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What Percentage of Neurodiverse Teenagers Don’t Get Jobs After School?

Many neurodiverse teenagers face significant barriers to employment after leaving school — especially those with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, or learning differences.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW):

  • Only 38% of autistic people aged 15–64 are in paid work.

  • For neurodivergent school leavers aged 15–24, employment rates can drop below 25–30%.

  • That means up to 70–75% of neurodiverse teenagers may not secure a job without targeted, individualised support.

    A lack of flexibility and understanding from employers can limit opportunities for meaningful employment for autistic teenagers.
    A lack of flexibility and understanding from employers can limit opportunities for meaningful employment for neurodiverse teenagers.

Common barriers include:

• Lack of inclusive hiring practices

• Social communication challenges

• Sensory and mental health needs in work environments

• Limited workplace flexibility

• Employers’ lack of understanding about neurodivergence


Diverse Pathways – Central Coast NSW

At Diverse Pathways, we help change those statistics with our NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) programs. Our holistic approach gives neurodiverse young people the tools, confidence, and real-world experience to transition from school into meaningful employment.

🔍 If you’re searching for:

  • “SLES program Central Coast”

  • “autism employment support NSW”

  • “NDIS transition to work Central Coast”

  • “what to do after school for neurodiverse teens”

  • “support for autistic school leavers”— you’re in the right place.


📍 Located in Mardi on the Central Coast, our SLES program runs 2 days/week for 10 weeks each term, with flexible, neuroaffirming support for ages 15–22.


Enrol now or speak to our SLES team.

1300 348 333

 
 
 

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