Vocational Training
Venturing into the working world doesn’t have to be daunting. Give your child the confidence and training they need to integrate into their next big step in life.
Essential Skills
We prepare your child with the essential social, emotional, and practical skills needed in the working world.
Job Opportunities
We have a panel of special needs-friendly companies we work with to provide job opportunities for your child.
On-the-job Support
During employment, regular interviews with your child and their employers gives us feedback to help improve their progress.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
See improvements in
Independence
Gain the confidence and skills needed for your child to work or travel independently.
Communication
Work on your child’s ability to communicate with their colleagues, customers, and community.
Social Skills
Develop work-appropriate social behaviours and learn how to ask for assistance when needed.
Emotional
Adapt to and reduce distress arising from change of environment, sensory preferences, and more.
Language
Improve your child’s ability to express themselves at work, including requesting for help, asking questions, or greetings.
Holistic
The skills and confidence gained from adapting to the workplace flows over to other aspects of daily life.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
We’ll support you through it
Autism Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is AutismSTEP’s Vocational Training programme?
A structured path that builds the social, emotional, and practical skills needed for the workplace, then connects suitable learners to employer partners and supports them on the job.
Who is this programme for?
Learners ready to explore real work settings—typically older students preparing to leave school and young adults who’d benefit from confidence, communication, and independence coaching before or during employment.
What skills will my child work on?
Core areas include independence, communication, social skills, language, emotional regulation, and general “work readiness”—the exact skills highlighted on the service page.
Do you help with actual job placements?
Yes. AutismSTEP works with a panel of special-needs-friendly companies to create appropriate opportunities and trial placements.
What support happens during employment?
Therapists maintain regular check-ins/interviews with the learner and the employer to solve issues early, adjust supports, and sustain progress.
Is support full-time or part-time—and does it fade out?
Support hours are flexible and matched to the role. The goal is fading assistance as skills stick so your child becomes increasingly independent at work.
Do you teach travel training and community independence?
Yes—independence includes confidence and skills to work or travel independently, with practical coaching around real routines.
Are placements paid?
It depends on the employer and role. Some opportunities are paid from the start; others begin as trials or internships. Your coordinator will clarify this during matching (and before any commitment).
How do you decide the right role for my child?
Through an initial consult and goal-setting, then by matching strengths and support needs to partner roles. Employers receive guidance on task structure, communication, and reasonable supports.
How long does the programme take?
Timelines vary. A typical pathway includes work-readiness sessions, trial shifts, and on-the-job support with regular reviews. You’ll agree targets and a review cadence at the start.
How will we know it’s working?
You’ll track practical outcomes (e.g., on-task minutes, number of independent steps completed, successful customer interactions) and get updates from both your child and the employer during scheduled check-ins.
Can we use Baby Bonus (CDA) for eligible fees?
AutismSTEP is a Baby Bonus Approved Institution. The team can advise which programme components qualify and how to use CDA for payment.
MEET OUR FAMILIES
Read their success stories
We’ve helped countless families unlock their child’s best potential. Meet our families and hear their stories here.
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