We Are A Registered and Certified NDIS Provider for Autistic Children

The-difference-between-registered-and-certified-NDIS-providers-1_edited_edited.jpg

Our Therapeutic Group Programmes

EARLY INTERVENTION & CHILDREN (6-12 YEARS)

Neurodivergent-Affirming, Evidence-Based Therapeutic Support

Our therapeutic supports for children are grounded in lived experience, professional excellence, and a fundamental belief that autistic children are whole, valuable people who deserve spaces designed for them-not spaces that demand they change to fit in. We deliver NDIS-funded therapeutic supports through an evidence-based 3-phase framework designed to build and maintain capacity while centring neurodivergent ways of being.

All therapeutic supports are delivered by qualified allied health professionals and therapy assistants registered with relevant professional bodies and AHPRA where applicable.

Our 3-Phase Therapeutic Approach:

Phase 1: Connection & Safety Through Shared Interests (4-8 weeks)

We know that traditional approaches often don't work for our community, especially for children who communicate and engage in neurodivergent ways. We begin by establishing therapeutic alliance and relational safety through play, shared interests, and authentic engagement—no forcing eye contact, no discouraging stimming, no asking children to "act neurotypical."

Evidence-based therapeutic frameworks including Interoception, Collaborative Problem-Solving, and Compassion-Focused approaches are introduced through play-based activities, gaming, creative exploration, and special interests. This phase establishes the foundation for therapeutic engagement and builds the trust necessary for effective capacity building.

For younger children (6-9 years), therapeutic connection often develops within 4-6 weeks through shared play.
For older children (9-12 years), we allow 6-8 weeks as peer relationships and therapeutic goals become more complex.

Phase 2: Capacity Building Through Interest-Based Engagement (4-12 months)

All therapeutic interventions are delivered through activities children actually enjoy and find motivating—this is fundamental to effective therapy delivery. Whether through Minecraft, Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon, creative play, animal interactions, or sensory exploration, evidence-based therapeutic goals are pursued in contexts that feel safe, authentic, and engaging.

Measurable therapeutic goals are established collaboratively and focus on:

For younger children (6-9 years):

Interoception and body awareness (recognising internal signals)
Self-regulation strategies and emotional co-regulation
Communication skills development (in the child's natural communication style)
Peer interaction and collaborative play skills
Daily living skills building toward greater independence

For older children (9-12 years):

Advanced interoception and self-regulation
Collaborative problem-solving and executive function skills
Social communication (authentic, not masking-based)
Beginning self-advocacy and articulating needs
Building independence in age-appropriate daily tasks

Qualified therapists and therapist assistants work alongside families to share evidence-based strategies for home implementation, always centring the child's autonomy and neurodivergent ways of being as valid. Regular progress monitoring ensures therapeutic approaches remain effective and goals are being achieved.

Therapeutic outcomes are measured through:

Functional gains in target skill areas
Child's reported wellbeing and self-efficacy
Ability to use learned strategies across environments
Progress toward individually-set goals
Family/school observations of skill generalisation

Phase 3: Maintenance & Generalisation (Ongoing)

Once children have developed skills and strategies that support their wellbeing and participation, ongoing therapeutic support maintains these gains, prevents regression, and provides continued support during life transitions-starting school, changing schools, developmental shifts.

This maintenance therapy is evidence-based and recognises that many autistic children benefit from ongoing therapeutic support to sustain capacity and wellbeing, particularly during transitions when skill regression risk is highest. Ongoing connection with qualified therapists and neurodivergent peers provides a protective buffer when neurotypical environments become demanding.

For some children, long-term therapeutic maintenance may be essential for sustaining functional capacity. For others, therapy frequency may adjust as skills consolidate while therapeutic support remains available during key developmental transitions.

NDIS Items: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136

Collaborative Problem-Solving Therapy Through RPG Gaming (DnD)

Social Connection and flexible thinking through DnD Adventures

Mondays - 2pm - 3.30pm

Thursdays - 3:30pm - 5pm

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:

Play D&D campaigns together
Solve creative problems as a team
Share your imaginative ideas
Build characters and stories
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 | 0118

Self-Expression & Regulation Therapy Through Sensory Arts

Emotional expression and self-regulation using sensory-based creative activities.

Wednesdays - 11am to 2pm

Thursdays - Noon to 3pm

Evidence-based group therapy using Interoception & Self-Regulation, Sensory-Based Approaches, and Social Connection frameworks. Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.

For kids aged 7-12 who love creating with their hands!

Express yourself through sensory-rich art activities. Paint, sculpt, create, and connect with other autistic kids in a space where messy is welcome and creativity flows.

What you'll do:

Sensory art activities (paint, clay, textures)
Creative self-expression
Share your artwork and ideas
Learn what sensory activities help you regulate
Connect through creative play

Therapeutic focus: Self-regulation, sensory awareness, emotional expression, peer connection, authentic creativity

NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136 | 0118

Embodiment and Self-Regulation Through Movement

Body awareness and regulation therapy using interest-led movement activities

Thursdays - 9am to Noon

Evidence-based group therapy using Interoception & Self-Regulation, Sensory-Based Approaches, and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with Mental Health OT oversight, individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.

For teens aged 7-12 who want to connect with their body!

Explore movement, body awareness, and self-regulation through interest-led physical activities. No pressure to perform-just discover what helps your body feel good and regulated.

What you'll do:

Interest-led movement activities
Body awareness practices
Self-regulation exploration
Gentle movement and dance
Learn what your body needs

Therapeutic focus: Body awareness, self-regulation, interoception, self-compassion, sensory connection

NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136 | 0118

Social Connection Therapy Through Collaborative Gaming (Minecraft)

Building Peer relationships through Minecraft and collaborative play

Mondays - 3.30pm - 5pm

Evidence-based group therapy using Social Connection (Double Empathy), Collaborative Problem-Solving, and Self-Regulation frameworks. Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.

For kids aged 9-12 who love Minecraft!

Build incredible worlds, solve problems together, and make friends who think like you. No pressure to make eye contact or sit still—just authentic connection through gaming.

What you'll do:

Collaborative building projects
Problem-solving challenges
Share ideas and strategies
Connect with other autistic kids
Learn what helps your body feel regulated

Therapeutic focus: Social connection, peer relationships, collaborative problem-solving, self-regulation, authentic communication

NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136 | 0118

Social Connection Therapy Through Collaborative Gaming (Roblox)

Peer connection and team work through Roblox and Game Design.

Wednesdays - 11am to 2pm

Evidence-based group therapy using Social Connection (Double Empathy), Collaborative Problem-Solving, and Creative Expression frameworks. Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes. [Full evidence base →]

For kids aged 9-12 who love Roblox!

Play, create, and connect through Roblox with other autistic kids. Build games together, explore worlds, and make friends who game like you in a space where you can be yourself.

What you'll do:

Play Roblox games together
Create and design in Roblox
Collaborative game projects
Share strategies and ideas
Connect with Roblox-loving friends

Therapeutic focus: Social connection, collaborative play, creative expression, problem-solving, peer relationships

NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136

Autistic Identity and Peer Connection Group

Through gaming, creative projects, and authentic peer discussion.

Saturdays - 10am to 2pm

Saturday Phoenix Friends becomes the platform for developing real-world skills through full access to everything The Nest has to offer:

Emotional regulation & nervous system nourishment
Social connection, collaboration & play
Communication, confidence & self-advocacy
Flexible thinking & trying new experiences
Independence, routine & following individual interests

419975131_936901914199547_70181705755846

NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136 | 0118

Play-Based Connection Therapy with Animal Activities

Building social connection through special interest in animals

Tuesdays - 3pm to 5pm

Evidence-based early intervention using Social Connection (special interest engagement), Interoception & Self-Regulation, and Sensory-Based Approaches.

Delivered by ACA-registered counsellor with individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.

For kids aged 6-8 who love animals!

Connect with other autistic kids through your shared love of animals. Learn about furry friends, create animal crafts, and play together in a space where your special interest is celebrated.

What you'll do:

Learn about different animals
Create animal-themed art and crafts
Play animal-based games
Share your animal knowledge
Connect with kids who love animals too

Therapeutic focus: Social connection through special interests, peer relationships, sensory regulation, communication, shared joy

NDIS Item: 0128 | 0106 | 0107 | 0117 | 0125 | 0136

Creative Problem-Solving Therapy Through Technology

Building skills through tech creation and digital innovation.

Wednesdays - 11am to 2pm

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 9-12 who love interactive tech and coding!

Create, code, and innovate with other autistic kids. Build digital projects, solve tech challenges, and connect through your shared love of technology and creative problem-solving.

What you'll do:

Coding and tech creation projects
Collaborative digital design
Problem-solve tech challenges
Share your innovations
Connect with tech-loving kids

Therapeutic focus: Problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, interest-based connection

Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

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.

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.