Social-Emotional Learning at Gameplan

At Gameplan, we support neurodivergent young people to build genuine relationships, understand themselves, and feel confident navigating the social world — all in ways that honour their identity and communication style.

Our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) groups are neuroaffirming, evidence-based, and built around each participant’s strengths, needs and interests. We don’t push scripts or “rules” — instead, we offer shared experiences that spark connection, creativity and self-advocacy.

Programs are designed for ages 5 to 15, and are facilitated by our experienced Gameplan Practitioner team, including ND mentors, speech pathologists, educators and allies. Each group is small, safe, and based on shared interests such as:

Whether your child prefers quiet collaboration, open-ended play or immersive storytelling, there’s a space for them here — just as they are.

Minecraft® is a trademark of Mojang Synergies AB. This program is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Mojang or Microsoft.

Baldur’s Gate 3™ is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast and Larian Studios. This program is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Wizards of the Coast, Larian Studios, or Hasbro.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Of course, if you need any other information, please get in contact with us. We’re here to help.

Will the programs help my child improve academically and socially?

Absolutely. We address the gaps that classrooms can’t fill, using standardised assessments and research supported tools to identify and target learning gaps with effective tools that will achieve results.

Busy classrooms often do not have time to go back and teach the fundamentals that students miss along the way. We provide an opportunity to do this in a fun yet targeted and efficient way.

To ensure long term success, we can also help guide the teachers at your child’s school. Our Consultants are able to use specialised assessments to pinpoint exactly what your child needs to achieve greater success. We can then talk to teachers about how best to implement these in the classroom and the playground.

How is Gameplan qualified to help my child?

Gameplan has been successfully operating for over 11 years, parents can rest assured that we are using our expertise gained from working with hundreds of students to tailor, adapt and individualise intervention that is right for your child. There is plenty of non-evidence based advice being sold in education but Gameplan works closely with both Melbourne and Monash universities to ensure that what we deliver is driven by research into practice.

On top of that, all of our clinicians hold Masters level qualifications which means that they are specialists in their fields. They know what strategies work and work fast.

The evidence-based component sounds great, but Are the programs still fun?

Of course! Our programs are supposed to be fun and ours are no different! Our intervention is embedded in activities that are game based and ALL of the activities are engaging and interesting. Think of us as personal trainers for your child’s brain - activities are fun, targeted and results driven. Our staff love working with your kids, too!

Is there any ongoing support available after the program?

Yes, this is something we pride ourselves on. We work hard on our relationships with parents to build a team of support around the child for the long term. We will continue to provide advice, support and ideas for intervention after the conclusion of the program. You become part of the Gameplan family.

The programs aren't cheap. I'm not sure they're affordable.

Studies show that gaps in learning only increase in size over time. The earlier intervention is provided, the faster the problems may be overcome. Our clients receive the most effective, targeted, and individually tailored assessments, programs and interventions available. To help easy the financial burden, we support NDIS-registered clients and offer Medicare and private health rebates.

How long do the programs run?

Our programs are held weekly during the school term and range from 50-90mins. We make every minute count by using tools that have been proven by research to be effective. We can help your child make important gains within this time-frame.

What other benefits do your programs offer?

Quite a few, actually.

Reduced anxiety - students with gaps in their learning often feel increased anxiety because they cannot keep up. We help reduce feelings of anxiety by filling the gaps.

Increased confidence - we teach skills that kids need for academicand social success. When students can go into a classroom or playground and know what to do, they feel empowered and more confident.

Improved grades - we work with individuals from primary, secondary and tertiary so we know what they need to learn and how to get there fast.