Care designed for the way you experience the world
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.
What the program involves
The program runs over two weeks as a structured inpatient stay. It combines individual and group sessions with practical skill-building, delivered by a multidisciplinary team who specialise in neurodivergent care.
Focus areas include emotional regulation, communication, sensory strategies, daily living skills and planning for independent life. Every program is adapted to the individual.
This program focuses on learning, skills development, and stability, rather than crisis management.
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