Many autistic students around Liverpool learn in specialist settings – including autism-specific satellite classes in suburbs such as Moorebank and Holsworthy, specialist schools and support classes in local high schools. These settings are built around predictable routines, visual supports and staff who understand each student well.
When school ends, a lot of that structure disappears. The right day program can bring it back – but it needs to be chosen with care. This guide is for families in Moorebank, Holsworthy, Hammondville, Liverpool, Casula and Prestons.
Why the transition can be harder for autistic young people
Change can be stressful for anyone, but for many autistic young people it can be especially hard. Leaving school often means a new place, new people, a new timetable and new sensory environments all at once. Families sometimes notice:
- increased anxiety in the weeks before and after school ends
- loss of routine leading to changes in sleep, eating or behaviour
- withdrawal and more time spent at home or on screens
- missing friends and familiar staff from school
Planning early, with small steps and lots of preparation, can make a real difference.
What to look for in an autism-friendly day program
- Predictable routines: a consistent weekly timetable, with changes explained in advance.
- Visual supports: schedules, social stories or photos of places and people before outings.
- Sensory awareness: quieter spaces, flexibility around noise and crowds, and room for breaks.
- Consistent staff: the same familiar support workers wherever possible.
- Respect for communication styles: including people who use AAC, signs, gestures or few words.
- Interest-based activities: building the week around what your young person genuinely enjoys.
- The right ratio: small groups for some, 1:1 or 2:1 for others.
- Family communication: a regular update so you know how the day went.
Preparing your young person for the move
- Visit the centre together – more than once if needed – before starting.
- Take photos of the space, the van and support workers to look at at home.
- Create a one-page profile: interests, sensory needs, triggers, calming strategies and how they communicate.
- Share any behaviour support plan and strategies that work at school.
- Start with short days and build up gradually.
- Keep some familiar routines from school, such as morning and lunch rhythms.
Funding a day program through the NDIS
Day programs are usually funded from the Core – Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation budget. If your young person has work goals, School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) may be funded from Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job. Ask your support coordinator or LAC to check the plan before school ends.
Our Casula day program
Our Casula centre is close to Moorebank, Holsworthy and Liverpool. We support people with a wide range of disabilities and communication styles, and we plan activities with each group’s interests in mind.
- open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm – full or part days
- 1:3, 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 support, agreed with you before starting
- door-to-door transport in our accessible van
- visits by appointment, so the centre stays calm for participants
- trial days where possible, including for students in their final year
Read more on our Casula day program page or our school leavers program page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you support autistic young people at your day program?
Yes. We support people with a wide range of disabilities and communication styles, and we’ll work with you to understand your young person’s routines, sensory needs and interests.
Can the same support workers be with my young person each day?
We aim for consistent, familiar support workers wherever possible, because we know how much it matters.
What if my young person finds groups overwhelming?
We offer 1:1 and 2:1 support as well as small groups. Many people start with 1:1 support and join group activities gradually.
Can we visit more than once before starting?
Yes. Visits are by appointment, and we’re happy to arrange more than one so the space and people feel familiar.
Related reading
Ask about our day programs in Casula and Condell Park
Both centres are open Monday to Saturday, 8am–6pm, with 1:3, 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 support and door-to-door transport in our accessible van. Visits are by appointment. Call 1800 920 600 to book a time to look around or talk about a trial day.
Beyond Limits is an independent NDIS provider and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any school mentioned in this article. School details are general and may change – please contact the school directly for current information.