DUNGEONS & DRAGONS GROUP
Adventure, Creativity & Social Growth in a Neuroaffirming Space
At Autism Consultancy Services (ACS), our Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Social & Emotional Capacity Building Group provides a unique and engaging way for autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent children to develop social confidence, flexibility, and collaboration skills—all while embarking on epic adventures in a world of imagination.
Role-playing games like D&D allow children to explore different perspectives, practice problem-solving, and navigate social interactions in a structured yet creative environment. Carefully facilitated by experienced professionals, our sessions ensure that every child has fun while building real-world skills, developing friendships, and expanding their capacity for teamwork and resilience.
How It Works
Designed for children aged 8-14, our D&D group is structured to create a supportive and engaging social experience, regardless of a child’s previous role-playing experience.
Each session includes a combination of:
• Collaborative Storytelling – Players work together to solve challenges, make decisions, and navigate a rich, interactive world.
• Role-Playing & Perspective-Taking – Encourages children to step into different characters, helping them practice empathy, problem-solving, and flexible thinking.
• Turn-Taking & Active Listening – The game naturally reinforces patience, shared decision-making, and working as part of a group.
• Guided Social Interaction & Emotional Regulation – Facilitators provide support in navigating frustration, celebrating victories, and working through setbacks in a constructive way.
A Neuroaffirming Approach
Traditional social skills programs often place unrealistic demands on neurodivergent children, expecting them to conform to neurotypical communication styles. Our D&D group is different. We don’t force scripted conversations, eye contact, or compliance—instead, we create an immersive and engaging space where children can practice social interaction in a way that feels natural and meaningful to them.
D&D provides a structured yet flexible environment where children can engage on their own terms. Some may prefer to be bold leaders, while others enjoy strategising in the background—both are valid and valued contributions to the group.
Why Dungeons & Dragons?
D&D is more than just a game—it’s a powerful tool for developing social and emotional skills in a low-pressure, engaging format. Through structured storytelling and interactive play, children can:
• Build confidence in speaking, making decisions, and advocating for their ideas
• Develop flexibility and adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges
• Learn cooperative problem-solving and teamwork
• Strengthen emotional regulation and resilience when handling setbacks and in-game conflicts
• Practice friendship skills in a fun, supportive environment
A Supportive & Inclusive Space
Our D&D groups are carefully facilitated to ensure that all children feel safe, valued, and included. The game is tailored to meet the needs of each participant, with adjustments made to support different communication styles, processing speeds, and sensory needs. Whether a child prefers to be highly involved or take a quieter role in the background, every contribution is respected and encouraged.
Our facilitators ensure that sessions remain fun, engaging, and accessible, helping children develop their social and emotional capacity at their own pace—without pressure or unrealistic expectations.
Join Our Dungeons & Dragons Social & Emotional Capacity Building Group
Our D&D groups run in 10-week terms at our Yarraville office. If you’re looking for a fun, imaginative, and neuroaffirming way for your child to develop social confidence, teamwork skills, and emotional resilience, we’d love to welcome them on this adventure!