ddwa icon Transition

Transition

Information and Resources to support people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to navigate transition times across the lifespan.

SWAN (South West Autism Network)

Free Resources available online through the SWAN website covering; diagnosis, support services, health, transition times and much more. Click on the links below for more information.

Early Years

Information and resources for young kids with disability aged 0-6 years old

Assets – SWAN

Primary School

Information and resources for kids with disability aged 7-12 years old

Assets – SWAN

High School

Information and resources for people with disability aged 13-18 years old

Assets – SWAN

Adults

Information and resources for adults with disability aged 18 years and over

Assets – SWAN

Transitioning from High School

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Staying Connected After School Tool-Kit

This tool-kit was developed by DDWA as A Resource for High School Teachers to support students with intellectual disability in year 11 and 12, to reduce isolation when they transition from school.  It contains downloadable lessons, workbooks and supporting information like videos. DDWA worked alongside schools, students and local councils to develop a series of workshops that were delivered in schools. The resources from this project have been made freely available here.

*If you have any problems accessing or using these resources, please get in touch: ddwa@ddwa.org.au

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Preparing for illness or death of a parent

This page has information to help people with intellectual disability, family and supporters to be prepared for when a parent or carer becomes ill or dies.

More DDWA Resources

An included life

Choosing What Matters

Approaching Adulthood

Working Together, therapy in the early years

Kick Starting Your Child's Career Journey

Autism Parents' Handbook 2025 e-Update

DDWA Services

Information sign
Transition

Information, Guidance and Support

We provide information to people with disability, family members, carers and supporters, across Life Transition Stages to help you to Self-Advocate and Navigate Systems including:

  • getting a diagnosis
  • navigating disability services and the NDIS
  • starting school and negotiating the school journey
  • making friends
  • turning 18
  • getting a job
  • staying safe and healthy
  • starting a relationship

We also provide information and guidance to support you to self-advocate in any area where laws have an impact on the person with disability's life, such as information about State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) in respect to Guardianship and Administration matters, Child Protection, Enduring Power of Attorney, Advanced Health Directives and preparing for illness/death of a parent.

For a full list of the areas we cover, see our Focus Areas Page Here.

Cost – This is a free service.

Side by Side

Side by Side Peer Community

Side by Side began as a project in 2012 for families experiencing behaviour which could be seen as challenging. The project connects families experiencing challenging behaviour with other families though a supported peer group, an active online community and in person events.  Side by Side is a safe place to receive support and help each other.

For information and how to join, contact:

Bronwyn Pike: bronwyn.pike@ddwa.org.au, or
Maggie Visser: maggie.visser@ddwa.org.au

Website: ddwa.org.au/services/family-peer-support-side-by-side

Independent Support Coordination

DDWA are a registered NDIS provider for support coordination.
We can support you to fully understand and implement the funded supports and services in your NDIS plan.

This service is currently at FULL CAPACITY.

FAQs

What about my Child’s Mental Health

By DDWA Team | June 14, 2022
Children and adults with developmental disabilities are at least two to three more times likely to have mental health issues as their neurotypical peers. As parents we need to think about the mental health of our children. There are a…

How do I let my child’s teacher know about their interests and stressors?

By DDWA Team | May 11, 2022
All about me – books One idea is to create an All About Me book with or for your child and share this with your child’s teacher. An All About Me book should include all the most important, relevant information…

Behaviour Support Plans, Management Plans & Supports

By DDWA Team | May 11, 2022
What is the difference between a Behaviour Support Plan and an Individual Education Plan? A behaviour support plan is written by a behaviour practitioner and is to be implemented across all settings, including home and other environments. A behaviour support…

What is the best way to communicate with your school?

By DDWA Team | May 11, 2022
What is the best way to communicate my child’s needs?  Find out from your child’s class teacher how and when they will communicate with you about your child’s needs and how they prefer the communication to occur.  Some teachers rely…

What additional support is available at your local school ?

By DDWA Team | May 11, 2022
My child doesn’t have a diagnosis, can I expect support in a mainstream class at my local school?  The school’s learning support team will support the teacher to identify students needing additional support. Talk to your child’s class teacher, or…

What are Individualised Planning- Curriculum Adjustments ?

By DDWA Team | May 11, 2022
What curriculum adjustments is my child entitled to under the Disability Standards for Education?  All schools must enable students with disability to participate in courses or programs and to use the school facilities and services provided, on the same basis…

Can my local public school say they cannot accommodate my child’s needs and decline enrolment?

By DDWA Team | March 15, 2022
No. The rights of children with disability to attend their local public school is protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, which reflects Australia’s international law obligations under the Convention on the Rights of…

Can my child go on the special school bus service?

By DDWA Team | March 15, 2022
Students attending education support centres and schools in the metropolitan area can access the School Bus Service’s (SBS) to attend school regularly. The ‘Orange’ bus service is provided by the Public Transport Authority using contracted bus services. SBS is also…

What are my options if the current school isn’t working out for my child and we have tried everything we can to make it work?

By DDWA Team | March 15, 2022
Changing schools when things are not working out is an option some parents choose to explore. If you reach that point you can contact the appropriate office in the public, Catholic or Independent school systems: Regional Office Education Department:  https://www.education.wa.edu.au/contact…

Can I access specialist programs for my child with autism?

By DDWA Team | February 28, 2022
In the public school system, the government has provided funding for some specialist programs in both primary and secondary schools for students with autism. Children share programs with mainstream students as part of their education. Enrolment depends on where you…