Getting Ready: Exploring school layouts, routines, and key areas
- Adapting to Change: Strategies for new teachers, classes, and unexpected situations
- Self-Care: Stress management, sensory regulation, and building daily routines
- Expectations & Systems: Understanding rules, workloads, and teacher communication
- Confidence & Resilience: Growth mindset, self-advocacy, and celebrating successes
Program Structure
Format
Two-day small group workshop
Duration
9:30 am – 3:30 pm each day
Facilitation
Run by psychologists experienced in supporting neurodivergent students
Delivery
Interactive sessions, role-plays, visual planners, social stories, and practical tools to prepare for real-world experiences