Neurodivergent Skills Inpatient Program
For Young Adults Aged 18–25 Years
About
Our Neurodivergent Skills Inpatient Program is designed specifically for young adults who identify as neurodivergent or who experience traits consistent with neurodivergence. The program provides a supportive, low-stimulus environment focused on building practical skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.
This is a two-week structured admission delivered by a multidisciplinary team experienced in working with autistic and neurodivergent young people.
Program Purpose
This program aims to help you:
- Build emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Strengthen social communication and interpersonal skills
- Develop sensory regulation strategies
- Improve functional daily living skills
- Understand strengths, needs, and self-advocacy strategies
- Enhance confidence and independence
- Connect with peers in a supported environment
This program focuses on learning, skills development, and stability, rather than crisis management.
What to Expect During Your Stay
A Supportive Environment
- A calm, low-stimulus ward
- Staff trained in neurodiversity-affirming practice
- Predictable routines and structured daily schedules
Therapeutic Program
You will take part in a combination of:
- Group-based skills sessions
- Individual therapeutic check-ins
- Sensory regulation and grounding activities
- Practical life skills workshops
- Psychoeducation sessions tailored to neurodivergent needs
A Typical Day Might Include
- Morning regulation and planning
- Skills-building group sessions
- Movement or sensory breaks
- Functional skills activities (e.g., organisation, communication, routines)
- Afternoon reflection or quiet time
Important Program Information
Length of Stay
- This is a fixed 2-week inpatient program.
- Extensions or partial admissions are at the discretion of the admitting Psychiatrist
Medication
- No medication changes will be made during the program.
- You must be stable on your current medications (if prescribed) for several weeks before admission.
- Medication reviews are for safety only.
Follow-Up Care
- The program does not provide outpatient psychiatric follow-up.
- You will need your community GP or psychiatrist to continue care post-discharge.
- We will share a discharge summary with your treating team.
- Deakin Private has a variety of outpatient Day Programs that may be suitable for you to enrol in post discharge.
Is this program right for you?
You may be suitable if
- You are 18–25 years old
- You are neurodivergent or undergoing neurodevelopmental assessment
- You want support with emotional regulation, communication, sensory needs, or functional skills
- You are stable, voluntary, and able to participate in group programs
- You have a GP, psychiatrist, or clinician involved in your ongoing care
This program is not able to safely support individuals who
- Are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms
- Require medication changes or titration
- Are at imminent risk of suicide, self-harm, or harm to others
- Have severe behavioural dysregulation
- Have active substance dependence
- Require 1:1 observation or acute hospital-level care
- Acute and/or enduring symptoms of an eating disorder which need active management.
- Need outpatient psychiatry through Deakin
If you are unsure whether the program is right for you, please contact us to discuss your circumstances.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing
- Sensory tools that help you regulate (e.g., headphones, fidgets)
- A notebook or device for session work
- Current medications in their original packaging
How to Prepare
- Ensure your GP or psychiatrist is aware of the admission
- Make arrangements for family, work, or study leave if needed
- Bring any questions or goals you’d like to focus on
- Let us know in advance if you have specific sensory or communication needs
After the program you will receive:
- A discharge summary outlining skills learned and recommendations
- A plan to support ongoing skill use in community settings
- Optional referral suggestions for local community supports
Your treating GP or psychiatrist will resume leadership of your care after discharge.
If you have questions about the program, eligibility, or how to prepare, our team is here to help.