Group Programs
If you, your child, teen, or young adult finds socialising tricky — or they haven’t found their people yet — our group programs might be the perfect fit.
Three Tiers of Support
At Making Connections Toowoomba, we offer three tiers of group programs so you can choose what best fits your needs, comfort level, and goals:
- Social Clubs – relaxed, interest-based spaces where friendships grow naturally
- Social Coaching – small groups with guided interaction and professional coaching
- Skills Programs – structured, goal-focused sessions for building specific social or life skills
Why Families Love Our Approach
Our three-tier model gives families:
- Choice – pick the level of structure and support that suits you
- Flexibility – mix and match across the tiers as needs evolve
- Affordability – you do not need NDIS funding to join. Our programs are designed to stay accessible and inclusive for all families.
Scroll down to explore each program tier.
Social Clubs
Click any Expression of Interest tab.
Same form for all programs
ABOUT OUR CLUBS
Our Social Clubs are small, neuro-affirming groups where young people participate socially, build confidence and enjoy shared interests with like-minded peers. Each club offers predictable routines and relaxed, yet structured activities so socialising feels comfortable, not overwhelming.
Spending time with others who share similar experiences reduces isolation, eases the pressure to mask and provides safe spaces to be who you are.
Our clubs are not unstructured 'hangouts' — every club is intentionally planned around a common interest (e.g., art, gaming, cooking, Dungeons & Dragons), creating natural opportunities to join in, collaborate have fun and make connections.
Our clubs provide opportunities to:
• engage in age-appropriate social and recreational activities
• build confidence and comfort in group settings
• enjoy shared interests in a supportive environment
• develop authentic friendships and a sense of belonging
Facilitated by qualified staff to ensure activities run smoothly and everyone feels welcome, our clubs are interest-based, supportive spaces — not therapy.
What clubs do you have?
We offer a range of interest-based clubs so each person can find a group that feels like the right fit.
Grades 4–6
• LEGO Club
Tweens & Teens
• Saturdays Art & Craft
• Build Club
• Colour Creatives (teens with learning differences)
Young Adults
• The Meeting Place
• Art Circle
• The Social Space (YAs with learning differences)
Dates and details?
Email to request an information sheet. Please ensure you tell us which club/s you are intered in.
Are our clubs a fit for you?
Our group programs are designed to be safe, inclusive, and enjoyable spaces for neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults to connect with others in a supported social setting.
To help ensure the best experience for everyone, our clubs could be a good fit if:
• You or your young person enjoys connecting with others but finds it hard in typical settings
• They can participate independently (without a parent or support worker in the room)
• They prefer relaxed, interest-based activities
• They’re looking for connection and confidence — not therapy or a skills-based program
Commitment requirements
Our social clubs run all year, for four terms (according to school term dates).
We require a commitment to at least one full term (x5 sessions) with automatic enrolment each term unless we’re notified otherwise (2 weeks’ notice required).
How to ENROL
Step 1 – Give us information by submitting an Expression of Interest form (click any EOI tab- it's the same form for all programs)
Step 2 - We’ll be in touch by email or phone. If there’s availability and the group seems like a good fit, we’ll offer you the option to visit and see our space before starting.
Step 3– When you’re ready to join, we’ll send our Service Agreement to secure your spot.
What People Say
"I don't know where I'd be without this group. I honestly don't".
[20 year old]
"Thank you so much for organising groups for young people to get together. Because of you Fiona, they have a place to meet other young people. It is a place where they can have a chat, have a laugh and have fun learning different skills. My granddaughter loves MCT so much, and the changes in her are amazing. She is more chatty with people, she has less anxiety in bigger groups, and most importantly, she is going to the place that is only hers! So Fiona a BIG thank you for creating a happy and friendly atmosphere. Your knowledge, enthusiasm, calmness, patience... and your happy smile are greatly appreciated!".
[Grandparent]
Social Coaching
Programs of Support
Click any Expression of Interest tab.
Same form for all programs
ABOUT OUR COACHING PROGRAMS
Our Social Coaching Programs focus on friendship: understanding what makes a quality friend, managing tricky social situations, and practising helpful strategies in a supportive environment.
Sessions draw on CASEL’s five key areas of social–emotional learning (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making); along with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Social Learning Theory (SLT). These evidence-based approaches recognises that we learn best through observing, practising, and reflecting with others and helps young people understand their thoughts and emotions, and develop positive social strategies and patterns.
Groups of
4–8 participants are carefully matched and facilitated by qualified professionals. Sessions run
fortnightly during school terms, making them sustainable and affordable for families. This approach creates meaningful opportunities to learn, practise, and reflect — making connections, confidence, and belonging.
Why social coaching?
Social coaching helps young people build the confidence and tools to connect with others in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
Evidence shows that learning and reflecting alongside likeminded peers who are having similar experiences builds social understanding, self-awareness, social communication, and self-regulation. It also builds a sense of belonging and positive self-identity with the powerful realisation that you’re not the only one navigating these challenges.
In a structured, but fun and low-pressure setting, participants can practise real interactions and develop social strategies with the support of professional instruction and coaching.
What happens?
Sessions run fortnightly and combine structure with flexibility — giving young people the chance to practise social strategies in real time while having fun. Each session includes a mix of:
- Interactive games and projects that encourage cooperation and problem-solving
- Facilitated discussions about friendship, emotions, and communication
- In-the-moment social coaching to guide real interactions as they unfold
- Direct teaching and practice of key social and emotional concepts
- Visual supports, role play, and peer modelling to build confidence and understanding
Some programs also feature Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons — immersive, story-based sessions where participants practise teamwork, collaboration, negotiation, problem-solving, flexible thinking, and communication in a creative, supportive environment.
We also offer sensory-based programs, which combine sensory and social–emotional awareness with hands-on craft activities designed to promote regulation, focus, and connection.
What coaching groups do you have?
Primary School
- Sense & Create (craft-based sensory program)
Teens
• Making Social Connections Friendship Group
• Dungeons & Dragons
• Sense & Create (craft-based sensory program)
Young Adults
• Monday Meeting Place
Dates & details?
Email to request an information sheet. Please ensure you tell us which club/s you are intered in.
Is this a good fit for you?
Our social coaching programs of support suit:
• Graduates of our structured social skills programs who would benefit from ongoing coaching.
• Families and participants wanting guided social practice in a fun, social, naturalistic setting.
• Young people who benefit from doing—hands on, interest based activities (not suited to extensive explicit teaching).
Commitment requirements
Our social coaching programs run all year, for four terms (according to school term dates).
We require a commitment to at least one full term (x5 sessions) with automatic enrolment each term unless we’re notified otherwise (2 weeks’ notice required).
How to ENROL
Step 1 – Give us information by submitting an Expression of Interest form (click any EOI tab- it's the same form for all programs)
Step 2 - We’ll be in touch by email or phone. If there’s availability and the group seems like a good fit, we’ll offer you the option to visit and see our space before starting.
Step 3– When you’re ready to join, we’ll send our Service Agreement to secure your spot.
What People Say
"Dear Fiona,
You have shown me that it is okay to feel mad or sad and that I don't need to use these emotions to hurt someone's feelings. You have shown me social strategies I never thought about. Coming here is an amazing experience. Although I have learned many skills; my favourite part of this group is the friends I have made along the the way, and learning to make good friends at school. You're the best."
[Letter from a tween girl]
Skills
Programs of Support
Click any Expression of Interest tab.
Same form for all programs
ABOUT OUR SKILLS PROGRAMS
Our programs of support use structured, evidence-based programs and approaches designed for neurodivergent children, teens and young adults. Each program targets real-world skills — including social communication, emotional wellbeing, daily living, sensory regulation and work readiness — in ways that feel achievable and build confidence.
Learning in a group setting is intentional. Being alongside peers increases motivation, makes learning relevant, and provides real world opportunities to practise new strategies in real time and in naturalistic social contexts. These shared experiences help skills stick, build comfort in group environments, and support positive, neuro-affirming identity development — outcomes that cannot be replicated in isolation.
Skills are taught step-by-step and reinforced through purposeful, activity-based learning, with caregiver coaching to help young people generalise strategies and skills into home, school and community life.
Facilitated by qualified professionals, our programs are structured, engaging and outcome-focused.
What happens?
Each Skills Program is designed around the specific skill being taught and the goals of the group.
While the content differs, all programs follow a consistent, predictable framework that supports real learning and real-world use:
• Small groups allow for individualised support, meaningful participation and shared problem-solving
• Sessions follow a clear sequence, with skills introduced in manageable steps that build on each other
• Participants learn new strategies through evidence-informed approaches such as role plays, visual supports, video examples and interactive tasks
• Caregivers receive touchpoints to recognise and support new skills beyond the program
• Facilitators understand neurodivergence and create safe, affirming group environments
• Skills are revisited across sessions, providing repeated opportunities to practise and confidently use them in everyday life
What SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL programs do you have?
Ages 4-6
PEERS® for Preschool
For children aged 4–6 and their families
A 16-week, evidence-based, play-based program that teaches young children the foundations of making and keeping friends, while coaching caregivers in how to support social skills at home.
Note: We running the parent-only version in Semest 1 of 2026.
Grades 1-3
A structured, play-based program incorporating the PEERS® for Preschoolers and other evidence-based social-emotional methodologies, designed to help children learn and practise key friendship skills, while giving caregivers practical tools to support social growth at home.
Grades 4-6
Making Social Connections®
Making Social Connections® is our trademarked, year-long social skills program, designed and delivered exclusively by Making Connections Toowoomba. It teaches essential social skills in a sequential, structured way—building confidence, connection, and competence across the year.
Ages 14-18
PEERS® for Teens
Semester 2, 2026: 14-week program
Teens between 14-18 years of age attend weekly face-to-face sessions while parents or caregivers participate in parallel coaching groups on-site. These caregiver sessions equip parents with tools to support social learning outside the program and help teens generalise their skills in real life.
Ages 18-30
PEERS® for Young Adults
Semester 1, 2026: 16-week program
Adults aged 18-30 years attend weekly face-to-face sessions independently. A nominated social coach (usually a parent or support person) joins a weekly online coaching session, offering greater flexibility—ideal for families balancing study, work, or living arrangements. This format helps build independence while still offering strong support behind the scenes.
Click here for a link to research on the PEERS programs.
What OTHER SKILLS programs do you have?
Work Ready Program
- 8 weekly sessions; 4 terms
- Senior Students-School Leavers
Helps autistic and neurodivergent teens and young adults build confidence, independence, and practical skills for real-world employment. Participants explore their strengths and work options that could work for them, while learning about everyday work habits, communication in the workplace, gradual exposure to work context and planning the next steps.
Best suited for teens and young adults who can attend weekly, participate independently in a small group, and are not looking for immediate employment but want to build foundational skills, confidence, independence, and self-advocacy.
Organise & Thrive: Executive Functioning Program
- 8-session program
- Young Adults
Supports young people to develop the executive functioning skills needed for everyday success. Through practical tools and guided practice, participants learn strategies for planning, time management, task initiation, organisation, and emotional regulation — helping them feel more capable, confident, and in control of their day-to-day life.
Best suited for teens and young adults who already have weekly commitments such as work, study, or work experience and want practical strategies to stay organised, manage time, and maintain balance.
Cooking Program with OT
- 5 fortnightly sessions; 4 terms
- Older Teens-Young Adults
Combines cooking, sensory exploration, and social connection to build essential life skills in a social, supported environment. Participants learn practical kitchen safety, food planning, and meal preparation while developing independence, teamwork, and confidence and are provided with take-home recipes and strategies to consolidate learning at home.
Best suited for teens and young adults who have some basic understanding of kitchen hygiene and can work safely with kitchen appliances without one-on-one support for safety or behaviour.
Dates & details?
Email to request an information sheet. Please ensure you tell us which club/s you are intered in.
Em fiona@makingconnectionstoowoomba.com.au
Is this a good fit for you?
Our information sheets outline whether each program may be suitable for you or your young person. However, all Skills Programs share similar suitability criteria. Participants should:
• Be able to self-manage their behaviour and emotions
• Not require complex communication, behavioural, or independence supports
• Be able to attend independently, as parents and support workers do not attend (except for designated caregiver or coaching sessions)
Commitment requirements
These are not short-term “fixes.” Meaningful growth takes time, consistency, and repeated opportunities to practise and apply new skills, along with support from someone who can reinforce learning outside the program. Programs are also designed with sequential content that builds each term, helping participants develop confidence and understanding through ongoing participation.
Most of our Skills Programs run for 6–8 sessions per term (with breaks during school holidays) across the full year. Some, are run in blocks such as Organise & Thrive (8 sessions) and the PEERS® Programs (typically 14–16 sessions).
A commitment to the full program duration is required.
How to ENROL
Step 1 – Give us information by submitting an Expression of Interest form (click any EOI tab- it's the same form for all programs)
Step 2 - We’ll be in touch by email or phone. If there’s availability and the group seems like a good fit, we’ll offer you the option to visit and see our space before starting.
Step 3– When you’re ready to join, we’ll send our Service Agreement to secure your spot.
What People Say
“I went to parent–teacher interviews today, and the feedback was so encouraging that I had to share it with you.
NAME'S teachers said that previously, he was distant and difficult to connect with. He would stand back and not get involved.
Since completing the PEERS program, they said he has made friends, introduces himself to his peers, and sits with them in class. Sometimes he even chats too much!
Making Connections Toowoomba has made such a difference in NAME’s life. Thank you so much. I used to feel so sad for my son, knowing how difficult it was for him to connect. He was lonely. He wanted to make friends but didn’t know how or have the confidence to. I feel so happy for him now. My heart is singing. He has a group of friends where he feels he fits in and belongs.”
[Email from a parent]
