No Pathway Is the Same: Neuro-Affirming Approaches to Work and Study re-engagement
Tracks
Monarch
| Thursday, November 5, 2026 |
| 2:50 PM - 3:10 PM |
Overview
Charlotte Doss, headspace National
Three Key Learnings
1. Insight into how early school disengagement and unrecognised neurodivergence can present later as vocational uncertainty.
2. Strategies to support reframing identity beyond academic performance, rebuild confidence, and explore aligned and flexible pathways into work and learning.
3. Ways to support building adaptable skills for the future of work while supporting gradual re-engagement as part of recovery.
Presenter
Ms Charlotte Doss
Work And Study Specialist
headspace National
No Pathway Is the Same: Neuro-Affirming Approaches to Work and Study re-engagement
Presentation Overview
headspace, Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, provides early intervention mental health services online and in person to young people aged 12-25, their families and friends. In response to the unique work and study needs young people across the continuum of mental health can experience, headspace has expanded their work, and study supports available across Australia, face to face and online.
Work and study participation are important contributors to mental health recovery. However, some young people from regional and rural communities may quietly disengage from education, often beginning with declining attendance in late primary and early secondary school, before leaving in high school. These young people are often labelled as unmotivated, despite being bright and capable, with underlying learning challenges, anxiety, or unrecognised neurodivergence. By the time they present to services, they may have missed expected education milestones and present with low confidence, feeling behind compared to their peers and a belief that education is “not for them”.
This presentation explores how a vocational-first, youth-led, clinically integrated approach between a vocational specialist and clinician can support early school leavers to reconnect with participation. Using a case example from headspace Work and Study Online, the session will demonstrate how practical vocational goals are used as the entry point alongside targeted clinical strategies and neuro-affirming approaches.
bio for second presenter:
Michelle Hartnett (she/her) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who works as a Clinical Advisor in the headspace Work and Study Online team where she integrates mental health and vocational support for young people. She has worked across the community mental health sector, as well as in alternative education and private practice, primarily with multicultural and neurodivergent young people. Michelle is passionate about helping young people reconnect with work and study in ways that feel aligned, recognising their strengths and capabilities.
Work and study participation are important contributors to mental health recovery. However, some young people from regional and rural communities may quietly disengage from education, often beginning with declining attendance in late primary and early secondary school, before leaving in high school. These young people are often labelled as unmotivated, despite being bright and capable, with underlying learning challenges, anxiety, or unrecognised neurodivergence. By the time they present to services, they may have missed expected education milestones and present with low confidence, feeling behind compared to their peers and a belief that education is “not for them”.
This presentation explores how a vocational-first, youth-led, clinically integrated approach between a vocational specialist and clinician can support early school leavers to reconnect with participation. Using a case example from headspace Work and Study Online, the session will demonstrate how practical vocational goals are used as the entry point alongside targeted clinical strategies and neuro-affirming approaches.
bio for second presenter:
Michelle Hartnett (she/her) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who works as a Clinical Advisor in the headspace Work and Study Online team where she integrates mental health and vocational support for young people. She has worked across the community mental health sector, as well as in alternative education and private practice, primarily with multicultural and neurodivergent young people. Michelle is passionate about helping young people reconnect with work and study in ways that feel aligned, recognising their strengths and capabilities.
Biography
Charlotte Doss (she/her) is an Associate Career Practitioner who works as a Work and Study Specialist with the headspace Work and Study Online team. She is currently completing a Masters of Autism and Neurodivergent Studies, deepening her expertise in supporting neurodivergent young people. Charlotte has previously worked in community settings alongside individuals with complex psychosocial mental health needs, building strong foundations in person centred support. She is passionate about helping young people discover meaningful pathways, navigate challenges, and build confidence through a strengths based, neuro-affirming approach. Charlotte is committed to creating inclusive, empowering spaces where every young person can thrive.
