adult developmental education Adelaide

We provide developmental education in Adelaide to support adults in building the skills they need for everyday life at home, work and in the community. Our developmental educators work alongside adults to support independence, emotional regulation, routines, learning and meaningful participation in daily life in a neuro-affirming and strengths-based way.

We provide this service from our Eastwood clinic and support adults across the Adelaide metropolitan area.

What Is Developmental Education For Adults?

Developmental education for adults supports individuals to develop practical skills, understanding and strategies to navigate everyday life. This may include support with routines, emotional regulation, learning, communication, social participation, independence and self-advocacy.

Developmental educators consider the whole person, including cognitive, emotional, behavioural, social and environmental factors that may impact participation and wellbeing.

Our approach focuses on recognising each person’s strengths, building capacity, and supporting meaningful participation in everyday activities and environments.

Who Can Benefit From Developmental Education?

Adults may benefit from developmental education if they experience challenges with daily living skills, emotional regulation, learning, routines, social participation, communication or independence.

Support may also be helpful for adults who are neurodivergent, experience developmental differences, or would benefit from practical strategies to build confidence, self-understanding and participation in work, study or community life.

How Our Developmental Educators Support Adults

Our developmental educators begin by getting to know you, understanding your strengths, goals and support needs. Support plans are individualised and may include direct sessions, skill development, education, routine building, and collaboration with families, carers or other professionals where appropriate.

Support may be provided in the clinic or within everyday environments such as home, work, education or community settings, depending on individual needs and goals.

Areas We Support

Adults may receive developmental education support across a range of areas, including emotional regulation and coping strategies, routines and daily living skills, learning and organisation, social skills and relationships, communication and self-advocacy, executive functioning, independence, and participation in work, education and community life.

All support is individualised and guided by each person’s strengths, goals and priorities.

NDIS, Medicare And Private Funding

We provide developmental education services for NDIS participants, including self-managed and plan-managed plans. We also offer support for privately funded clients.

If you are unsure which funding options apply to you, our team can help guide you through the process.

Where developmental education can help:

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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.

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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.

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Sensory Needs and Stress Management

Sensory input can sometimes feel too much — or not enough. Our developmental educators provide 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.

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Social Skills and Building Connections

Healthy relationships and social connections are an important part of adult life. Our developmental educators 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.

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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.

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Goal Setting and Personal Development

Achieving your goals can feel overwhelming without the right support. We work with you to identify meaningful personal, professional, or lifestyle goals and break them into manageable steps.

Whether you're aiming to build confidence, improve daily routines, strengthen relationships, or make positive changes in your life, we provide the tools, strategies, and encouragement to help you move forward with clarity and purpose.

How is Developmental Education different from Occupational Therapy?

It’s common for adults and families to wonder about the difference between a developmental educator and an occupational therapist, 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:

Occupational therapists focus on adapting tasks and environments, whilst developmental educators focus on learning and applying skills for daily life.

Many people benefit from seeing both an occupational therapist and a developmental educator, as together they both provide support to help adults grow in confidence, independence, and participation.

Why Choose us:

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Celebrating Neurodiversity

We believe that neurodiversity is a valuable and natural aspect of human variation. Our neuroaffirming approach embraces the understanding that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, are part of the diverse fabric of humanity.

We celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives neurodivergent individuals bring to society.

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Creating an Inclusive Environment

Our approach fosters a safe and accepting space for all individuals, regardless of neurological differences. We aim to create an environment where adults feel understood, accepted, and valued.

By providing a neuroaffirming space, we empower individuals to express themselves authentically and engage in therapy with confidence.

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Respecting Individual Needs

We recognise that each person experiences the world uniquely, and our therapists take the time to listen, observe, and adapt interventions to meet your specific needs and sensory sensitivities.

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Supporting Self-Advocacy

We empower adults to become self-advocates by nurturing self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy skills.

We help individuals gain the confidence to actively participate in their therapy, make informed choices, and advocate for their needs and rights.

Collaborating with Families and Support Networks

We work with families, caregivers, and other support networks.

We value their insights and perspectives, fostering open communication and mutual respect to create a cohesive, supportive network for the individual.

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Working Closely with Employers and Workplaces

We understand the significant role that work plays in an adult's life. Our occupational therapists collaborate with employers to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach to the individual's needs, enhancing their ability to succeed in the workplace.

This partnership can maximise the potential for productivity, satisfaction, and well-being.

Your First Steps:

Step 1
Initial Planning Session

Your therapist will gather key information, including relevant medical history, daily routines, current supports, sensory preferences, emotional wellbeing, independent living skills, and any challenges impacting your participation at home, work, or in the community.

Together, you will identify meaningful goals for your Therapy Plan to ensure support is aligned with what matters most to you.

Sessions typically run for 60–90 minutes.

Step 2
Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship

Our priority is to create a safe and welcoming space where you feel comfortable engaging in therapy. In this session, your therapist will focus on building rapport, understanding your challenges, and identifying your strengths and goals for therapy.

Sessions typically last 45 minutes.

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Step 3
Personalised Therapy Plan

Following initial sessions, your therapistist will develop a personalised plan outlining key therapeutic goals and strategies to achieve them. This tailored plan ensures therapy is focused and effective.

Step 4
Ongoing Sessions

Regular sessions will be scheduled based on your needs, with most clients opting for weekly or fortnightly appointments.

Your progress will be continuously reviewed, and adjustments will be made to support your growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is adult developmental education?

Adult developmental education supports individuals to build everyday life skills, independence, and confidence. This may include support with learning, social skills, routines, community participation, and navigating daily life.

Who can benefit from adult developmental education?

Adults of all ages can benefit, particularly individuals with intellectual disability, developmental delay, neurodivergence, or those who benefit from structured support to build skills for everyday living.

Do I need a referral to access developmental education?

No referral is required. However, referrals or supporting documentation may be helpful when accessing services through the NDIS or other funding options.

What happens in the first appointment?

The first session focuses on understanding individual goals, strengths, and support needs. Together, we develop a plan that supports skill development, independence, and participation in everyday activities.

Do you provide NDIS developmental education services for adults?

Yes. We support adults who are self-managed or plan-managed under the NDIS. Support is aligned with individual NDIS goals and focuses on building functional life skills.

What types of skills can developmental education support?

Developmental education can support skills such as communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, daily living skills, decision-making, and community participation.

Where do sessions take place?

Sessions can take place in the clinic, at home, in the community, or via telehealth, depending on individual needs and goals.

How do I get started?

You can get started by completing our intake form or contacting our team. We’ll discuss your needs and guide you through the next steps.

Remember, every adult is unique

The presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that therapy is required. However, if you have concerns about your communication skills, cognitive abilities, or overall functional performance, we recommend consulting with a therapist. They can assess your needs and recommend the best approach to support your development and progress.