Programs of Support
Our Programs of Support offer comprehensive, individualised support for neurodivergent youth, focusing on key areas like social skills, well-being, regulation, daily living, life skills, work readiness, and sensory integration. Designed with evidence-informed practices using evidence-based programs and methodologies, these programs are ideal for young people on the autism spectrum or with similar characteristics.
Our skills programs of support are led by a team of qualified Teachers and Occupational Therapists where each program is carefully structured to ensure participants receive personalised attention, while caregivers gain practical tools to support their young person’s growth both during and after the program.
What to Expect
- Skill-Building in Real-Life Contexts: Participants learn and practice social and life skills through structured activities in natural, everyday settings, ensuring effective learning and retention.
- Personalised Goals: Programs are tailored and aligned with individual needs and objectives.
- Caregiver Support: Caregivers attend dedicated sessions, receive updates, and gain practical strategies to help transfer skills to home and real-world environments.
- Engaging Activities:
Sessions are purposefully designed to be fun, interactive, and accessible, using evidence-based practices to keep participants motivated and involved.
Program Benefits
- Develops essential skills to support growth, independence, and confidence in navigating the social world.
- Combines education with enjoyment to keep participants motivated and eager to learn.
- Offers Progress and Exit Reports, along with optional one-on-one consultations for additional support.
- Provides a supportive, developmentally appropriate environment tailored to each participant’s needs.
- Empowers caregivers with updates and training to ensure skill transfer to everyday settings for lasting success.
- These programs are designed to help participants grow, thrive, and gain the confidence to navigate life with independence and self-reliance.
Social Skills Programs
Social Skills Program
Led by an experienced Early Education Teacher and Drama Specialist, this is a strength-based social skills program drawing from evidence-informed programs such as the Social Thinking methodology, Unstuck and on Target, PEERS and Zones of Regulation. This program uses evidence-based practices and play based games and activities to keep children engaged, practice skills and receive real-time social coaching.
Caregiver: Receives updates and coaching via reunifications and regular tip sheets.
Duration: 1.5 hr sessions; 8-week term; 4 Terms
Social Skills Program
Led by an experienced Special Education Teacher, this is a strength-based social skills program drawing from evidence-informed programs such as the Social Thinking methodology, Unstuck and on Target, PEERS and Zones of Regulation. This program uses evidence-based practices and play based games and activities to keep children engaged, practice skills and receive real-time social coaching.
Caregiver: Receives updates and coaching via reunifications and regular tip sheets.
Duration: 1.5 hr sessions; 8-week term; 4 Terms
Other Programs of Support
Grades 6-9
Background
Research estimates that up to 95% of people on the autism spectrum experience sensory processing differences, so much so that sensory processing dysfunction has been added to the diagnostic criteria for autism (Kojovic et al., 2019). However, recognising and understanding sensory processing challenges, let alone managing them, can be a complex and daunting task. When left unchecked or misunderstood, sensory processing challenges can lead to unwanted outcomes such as dysregulation, anxiety, and even difficulties with social interactions (Kojovic et al., 2019).
About Making Sensory Connections
Led by our experienced Occupational Therapist, this group will explore the eight senses and the essential role they play in our everyday life.
This is a supportive, group-based environment where participants can connect over shared experiences, while learning to navigate their unique sensory processing profiles through fun activities, discussions, and take-home resources. The group will have a heavy craft component so would be suited to neurodivergent tweens and teens who would like to explore ways to manage their unique sensory processing profiles, while having fun and getting creative!
Our goal is to equip participants with personalised strategies to manage their own sensory preferences, so they can engage in their world with greater ease, confidence and comfort.
Parent Involvement
As a part of the ‘Making Sensory Connections’ group, we will hold two caregiver sessions per term (end and beginning of term). Caregivers will learn about sensory processing differences and receive practical tips to help their young person generalise skills into real world contexts.
Older Teens & Young Adults
Our Cooking for Independence program is designed and delivered by our experienced occupational therapist to help participants build capacity towards greater independence and improve their daily living skills.
The aim of the program is for participants to develop a repertoire of healthy and achievable recipes they can confidently cook on their own for a variety of meals. We meet each participant where they’re at in the kitchen, setting individual goals and reviewing them together throughout the year to ensure ongoing progress.
Please note: This program is delivered in a peer-based setting, as research shows that learning alongside like-minded individuals is one of the most effective strategies for adolescents and young adults—especially for those who identify as neurodivergent. As such, participants must be able to regulate and manage their emotions and behaviour independently and should not require individualised self-care support.
Taking Expressions of Interest
Making ConneXions Group
LEGO-Based Therapy
Ages
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-9
Facilitated by our Occupational Therapy who is a certified facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy, the Making ConneXions group is designed to teach, coach, and promote social communication and social interaction skills in children who may have trouble with friendships or difficulties socialising with same-aged peers.
The group is tailored towards children on the autism spectrum as LEGO is a highly organised, systematic and predictable toy. Using LEGO as a therapy medium is about using the children’s common interest of LEGO as a conduit to having the confidence to develop skills they find harder, such as social communication and social imagination.
This type of social skills training can be motivating for children on the autism spectrum as it removes the unpredictable and ever-changing concepts that can occur during free play. Consequently, the predictability offered during LEGO-Based Therapy can help many children feel calmer, more regulated and more engaged during play.
Click here for more information about LEGO Based Therapy.
Disclaimer: LEGO®, SERIOUS PLAY®, IMAGINOPEDIATM, the Minifigure and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO® group, which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse therapy and/or website.
PEERS® for Teens & Young Adults
Social Skills Program for
14-18 yrs
Prep & Grade 1
14-18 Years
