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We Are A Registered and Certified NDIS Provider for Autistic Children
Our Neuro-affirming, Interest-Based Programmes
EARLY INTERVENTION & CHILDREN (6-12 YEARS)
Identity-safe. Evidence-informed. NDIS-aligned. Designed for how neurodivergent children actually learn, connect, and thrive.
At Neurodivergent Empowered, our programmes are built on a simple but radical belief:
Neurodivergent children do not need to be changed, they need environments that recognise, honour, and support their brilliance.
Everything we offer is grounded in:
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lived experience leadership
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clinical excellence
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nervous system–informed practice
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identity-affirming design
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trauma-aware scaffolding
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evidence-based approaches
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and the principle that connection is the foundation of capacity
Our programmes support children and young people across five NDIS registration groups:
This integrated approach allows us to tailor supports to each child’s goals, developmental needs, and unique neurotype, without ever asking them to mask, perform, or shrink.
Why Interest-Based Learning Works (The Evidence)
Our work is grounded in over a decade of peer-reviewed research demonstrating that autistic children engage, learn, regulate, and connect more effectively when their own interests drive the experience.
Key findings include:
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Autistic children show higher engagement, spontaneous communication, and skill generalisation when intervention incorporates their preferred interests (Dunst, Trivette & Hamby, 2012 – meta-analysis of early intervention).
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Interest-led intervention increases motivation, emotional safety, and participation, reducing the need for compliance-based approaches.
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Structured, interest-based group environments improve social interaction, flexible thinking, and emotional regulation (Ringland et al., 2016; Parsons et al., 2011).
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Children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and in control of their own pace, a foundation supported by modern neuroscience and developmental psychology.
We design our programmes exactly around this evidence base.
To support these outcomes, we offer interest-based therapeutic options that build capacity through engagement, meaningful participation, and neuroaffirming design as follows:
NDIS Items:
0106 | 0117 | 0125 | 0128
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:
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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 | 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:
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Sensory art activities (paint, clay, textures)
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Creative self-expression
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Share your artwork and ideas
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Learn what sensory activities help you regulate
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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:
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Interest-led movement activities
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Body awareness practices
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Self-regulation exploration
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Gentle movement and dance
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Learn what your body needs
Therapeutic focus: Body awareness, self-regulation, interoception, self-compassion, sensory connection
NDIS Items: 0118 |
0106 | 0117 | 0125 | 0128
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:
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Collaborative building projects
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Problem-solving challenges
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Share ideas and strategies
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Connect with other autistic kids
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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:
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Play Roblox games together
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Create and design in Roblox
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Collaborative game projects
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Share strategies and ideas
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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:
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Emotional regulation & nervous system nourishment
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Social connection, collaboration & play
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Communication, confidence & self-advocacy
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Flexible thinking & trying new experiences
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Independence, routine & following individual interests
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:
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Learn about different animals
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Create animal-themed art and crafts
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Play animal-based games
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Share your animal knowledge
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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:
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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
0106
Life Stage, Transition & Support - We support children to navigate key life stages, primary school, friendships, identity formation, community participation, through structured, interest-led programmes that strengthen:
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Communication
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self-advocacy
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confidence
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social understanding
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problem-solving
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emotional development
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transition readiness
0106 supports are ideal for children who benefit from scaffolding through change, peer connection, and identity-safe environments.
0117
Development of Daily Living & Life Skills. Our skill-building programmes embed everyday capabilities into meaningful, play-based activities, including:
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executive function (planning, organising, sequencing)
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emotional regulation strategies
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communication and social interaction
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problem-solving
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flexible thinking
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teamwork and collaboration
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strengthening daily routines through interest-based learning
Every session builds functional skills naturally, without forcing compliance or masking.
0118
Early Intervention Supports for Early Childhood. Our early childhood programmes (0–9 years) focus on:
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sensory regulation
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co-regulation
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developmental skill-building
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identity-safe early learning
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family capacity building
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play-based intervention
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supporting emerging communication
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strengthening emotional foundations
These programmes are delivered through a neurodivergent-affirming lens, ensuring children develop safely, joyfully, and authentically, with holistic support for families and care teams
0128
Therapeutic Supports
Our qualified allied health practitioners and therapy assistants (under clinical supervision) offer therapeutic programmes designed to support:
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emotional regulation
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sensory processing
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mental health–informed OT intervention
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communication development
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social-emotional learning
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nervous system safety
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early trauma-informed support
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identity formation and self-understanding
0128 supports include clinical documentation, goal tracking, progress notes, collaborative care-team work, and evidence-informed intervention.
0125
Community & Social Participation (Core)
Many of our interest-based programmes can be accessed using 0125 funding, particularly those that support:
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peer connection
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community confidence
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social engagement
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capacity to participate independently and safely in community spaces
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interest-based activities such as Minecraft, Dungeons & Dragons, creative arts, anime, sensory exploration, leadership games, and outdoor sessions
Our 0125 programmes build belonging, confidence, and real-world participation without requiring neurodivergent children to mask or suppress the way they naturally interact with the world.
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.