Parents of Neurodiverse Teenagers Leaving School? What's next?

Are you a parent or carer looking for the right next step after school for a neurodivergent teenager? At Diverse Pathways, every young person gets a meaningful transition into adult life, reflecting their interests, strengths, and goals.

That’s why we offer a wide range of School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) programs, funded by the NDIS, and designed especially for autistic teens, young people with ADHD, and others with diverse learning needs. These streams focus on real-world skills, workplace readiness, social connection, and confidence-building—all delivered in a supportive, neuro-affirming environment.

Based on our beautiful Mardi property on the NSW Central Coast, our programs run two days per week during each 10-week term.

Explore Our SLES Program Streams:

🌱 Life Skills SLES

Designed to support independent living, this stream builds everyday skills like budgeting, meal planning, time management, home organisation, and self-care. It's ideal for young people preparing to live more independently and looking for practical, real-world learning. Perfect for families seeking NDIS life skills training for autistic teens or support with daily routines.

🍳 Hospitality SLES

From food prep to customer service, this hands-on stream builds confidence in a kitchen or cafe setting. Participants practice real-world hospitality skills in a structured, supportive space. Great for young people interested in NDIS hospitality programs or exploring careers in the service industry.

🛠 Carpentry SLES

For those who love building and fixing, our Carpentry stream teaches tool safety, woodworking, and project planning. It’s a fantastic entry point into trades and ideal for autistic or ADHD school leavers who prefer active, hands-on learning.

🎨 Creative Arts SLES

This stream nurtures self-expression through painting, design, and multimedia projects. Participants explore creative careers while developing emotional regulation and communication skills. A great fit for young people interested in NDIS art programs for neurodiverse youth.

💻 Technology SLES

Tech-savvy participants learn digital skills like basic coding, computer safety, and content creation. This stream supports school leavers keen to explore digital careers and works well for those seeking NDIS IT training for autistic young adults.

🌿 Horticulture SLES

Enjoy the outdoors? This stream offers calm, sensory-friendly experiences in gardening, sustainability, and plant care. It’s perfect for school leavers looking for NDIS horticulture support or who find joy and purpose in working with nature.

🔧 Handyperson & Maintenance SLES

Explore practical DIY skills from minor repairs to tool handling. This stream is ideal for those interested in future trades or who enjoy learning by doing. A supportive pathway for building job-ready skills for neurodiverse young people.

🐾 Animal Care SLES

For animal lovers, this stream builds responsibility and routine while caring for pets and small animals. A nurturing environment ideal for school leavers looking for NDIS animal care training.

🐄 Farm Animal Care SLES

Learn to care for sheep, goats, and chickens on our working property. This stream supports routine, confidence, and outdoor learning in a structured, low-pressure setting—great for autistic school leavers seeking rural or farm-based experiences.

🛍 Retail SLES

Learn how to work with stock, serve customers, and use point-of-sale systems. This stream builds confidence and communication in real or simulated shop settings. Ideal for young people exploring NDIS retail job pathways.

🧘 Health & Wellbeing SLES

A holistic approach to body and mind—this stream incorporates movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing. Participants build resilience, self-regulation, and healthy habits for life. A strong option for NDIS fitness and wellbeing support for autistic teens.

🗂 Administration SLES

If you prefer structured, quiet environments, this stream focuses on skills for office-based roles—filing, data entry, basic computer use, and communication. Great for neurodivergent young adults exploring admin careers.

Why Choose Diverse Pathways SLES program?

• ✅ Tailored support for autistic and neurodivergent school leavers

• ✅ Delivered in a calm, inclusive setting on the Central Coast

• ✅ Small groups, experienced mentors, and individualised goals

• ✅ Fully funded through NDIS School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)

• ✅ Designed for ages 15–22, post-Year 10
  

Whether your young person is creative, practical, outdoorsy, techy, or still finding their path—there’s a stream here to help them thrive, not just survive.

Let’s Start the Journey

📍 Location: Mardi, Central Coast NSW 📅 Schedule: 2 days per week, 4 terms per year 👥 Supportive, neurodiversity-affirming community 💡 Focus: Confidence, connection, skill-building

Ready to explore your options? We’d love to chat. Contact Diverse Pathways today to learn more about our NDIS SLES programs for neurodiverse teens and young adults.

📞 Call us 1300 348 333 | 📧 Email us - SLES@diversepathways.com.au | 🌐 Visit our website