Adult Developmental Education - Adelaide
When can Developmental Education (DE) help you?
Every person deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. Sometimes, adults need extra support to build confidence, increase independence, or manage the challenges of daily life.
Developmental Education is an allied health profession that supports adults with developmental differences or additional support needs to build meaningful skills, live more independently, and participate fully in their community.
Our Developmental Educators use evidence-based, person-centred approaches to support learning, development, and wellbeing — always focusing on what matters most to you.
Developmental Education can help when you are experiencing challenges with:
Everyday Routines or Life Skills
Our Developmental Educators support adults to develop practical, everyday skills such as self-care, organisation, meal preparation, and daily living tasks. By breaking activities into achievable steps, we help you feel capable, confident, and more independent in managing your routines at home, work, or in the community.
Emotional Regulation or Behaviour
Managing emotions can sometimes be overwhelming. We work alongside you to understand triggers and develop strategies that are safe, respectful, and effective. Through tailored approaches, you’ll learn how to recognise emotions, apply coping strategies, and build resilience, while carers and families gain practical tools to support you in daily life.
Sensory Needs and Stress Management
Sensory input can sometimes feel too much — or not enough. Our team provides personalised sensory strategies to help you manage stress, stay calm, and feel comfortable in different environments. With the right supports and adjustments, you can feel more in control and better able to engage in work, learning, social, and community activities.
Social Skills and Building Connections
Healthy relationships and social connections are an important part of adult life. We provide strategies and coaching to help you strengthen communication, develop friendships, and participate more confidently in social or workplace settings. By focusing on your strengths, we help you feel more connected and included.
Transitions and Life Changes
Life is full of transitions, and they can feel daunting. Whether it’s moving into independent living, starting further study, entering the workforce, or adjusting to a new routine, we provide practical support and guidance to help you navigate change with confidence and reduce anxiety.
How is Developmental Education different from Occupational Therapy?
It’s common for adults and families to wonder about the difference between a Developmental Educator (DE) and an Occupational Therapist (OT), as both professionals support independence, skill-building, and wellbeing.
Occupational Therapists focus on how you do everyday activities. They often support motor skills, sensory processing, or recommend tools and equipment to make tasks easier.
Developmental Educators focus on teaching and practising skills — such as life planning, emotional regulation, social development, and community participation.
While there is some overlap, the difference is in emphasis:
OTs focus on adapting tasks and environments.
DEs focus on learning and applying skills for daily life.
Many people benefit from seeing both an OT and a DE, as together they provide holistic, neuro-affirming support to help adults grow in confidence, independence, and participation.
Here's why our focus on neuroaffirming practice is so important:
Celebrating Neurodiversity
We believe neurodiversity is a natural and valuable part of human variation. Our neuroaffirming practice embraces the understanding that neurological differences — such as autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental conditions — are part of the diverse fabric of society. We celebrate strengths and perspectives, and value the contributions of neurodivergent adults.
Creating an Inclusive Environment
We provide safe, respectful spaces where you feel accepted and valued for who you are. Our goal is to empower you to be your authentic self while building skills that support your independence and wellbeing.
Respecting Individual Needs
We recognise that everyone experiences the world differently. Our support is tailored to your unique needs and preferences, taking into account sensory sensitivities, strengths, and goals.
Supporting Self-Advocacy
We encourage and empower you to develop self-advocacy skills — building confidence in expressing your needs, making choices, and being an active participant in your therapy and your life.
Collaborating with Families and Support Networks
We work closely with families, carers, support coordinators, and other allied health professionals to ensure consistent and effective support across all areas of your life.
Working with Community, Education, and Workplaces
Whether you’re studying, working, or engaging in your community, we collaborate with external supports to make sure your strategies are understood and applied in the environments that matter most to you.
Getting Started
Taking the first step is simple. Complete our intake form to let us know about your goals and support needs. Submitting the form is obligation-free and helps us understand how we can best support you.
Once we receive your form, our team will be in touch to arrange an initial session and begin developing a tailored support plan.
Sessions can take place in our clinic, at home, in the community, or online — whatever works best for you. Together, we’ll create a plan that helps you build independence, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Step 1: Initial Planning Meeting.
This first session is usually conducted online or by phone, with clinic visits available if preferred. It provides an opportunity for you (and a carer or support coordinator, if involved) to openly discuss your needs, goals, and priorities. Your Developmental Educator will gather key information, such as your daily routines, medical or support history, current therapies, and areas where you would like to build skills. Together, we identify goals for your personalised support plan, ensuring everyone is aligned.
Sessions usually last 60–90 minutes.
Step 2: Meet and Greet Session.
At All Things Therapy, we prioritise creating a safe, welcoming space where you feel comfortable and respected. This session focuses on building trust and rapport, laying the foundation for a supportive working relationship. Depending on your needs, this may involve conversation, practical activities, or exploring strategies you’d like to focus on. During this time, your Developmental Educator will learn more about your strengths, preferences, and challenges to help shape your plan.
Session length varies based on your needs, typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 3: Support Plan Development.
After the initial sessions, your Developmental Educator will prepare a Support Plan outlining your key goals, strategies to achieve them, and the best approach for structuring future sessions. This document is tailored to your individual needs and provides a roadmap for your ongoing supports.
This comprehensive report typically takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete.
Step 4: Ongoing Sessions.
Ongoing sessions will be scheduled based on an agreed frequency, with most clients opting for weekly or fortnightly sessions.
Remember, every person is unique
The presence of one or more challenges does not automatically mean that therapy is required. However, if you have concerns about your own skills, routines, sensory needs, emotional wellbeing, or ability to participate fully in daily life, it may be helpful to consult with a therapist. They can work with you to understand your goals and recommend the right supports to build confidence, independence, and meaningful participation.
"Empowering individuals to build skills, gain confidence, and thrive in everyday life."
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