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We Are A Registered and Certified NDIS Provider for Autistic Teens
Neurodivergent-Affirming, Evidence-Based Therapeutic Support
Our therapeutic supports for teens are grounded in lived experience, professional excellence, and a fundamental belief that autistic teens are navigating a world that was not designed for them—and that's not their fault. We deliver NDIS-funded therapeutic supports through an evidence-based 3-phase framework designed to build and maintain capacity during this crucial period of identity development.
All therapeutic supports are delivered by qualified allied health professionals registered with relevant professional bodies, with expertise in adolescent neurodevelopment and neurodivergent-affirming practice.
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Our 3-Phase Therapeutic Approach:
Phase 1: Establishing Therapeutic Alliance Through Authentic Connection (8-12 weeks)
Traditional therapeutic approaches often fail with teens who have learned that "being themselves" isn't safe. We take the time needed (8-12 weeks) to build genuine therapeutic alliance through shared interests and authentic engagement-not social skills training that teaches masking.
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Evidence-based therapeutic frameworks including Compassion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and developmental approaches are introduced through gaming, music, creative projects, and peer discussions. This extended engagement phase acknowledges that teens need time to experience a therapeutic space where masking isn't required and being autistic is celebrated.
Identity exploration begins here, with therapeutic support for the question: "Who am I when I don't have to pretend?"
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Phase 2: Therapeutic Skill Development Through Meaningful Engagement (6-18 months)
All therapeutic interventions are delivered through activities teens find genuinely meaningful-gaming, music creation, role-playing games, creative projects, peer discussions. Evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and self-advocacy frameworks are delivered through these engaging mediums.
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Measurable therapeutic goals are established collaboratively with full teen participation and focus on:
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Understanding masking and its impacts on wellbeing
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Building self-compassion and challenging self-criticism
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Processing and challenging internalised ableism
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Developing authentic communication skills
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Strengthening self-advocacy capacity
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Emotional regulation and distress tolerance
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Identity development and self-concept
Therapeutic outcomes are measured through:
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Functional improvements in target areas
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Self-reported wellbeing measures
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Demonstrated use of therapeutic strategies
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Progress toward collaboratively-set goals
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Increased self-advocacy and self-determination
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Reduction in masking behaviours (where therapeutically appropriate)
Teens are full collaborators in therapeutic planning-setting goals, shaping interventions, and providing ongoing feedback. Regular progress monitoring by qualified therapists ensures therapeutic approaches remain effective and responsive.
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Phase 3: Maintenance & Transition Support (Ongoing)
Once teens have developed therapeutic skills and insights that support more authentic functioning, ongoing therapeutic maintenance sustains these gains through major life transitions-finishing school, starting work or uni, navigating relationships and increasing independence.
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This maintenance therapy provides continued therapeutic support and peer connection during periods of high demand and transition risk. Evidence shows that ongoing therapeutic support during adolescent transitions prevents skill regression, burnout, and return of harmful patterns.
Maintenance therapy focuses on:
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Sustaining self-compassion practices
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Supporting authentic identity and expression
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Maintaining self-advocacy skills
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Preventing burnout and masking relapse
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Navigating new environments authentically
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Maintaining peer connection and support
NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136
Creative Problem Solving Therapy Through Technology​
Building skills through coding, tech creation, and digital innovation
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Mondays - 9.30am to 11.30am
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Evidence-based group therapy using Collaborative Problem-Solving, Social Connection, and Self-Advocacy frameworks.
Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
For kids aged 11-15 who love tech and coding!
Create, code, and innovate with other autistic tweens and teens. Build digital projects, solve tech challenges, and connect through your shared love of technology and creative problem-solving.
What you'll do:
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Coding and tech creation projects
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Collaborative digital design
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Problem-solve tech challenges
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Share your innovations
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Connect with tech-loving kids
Therapeutic focus: Problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, interest-based connection
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NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136
Autistic Peer Wellbeing & Connection Therapy
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Through shared interests, activities and authentic peer support.
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Wednesdays - 2pm to 5pm
Saturdays - 2:15pm to 5:15pm
Evidence-based group therapy using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Social Connection (Double Empathy), and Self-Compassion frameworks. Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes. [Full evidence base →]
For autistic teens aged 13-17!
Connect with other autistic teens through shared interests, activities, and genuine peer support. Reduce isolation, build wellbeing skills, and find belonging with people who understand.
What you'll do:
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Interest-based activities together
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Peer support and connection
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Wellbeing skill-building
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Authentic conversations
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Create supportive friendships
Therapeutic focus: Peer connection, wellbeing strategies, reduced isolation, self-compassion, authentic community
NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136
Self-Expression & Connection Therapy Through Creative Gaming
Building peer relationships through creative, interest based games.
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Thursdays - 3.30pm to 5pm
Evidence-based group therapy using Social Connection, Creative Expression, and Collaborative Problem-Solving frameworks.
Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
For kids aged 9-12 who love creative games!
Express yourself and connect with other autistic kids through creative, imaginative games. From storytelling games to creative challenges, find friends who love to create and play like you.
What you'll do:
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Creative and imaginative games
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Storytelling activities
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Collaborative creative projects
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Share your creative ideas
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Connect through playful expression
Therapeutic focus: Creative expression, peer connection, authentic communication, collaborative play, self-advocacy
NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136
Collaborative Problem-Solving Therapy Through RPG Gaming
Social connection and flexible thinking through DnD Adventures
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Mondays - 2pm to 3.30pm
Thursdays - 3:30pm to 5.00pm
Fridays: 3.30pm to 5.00pm
Evidence-based group therapy using Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS), Social Connection (Double Empathy), and Self-Advocacy frameworks.
Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
For kids aged 9-12 who love D&D and adventure!
Go on epic quests with other autistic kids through Dungeons & Dragons. Work together to solve problems, share creative ideas, and build friendships through collaborative storytelling and gaming.
What you'll do:
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Play D&D campaigns together
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Solve creative problems as a team
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Share your imaginative ideas
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Build characters and stories
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Connect with kids who love RPGs too
Therapeutic focus: Collaborative problem-solving, flexible thinking, social connection, communication, creative expression
NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136
Self-Advocacy & Social Connection Through Role-Playing Games
Building communication and collaborative skills through DnD & RPG's
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Wednesdays - 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Evidence-based group therapy using Self-Advocacy, Social Connection (Double Empathy), and Collaborative Problem-Solving frameworks.
Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
For those aged 14-25 who love RPGs!
Play D&D and RPGs with other autistic teens while building communication, self-advocacy, and connection skills. Express yourself through characters, collaborate on epic stories, and connect authentically.
What you'll do:
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Play D&D and other RPGs
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Collaborative storytelling
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Practice communication and advocacy
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Share creative ideas
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Build meaningful friendships
Therapeutic focus: Self-advocacy, communication skills, social connection, collaborative problem-solving, authentic expression
NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136
Self Expression And Identity Development Through Creative Self Care
Building positive identity and self-advocacy through make-up, styling and self-expression
Fridays - 12.30 to 2.30pm
Evidence-based group therapy using Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Self-Advocacy, and Social Connection frameworks. Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
For teens aged 13-17 who love creative self-expression!
Explore identity, self-care, and creative expression through makeup, styling, and self-presentation. Build positive self-image, reduce shame, and connect with teens who celebrate authentic self-expression.
What you'll do:
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Makeup and styling exploration
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Creative self-care practices
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Identity development discussions
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Share self-expression ideas
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Build confidence and self-compassion
Therapeutic focus: Positive identity development, self-compassion, creative expression, self-advocacy, reduced shame
NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136
Peer Connection & Communication Through Special Interest Gaming
Social Connection therapy using Pokemon and strategy games
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Tuesdays - 3pm to 5pm
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Evidence-based group therapy using Social Connection (special interest engagement), Collaborative Problem-Solving, and Self-Advocacy frameworks.
Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
For kids aged 10-16 who love Pokemon!
Connect with other autistic kids through your shared love of Pokemon. Play Pokemon games, trade strategies, battle together, and build friendships through your special interest.
What you'll do:
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Play Pokemon games together
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Share Pokemon knowledge and strategies
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Trade and battle
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Problem-solve game challenges
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Connect with kids who love Pokemon too
Therapeutic focus: Social connection through special interests, communication, peer relationships, collaborative play, shared joy
NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136
Leadership & Communication Skills Through Game Mastering
Building confidence, planning and communication skills through game mastering.
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Thursdays - 1pm to 3pm
Learn to Be a Dungeon Master becomes the platform for developing real-world skills through leadership in storytelling and game design:
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Communication, planning & narrative building
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Flexible thinking & creative problem-solving
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Confidence, leadership & public speaking
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Emotional regulation & managing group dynamics
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Identity, responsibility & self-advocacy through roleplay
"Skill development starts with feeling safe and accepted for who you are."
- Tanya Hicks
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Q: How is this different from a recreational group?
A: These are clinical therapy sessions delivered by registered counsellors using evidence-based approaches. While we use engaging activities like gaming or art, they're therapeutic tools - not the end goal. Each participant has an individual therapy plan with specific goals they're working towards.
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Q: Will each participant get an individual therapy plan?
A: Yes. Even though sessions are in a group format, each participant has individualised goals based on their assessment and needs. Progress is monitored individually.
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Q: What qualifications do facilitators have?
A: All therapeutic groups are delivered by Counsellors registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Therapy Assistants and/or other relevant professional bodies, with specialised training in supporting autistic children/adolescents/adults. Clinical Supervision is provided by a Mental Health Occupational Therapist with current AHPRA Registration.