Social Groups
2024
Exciting News for 2024:
Social Groups Expressions of Interest Now Open!
While our 2023 Social Groups are already filled to capacity, we're thrilled to announce that we've opened Expressions of Interest for our 2024 groups. Don't miss out on this opportunity – read on for all the details!
Making Connections Toowoomba provides fun, safe, and supportive Social Group environments where neurodivergent children, teens and young adults can make connections with likeminded peers. We intentionally provide Social Groups for young people on the autism spectrum, as this approach is supported by research that has found when autistic people socialise and learn new skills together, they report greater feelings of comfort, belonging, and cross-neurotype understanding (Crompton et al., 2020).
We keep our groups intentionally small to ensure that every participant has the best possible chance to make meaningful connections. This allows us to offer high-quality resources and tailor activities to the unique dynamics of each group and the individuals within them. Rest assured, we invest countless hours in careful planning and programming to make every session purposeful and fun for our participants.
While our Social Groups provide a natural platform to practice social communication skills and incidental social coaching does occur, it's important to note that they do not include explicit social skills teaching or caregiver training. For those seeking a more structured approach with progress monitoring parent sessions, we recommend exploring our Social Skills Groups.
Groups may be claimable for self or plan-managed NDIS participants. Please contact us for further details.
Social Groups for
Children, Tweens & Teens
Grades 6-9
The Colour Collective is a visual arts group specifically designed for tweens in Grades 5 to 8 who are on the autism spectrum, have ADHD or are experiencing social anxiety. The Colour Collective provides a safe and supportive environment where neurodivergent young people can make connections with like-minded peers over their shared interest in art and craft, and 'find their tribe'.
The Colour Collective values ‘beautiful mistakes’ and there is no expectation to produce a particular outcome or standard or to join the group with a certain skill set. Our group learns through discovery, curiosity, and our support of one another.
Note: Parents, carers and support workers do not attend.
Benefits of a Facilitated Social Group
- Conversation skills
- Social problem solving
- Negotiation
- Good sportsmanship
- Sharing of specialist knowledge while listening to others
And to develop:
- Confidence, connection & self-esteem
- Opportunities to make friends with likeminded people
2024 DETAILS
Day: Every 2nd Saturday (term time)
Time: 9am to 11am
Places available: 6-8 places available
Social Groups for Teens
Grades 8 to 10
This is a group where neurodivergent teens come together in a safe and supported environment to make connections over their shared interest in technology. Instead of gaming, coding, tinkering and designing in isolation, this is a space to share interests face-to-face, in a social setting. Most importantly, this is an opportunity for participants to pursue their passion, develop confidence and feel valued.
Note: Parents, carers and support workers do not attend.
Benefits of social technology groups
Research overwhelmingly supports small group contexts for young people on the autism spectrum to practise social competencies such as:
- Effective communication
- Teamwork
- Negotiation
- Sharing specialist knowledge & listening to others
- Coping with stress, frustration
- Learning to fail and experiment
- Being flexible, creative
- Problem-solving, critical thinking
- Building social connections
2024 DETAILS
Day: Every 2nd Tuesday (term time)
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Devices: Participants BYO device
All other resources, including a light meal is included.
Availability: 6-8 places available
Our choice of scheduling is intentional. From experience, we have found that older participants are more receptive to evening sessions, and this time minimises disruptions to school and other commitments.
Grades 10+
Our Saturday Art Circle is a visual arts and crafts group purposefully designed for young people on the autism spectrum and/or with ADHD. The group may also suit young people experiencing social anxiety, who would like to meet like-minded peers in a safe environment.
A different medium will be introduced most sessions, and participants have opportunities to explore what they have learned in their own, unique ways. The Art Circles values ‘beautiful mistakes’ and there is no expectation to produce a particular outcome or standard, or to join the group with a certain skill set. Our groups learn through discovery, curiosity, and our support of one another.
Benefits of a Facilitated Social Group
Opportunities to practise:
- Conversation skills
- Social problem solving
- Negotiation
- Good sportsmanship
- Sharing of specialist knowledge while listening to others
And to develop:
- Confidence, connection & self-esteem
- Opportunities to make friends with likeminded people
2024 DETAILS
Day: Every 2nd Saturday (term time)
Time: 9am to 11am
Places available: 6-8 places available
Grades 7 to 9
*NEW GROUP – Starting 2024!*
Are you a Grade 7 to Grade 9 student with a knack for thinking differently? We're excited to introduce our new social group, 'Out of the Box,' starting in 2024!
At 'Out of the Box,' we cherish your uniqueness and encourage your out-of-the-box thinking. This is a safe and supportive space where you can be yourself and celebrate your creativity. Through a series of engaging tasks, puzzles, and challenges, you'll be inspired to nurture your imagination, foster innovation, and revel in your originality.
Lateral thinking, the art of problem-solving through innovation and creativity, is a crucial life skill. It enhances self-esteem, improves relationships, helps you learn how to work with others, and broadens your horizons to new possibilities. Our group is your gateway to a world of fun games, challenges, and activities designed to promote collaboration, compromise, and social problem-solving. Each session brings a fresh set of activities, carefully crafted to inspire you to 'think outside the box' while working collaboratively with your peers.
'Out of the Box' not only about innovation & creativity, most of all, it’s about HAVING FUN with like-minded people!
Please note: Parents, carers and support workers do not attend.
Benefits of a lateral thinking social group for young people on the autism spectrum include opportunities to build skills in:
- Communication and collaboration
- Social problem-solving
- Negotiation and good sportsmanship
- Social flexibility
- Listening to and respecting others' views
- Self-advocacy
In addition, you'll build confidence, strengthen connections, and boost your self-esteem. Plus, 'Out of the Box' offers a fantastic opportunity to make friends with peers who share your passions and perspectives.
Day: Every 2nd Monday (term time)
Time: 3.45pm to 5.15pm
Places available: 6-8 places available
Social Groups for
Older Teens & Young Adults
Young Adults
The Monday Meeting Place Social group aims to provide a supportive environment where young adults on the autism spectrum come together to make connections with similar-aged peers. This group is best suited to motivated young adults between 18-25 years of age who may have trouble meeting like-minded people or who are experiencing social anxiety.
The group will remain intentionally small (between 4-8 participants) so we can provide high-quality and purposeful sessions and ensure our participants have the best possible opportunities to make connections and feel safe to be themselves.
Each week, the group will enjoy a small meal together and engage in social activities and opportunities to develop their social confidence and connecedness. These opportunities range from: group-based games, paired and joint projects and community-based outings to cooking sessions and volunteer opportunities within the community.
Note: Parents, carers and support workers do not attend.
Benefits of a Facilitated Social Group
Benefits of Social Groups for young people on the autism spectrum include opportunities to practise:
- Conversation skills
- Social problem solving
- Negotiation
- Good sportsmanship
- Sharing of specialist knowledge while listening to others
- And to develop:
- Confidence, connection & self-esteem
- Opportunities to make friends with likeminded people
DETAILS
Day: Every 2nd Monday
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Places available: *NEW GROUP*
Taking enrolments
Grades 11, 12 & University Students
*NEW GROUP – Starting 2024!*
‘Out of the Box’ is a social group for neurodivergent teens from Grades 11 and 12 through to University students. This is a safe and supportive space where we celebrate and encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Through a variety of unique tasks, puzzles, and challenges, participants are encouraged to nurture their imagination, innovation, and originality.
Lateral thinking, the art of solving problems through innovation and creativity, is a crucial life skill. It not only boosts self-esteem and improves relationships but also broadens our horizons to new possibilities. This group is a gateway to a world of fun games, challenges, and activities designed to foster collaboration and compromise. Each session offers a fresh set of activities, deliberately created to inspire you to 'think outside the box' while working collaboratively with others and honing your social problem-solving skills.
‘Out of the Box’ values innovation and creativity, but most of all HAVING FUN with like-minded peers!
Note: Parents, carers and support workers do not attend.
Benefits of Lateral Thinking Group Activities
Regular opportunities to think creatively in group contexts provide opportunities to practise:
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Social problem solving
• Negotiation
• Good sportsmanship
• Social flexibility
• Listening to and respecting the views of others
• Self-advocacy
And to develop:
• Confidence, connection & self-esteem
• Opportunities to make friends with likeminded people
Day: Every 2nd Friday (term time)
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Places available: 6-8 places available
Older Teens & Young Adults
Our Thursday Art Circle is a visual arts and crafts group purposefully designed for older teens and young adults on the autism spectrum and/or with ADHD. The group may also suit those who are experiencing social anxiety or social isolation, who would like to meet like-minded peers in a safe and supported environment.
A different medium will be introduced most sessions, and participants have opportunities to explore what they have learned in their own, unique ways. The Art Circles values ‘beautiful mistakes’ and there is no expectation to produce a particular outcome or standard, or to join the group with a certain skill set. Our groups learn through discovery, curiosity, and our support of one another.
Note: Parents, carers and support workers do not attend.
Benefits of a Facilitated Social Group
Benefits of Social Groups for young people on the autism spectrum include opportunities to practise:
- Conversation skills
- Social problem solving
- Negotiation
- Good sportsmanship
- Sharing of specialist knowledge while listening to others
And to develop:
- Confidence, connection & self-esteem
- Opportunities to make friends with likeminded people
2024 DETAILS
Day: Every 2nd Thursday (term time)
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Places available: FULL
16 yrs to Young Adult
The aim of The Meeting Place Social group is to provide a supportive environment where young people on the autism spectrum come together to make connections with similar-aged teens and young adults. This group is best suited to motivated young people aged 16+ years who may have trouble meeting like-minded people or who are experiencing social anxiety.
Each week, the group work together to co-design social activities and opportunities to develop their social confidence and connecedness. These opportunities range from: group-based games, paired and joint projects, community-based outings, cooking sessions and volunteer opportunities within the community.
Note: Parents, carers and support workers do not attend.
Benefits of a Facilitated Social Group
Benefits of Social Groups for young people on the autism spectrum include opportunities to practise:
- Conversation skills
- Social problem solving
- Negotiation
- Good sportsmanship
- Sharing of specialist knowledge while listening to others
And to develop:
- Confidence, connection & self-esteem
- Opportunities to make friends with likeminded people
DETAILS
Day: Every 2nd Friday
Time: 9am to 11am
2024 Places available: FULL
