Supporting Teens Through Transition: Creating SENSE‑ational Bridges
High school is a critical time; it’s a period of identity, independence, and immense change. Teenagers are asked to balance academics, friendships, identity, and planning for life after graduation, all while managing growing independence.
For teens with diverse needs, this period can feel overwhelming. Parents may ask, “Is my child ready for adulthood? What comes next?” And occupational therapists (OTs) often wonder, “How can I best support their long-term goals?”
At Sense-ational Spaces, we believe that the transition years deserve special attention and that occupational therapy plays a key role in helping teens build confidence, independence, and self-direction. Let’s explore how OTs and families can better support high school students through this life-changing journey!
Transition Planning: Beyond Academics
Transition planning should go beyond compliance and paperwork. It should reflect what matters most to the student, whether that’s finding a job, going to college, or developing independent living skills. By age 14 (or earlier, depending on the district), transition goals should be part of the IEP. OT can help students build the skills they’ll need in postsecondary settings: managing a schedule, organizing digital and physical materials, budgeting, planning meals, or navigating public transportation.
When therapy focuses on real-world performance, not just classroom function, it becomes a meaningful part of the student’s long-term success.
(Kozlowski, 2021)
Motivation Matters
One of the most common challenges for OTs and parents alike is keeping teens engaged. Motivation often drops during the later years of high school, especially if students feel therapy isn’t relevant to their future goals.
Here’s the key: when therapy is rooted in the student’s own interests and life plans, motivation naturally increases.
Supporting a teen who wants to pursue mechanics? Integrate tool use and sequencing. Is your student aiming for college? Focus on executive functioning, task initiation, and self-regulation.
Therapy that connects directly to a student’s dreams is not just motivating, it’s empowering.
(Kozlowski, 2023)
The Role of OT
OT at the high school level often shifts from traditional goals like handwriting or sensory regulation to higher-level skills such as:
Executive functioning
Emotional regulation
Self-advocacy
Technology use
Community mobility
Job readiness
This broader scope allows OTs to support teens in gaining autonomy and confidence, whether it’s completing a job application, organizing assignments online, or practicing interview skills.
OT becomes not just a school service, but a bridge to life beyond it.
(Kozlowski, 2022)
Creating SENSE‑ational Bridges: Practical Strategies
Whether you’re a therapist working in a high school or a parent advocating for your child, here are some practical ways to support transition-aged youth:
Start with their voice. Ask: “What do you want life to look like after high school?”
Embed therapy into everyday tasks. Use real-life routines like grocery shopping, using public transit, or preparing simple meals.
Support self-determination. Encourage students to participate in IEP meetings and goal setting.
Use visual supports and assistive tech. Calendars, digital reminders, and task organizers can build independence.
Create sensory-friendly spaces. Help students find regulation strategies that work in different environments, school, work, or home.
Foster collaboration. Connect with vocational counselors, job coaches, and other support professionals.
The transition out of high school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With thoughtful planning, individualized supports, and strong collaboration between OTs, families, and students, the process can become one of growth, empowerment, and purpose.
Let’s keep showing up, asking what teens really want, and helping them get there, step by step. Because when we design environments that are supportive, sensory-friendly, and purpose-driven…
✨ We make transitions truly SENSE‑ational✨
References
Kozlowski, J. (Host). (2021, June 8). OTSH 66: Postsecondary transition planning with Michael Crawley. The OT Schoolhouse Podcast. https://www.otschoolhouse.com/single-post/otsh-66-postsecondary-transition-planning
Kozlowski, J. (Host). (2022, May 10). OTSH 89: Journal Club - OT in the high school setting. The OT Schoolhouse Podcast. https://www.otschoolhouse.com/single-post/otsh-89-journal-club-ot-in-the-high-school-setting
Kozlowski, J. (Host). (2023, May 23). OTSH 114: Finding motivation in transition-aged students with Kathy Bielawski. The OT Schoolhouse Podcast. https://www.otschoolhouse.com/single-post/otsh-114-finding-motivation-in-transition-aged-students
