Therapy pathways for Teens & Young Adults

CHATS Therapy supports independence, confidence, and real-world skills — from high school through to adulthood.

Introduction

The teenage and young adult years bring unique challenges — navigating high school, building friendships, managing emotions, and preparing for life beyond school.

We support young people to:

• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Develop social skills and friendships
• Manage anxiety, stress, and big emotions
• Prepare for high school, TAFE, employment, and independent living
• Communicate effectively in social, academic, and workplace settings

Who we Support

Our teen and young adult services are designed for young people with:

• Autism (Level 1 and Level 2)
• ADHD
• Anxiety and emotional regulation challenges
• Social communication difficulties
• Developmental delays
• Learning differences
• Young people who are “high-functioning” on paper — but struggling in real life

At CHATS Kids Therapy, we provide specialised therapy and group programs designed for this stage of life. Our therapists understand the specific needs of teens and young adults with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, and developmental differences.

“Every young person is placed in a group where they’ll feel comfortable, supported, and able to make progress”

Not all programs are suitable for all ages. Our Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists carefully match young people to the right program based on their age, goals, and support needs. Some programs are designed for teens (13–17), while others are for young adults (16–25).

During your intake, we’ll discuss which services and groups are the best fit — and if a program isn’t right for your young person, we’ll let you know and suggest alternatives.

1:1 Therapy Services

CHATS Kids Therapy offers individual therapy tailored to the unique needs of teenagers and young adults.

Speech Pathology for Teens & Young Adults

Occupational Therapy for Teens & Young Adults

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Conversation skills, reading social cues, making and keeping friends

Group work, presentations, classroom participation

Job interviews, professional communication, workplace social skills

Supporting teens who “go quiet” or shut down socially

Understanding and working with neurodivergent communication styles

Reading, writing, and study skills for high school and beyond

Communication skills for further study and work

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Cooking, cleaning, personal care, managing routines

Managing stress, anxiety, meltdowns, and shutdowns

Organisation, time management, planning, prioritising

Understanding and managing sensory needs.

Focus, attention, homework routines, exam preparation

Spatial awareness, road safety, preparing for learner permits

Workplace skills, task completion, following instructions

Budgeting, public transport, community access

Group Programs for Teens & Young Adults

Group programs are a powerful way to build social skills, confidence, and independence alongside peers. Our groups are led by qualified Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapits and are designed for specific age groups and goals.

13-17 YEARS

Teen Social Lab

Focus: Social communication, friendships, and confidence

For teenagers navigating high school social life — making friends, understanding social cues, managing conflict, and building confidence.

13-17 YEARS

Life Ready

Focus: Real-world life skills and pathways to independence

For young adults preparing for life beyond school — whether that’s further study, employment, or independent living.

• Conversation skills and “small talk”
• Reading social cues and body language
• Making and keeping friends
• Handling conflict and disagreements
• Group work and teamwork
• Building confidence in social situations

Weekly group session (term-based)

• Cooking, cleaning, and household tasks
• Budgeting and money management
• Public transport and community access
• Job readiness — resumes, interviews, workplace skills
• TAFE and study preparation
• Building routines and managing time
• Social skills for adult life
• Day and overnight excursions
• Team challenges, leadership activities, and problem-solving tasks

Weekly group session (term-based)

6-25 YEARS

CHATS Musical

Focus: Confidence, teamwork, and performance through inclusive theatre

Australia’s first therapy-led musical theatre program — created by therapists and run by industry professionals.

16+ YEARS

Inclusive Goods Co. — Entrepreneur Group

Focus: Business skills, teamwork, and real-world experience

A student-run business program where young adults create and sell real products — building business, financial, and teamwork skills.

• Weekly one-hour rehearsals
• Professional teachers, coaches, and therapists
• Full production performance
• Confidence and self-expression
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication and social skills
• A sense of achievement and belonging

Weekly rehearsals + production | NDIS applicable

• Design and make products (e.g., Sensory Play Packs, Easter Cookies, Christmas gifts)
• Learn budgeting, marketing, and customer service
• Experience the full business journey — from idea to sales
• Profits shared among participants
• Hands-on business experience
• Confidence and independence

Term-based program | NDIS applicable

VARIOUS AGES

Creative Arts Academy

Focus: Confidence and self-expression through art, music, drama, and dance

Creative therapy-based programs that use the arts to build confidence, emotional expression, and social connection.

• Weekly one-hour rehearsals
• Professional teachers, coaches, and therapists
• Full production performance
• Confidence and self-expression
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication and social skills
• A sense of achievement and belonging

Note: Age groups vary by program. We’ll match your young person to the right group. Participants are grouped by age and ability to ensure everyone is comfortable and supported.

Holiday Programs

CHATS Kids Therapy run holiday programs throughout the year — social outings, creative activities, and skill-building experiences designed for teens and young adults.

• Movie nights and Gold Class outings
• Bowling, karaoke, and billiards
• Cooking groups
• Community outings and adventures
• OT daily living groups

Holiday programs are matched to age and ability. Our Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists will confirm suitability before booking.

Funding Options

We accept:

NDIS — self-managed

Private Health Insurance

Private Payment

Medicare

NDIS — agency-managed

NDIS — plan-managed

Not sure what funding applies? We can help you work it out.

Getting Started

1. Contact Us

Contact us by phone, email or online form

2. Intake Conversation

We discuss your young person’s needs, goals, and which services suit them

3. Assessment

A therapist completes a thorough assessment

4. Therapy Plan

Together, we create a tailored plan — 1:1, group, or both

5. Therapy Begins

Regular sessions with progress updates along the way

FAQs

What ages do you support?

Our teen and young adult services are for ages 13–25. Some programs are specifically for teens (13–17), others for young adults (16–25).

How do you decide which program is right for my young person?

During intake, we discuss your young person’s age, goals, interests, and support needs. We’ll recommend the best fit — and if a program isn’t suitable, we’ll be upfront and suggest alternatives.

Can my young person do both 1:1 therapy and group programs?

Yes! Many families find a combination works best.

Is NDIS funding available?

Yes. Most of our services and group programs are NDIS applicable.

What if my young person has higher support needs?

We specialise in young people with Autism Level 1–2, ADHD, anxiety, and developmental differences. If your young person has higher support needs, we’re happy to chat — and can refer you to a more suitable service if needed.

Where are you located?

Located in Bundoora, we support all local suburbs including Heidelberg, Bellfield, Macleod, Lalor, Research, Diamond Creek, Plenty, Eltham, Montmorency, Thomastown, Reservoir, Yallambie, Greensborough, Watsonia and Mill Park.

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