Dragons of the Spectrum (DOTS)

Social Skills Program

DOTS and DOTS+ are social play programs developed by Social Play Academy and delivered at Affirmative Minds Psychology by a certified facilitator.

What is the ‘Dragons of the Spectrum’?

The Dragons of the Spectrum (DOTS) is a fun, story-based social learning program designed for children aged 10+. Built around a simplified tabletop role-playing game, DOTS helps children build social confidence, emotional awareness, and peer connection in a safe, neuro-affirming environment.

Each session features targeted social-emotional learning followed by a collaborative fantasy adventure. Participants create their own characters and work together to solve challenges, explore new environments, defeat enemies, and engage with playful but meaningful social tasks—using the skills they’ve just learned.

What Makes DOTS Different?

• Structured and manualised learning program

• Combines evidence-informed social learning with fantasy role-play

• Designed for neurodivergent children, especially those with Autism, ADHD, and PDA

• Celebrates individual strengths, diverse communication styles, and creativity

• Offers structured skill development through cooperative storytelling

• Promotes real-world generalisation through weekly take-home missions

What is Involved?

• Duration: 10 weekly sessions (120 minutes each)

• When: Saturday Mornings during School Terms and School holiday programs - Daily

• Group Size: 3-4 participants per group

• Eligibility: Ideal for children aged 10+ with social communication needs. Suitable for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1-2), ADHD, or related profiles.

• Program Pack: Participation in DOTS requires a ‘Program Pack’ (includes all the necessary resources to participate in the program: dice, tokens, skill cards, Adventurer’s Guide activity book.

What Skills Does DOTS Promote?

Explicit Focus

• Self-awareness & emotional language

• Conversation skills & asking for help

• Coping strategies & regulation

• Assertiveness & flexibility

Embedded Social Skills

• Turn-taking & collaborative planning

• Perspective-taking & empathy

• Group decision-making

• Conflict resolution & reflection

Program Fees

Fees for participating in the Dragons of the Spectrum program are as follows:

The DOTS Program Pack

The ‘DOTS Program Pack’ is required for your child to participate in the social skills program. This program pack includes all resources needed to engage in this group: the program workbook, parent handouts, social skill cards, and gaming resources. Components of the program pack will be provided over the course of the ten-week group.

Once-off cost of $194.00.

This cost is not claimable through Medicare or private health.

This cost may be covered by the NDIS.

The DOTS Social Skills Program

The ‘DOTS Social Skills Program’ involves attending 10 sessions weekly, each lasting 120 minutes.

Weekly session cost of $183.00.

This cost is claimable through Medicare or private health.

This cost may be covered by the NDIS.

Total Program fee: $2,024.00

NDIS: If your child has NDIS goals related to social skills or group therapy, the full program (including the Program Pack) can typically be covered under your child’s plan.

Medicare: Medicare rebates may be available if your child has a current Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from a GP, or a referral from a Paediatrician specifying a group program.

How to Register

To express your interest or apply for an upcoming DOTS group, please watch the following parent information video and share the trailer with your child, then complete the following form:

DOTS Trailer - for Kids

DOTS Presentation - for Parents