Minds At Play

25/03/2026

Adventurer of the week

This week, we want to recognise an incredibly thoughtful moment from one of our participants, Will (DND81)

When Will found out that one of his fellow adventurers had recently lost their beloved dog, he didn’t hesitate for even a second. He reached out to our team and the GM straight away with one heartfelt request:
“Can we immortalise their dog in the campaign?”

Will wanted to make sure his teammate felt supported, seen, and uplifted during a tough time-and he used the magic of storytelling and collaboration to do it.

Acts of empathy like this are what make our social groups so special. Will, thank you for your kindness, your compassion, and the way you help create a safe and caring environment for everyone at the table.

You’re our Adventurer of the Week!

Keep shining that supportive spirit, Will!

24/03/2026

Skill Spotlight: Communication Through Shared Interests

Connecting through shared passions makes communication feel natural and rewarding.

In our sessions, participants discover new ways to express themselves by talking about the things they love-characters, builds, strategies, stories, and creative ideas.

This week participants:
• Asked thoughtful questions to learn more about each other's projects
• Shared advice and celebrated their peers' achievements
• Practised taking conversational turns and listening actively
• Used humour, creativity, and storytelling to engage the group

Every conversation helps build trust and genuine social connection.

23/03/2026

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝟮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻!

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲| Runs for 9 Weeks | 𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗦 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 (𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱) *

Looking for a creative space where you can build confidence, practice social interaction, and express yourself through miniature painting -all within an inclusive, supportive community?

This group is so much more than painting.

It’s a space to connect, develop social skills, and enjoy meaningful shared experiences.
If you're neurodivergent or a person with disability and you're looking for a group where you can:

✔ Connect with like‑minded people who share your interests
✔ Strengthen fine motor skills through engaging, hands‑on creativity
✔ Build communication and social confidence in a relaxed environment
✔ Share ideas, celebrate progress, and enjoy weekly creative conversations
✔ Explore painting techniques at your own pace — no pressure, no judgement

…then this group is for you!

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀
• Teens (13–17)
• Adults (18+)

Join from anywhere in Australia -no prior painting experience needed!

Just bring your curiosity, creativity, and your favourite minis.

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱-𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

Register now: https://mindsatplay.com.au/miniaturepainting/

*𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 -𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗟𝗔𝗖, 𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲.

Register Now for Term 1, 2026 – Click Here Discover Your Inner Artist: Join Our Miniature Painting Social Group Today! Through our online Social Group, participants discover the joy of artistic expression while bringing tiny worlds to life. In Miniature Painting, groups share techniques, colour th...

21/03/2026

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

From Nic, parent of one of our Dungeons & Dragons Online Social Group participants

“At 11, my autistic son struggled with self‑esteem and had difficulty making friends after a family relocation. We were sceptical about the D&D social group to start with, but it’s been transformative for him. His self-confidence has grown through connections with kids he relates to and an amazing GM. He’s improved his communication skills and is a far more collaborative player- even better, we’ve seen this transfer into his offline world too.”

Stories like this are exactly why we do what we do.

At Minds at Play, our Dungeons & Dragons Online Social Groups are designed to create supportive spaces where neurodivergent participants can build confidence, social communication skills, connection, and joy-all through shared storytelling and collaboration.

Hearing that these skills are empowering participants not just in sessions but in their day‑to‑day lives means the world to us.

Thank you, Nic, for sharing your family’s experience. And a massive shoutout to your young adventurer- we’re so proud of everything he’s achieving, both in and out of the campaign.

https://mindsatplay.com.au/dnd-registration/

20/03/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝘄 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝟮 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡!

For Neurodivergent participants and People With Disability who want to grow socially in a calm, supportive, and community‑focused online space.

Our Stardew Valley Online Social Groups offer a gentle environment where participants can build confidence, practice communication skills, and enjoy meaningful teamwork while tending farms, exploring the valley, and helping the community together.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲:
• Cooperative adventures in a calm, low‑pressure world
• Social growth through shared goals and gentle tasks
• Communication, planning & teamwork support
• A safe, inclusive community that celebrates every participant

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱:
• A Computer/Laptop that can run Stardew Valley
• Stable internet connection

𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝟮 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀
Tuesday-Friday Groups: 21 April-26 June
Saturday Groups: 2 May-4 July

10‑Week Program | Online | Australia‑Wide | NDIS Friendly

(Plan‑Managed & Self‑Managed participants may be able to use NDIS funding if aligned with their goals.)

*Every plan is different, so we recommend checking with your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Plan Manager to confirm coverage.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘄- 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱:
https://mindsatplay.com.au/stardewvalley

Register Now for Term 2, 2026 – Click Here Build, Explore, Connect in a Fun Online Social Group Through our online Social Group, participants learn how to collaborate, explore, build resources, and have fun being creative with a shared farm plot to unleash their social skills. In Stardew Valley, g...

19/03/2026

Our Mini Painting Social Group participants from both the teenage and adult social groups have been creating some absolutely magical faerie bards !

Every bard has now been beautifully base coated, and several participants experimented with a gradient effect - blending two colours together so they transition smoothly across the mini. It’s a stunning technique, and the results show so much creativity, patience, and growing confidence.

Most of the faerie bards also have a wash applied, adding depth and shading as the thin paint settles into the tiny details. This step brings the characters to life and highlights all the intricate sculpting.

We’re so proud of the artistic expression, skill-building, and supportive engagement happening in these sessions.

Whether soft pastels or bold colour blends, every bard tells its own story-and so do the painters behind them.

https://mindsatplay.com.au/miniaturepainting/

18/03/2026

𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝟮 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡!

For Neurodivergent participants and People With Disability who want to grow socially, build confidence, and make real connections in a supportive online community.

Our Minecraft Social Groups provide a safe, inclusive space to develop communication skills, teamwork, and friendships while exploring creative worlds together.

What You will experience:

• Social connection through shared adventures
• Support to grow communication skills
• Teamwork, collaboration & problem‑solving
• A safe, inclusive space to build confidence

What you will need:

Minecraft Java Edition compatible computer/Laptop+ a stable internet connection

Term 2 Dates:

Tuesday-Friday Groups: 21 April- 26 June
Saturday Groups: 2 May-4 June

10‑Week Program | Online | Australia‑Wide | NDIS Friendly

Plan‑Managed & Self‑Managed participants may use NDIS funding if aligned with goals.
Every plan is different, so we recommend checking with your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Plan Manager to confirm coverage.

Register now-spots are limited!
https://mindsatplay.com.au/minecraft-registration

Register Now for Term 2, 2026 – Click Here Fostering Social Growth Through Collaborative Play and Guided Interaction Through our online Social Group, participants learn how to collaborate, explore, gather resources, and have fun being creative in a shared Minecraft world. Together, groups co‑bui...

17/03/2026

Skill Spotlight: Emotional Regulation Through Creative Expression

In our online social groups, participants explore creativity in ways that support self‑expression and emotional balance. Whether it’s painting a miniature, designing a Minecraft build, or role‑playing a character’s choices, each activity offers space to slow down, focus, and express feelings safely.

We’ve seen participants this week:

• Use colour, building choices, or character moments to express excitement, calm, or frustration
• Take a mindful pause before making a group decision
• Reflect on feelings their character might be experiencing
• Support peers by acknowledging emotions with empathy

These moments help build confidence, emotional awareness, and supportive connections.

15/03/2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week • 16–22 March 2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a chance to honour the many ways people think, communicate and connect -and that’s at the heart of what we do at Minds at Play.

Every week, our online social groups bring together autistic individuals, ADHDers, dyslexic thinkers and many other neurodivergent participants to build confidence, friendships and shared experiences in supportive, structured environments.

We celebrate:
🌟 Creative problem‑solving
🌟 Unique perspectives
🌟 Different communication styles
🌟 Courage, curiosity and engagement

Our groups are designed so neurodivergent participants can show up as themselves-supported, understood and included.

When participants feel safe to contribute in ways that suit their communication style, the whole group grows together.

This week and every week, we’re proud to champion neurodiversity and the strengths it brings to our community.

15/03/2026

𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐬 & 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 – 𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧!

Are you ready to leap into new worlds, build confidence, and connect with fellow 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬 and 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 from across Australia?

Our Dungeons & Dragons Online Social Groups are returning for Term 2, and we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning participants!

𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝟐 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:
- Tuesday-Friday groups start: 21 April 2026
- Saturday groups start: 2 May 2026

Whether you are an experienced hero or stepping into your very first quest, our structured and supportive social groups are designed to help participants:

>Build social communication skills
>Strengthen teamwork and collaboration
>Grow emotional confidence
>Express creativity and imagination
>Connect with a safe, inclusive community

𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐬:
> 9–12
> 13–15
> 16–18
> 19+

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐭?
*Try one of our 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐃&𝐃 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 before committing!
https://mindsatplay.com.au/dd-intro-sessions/

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝟐?
Register now: https://mindsatplay.com.au/dnd-registration/

*𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧. 𝐖𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐋𝐀𝐂, 𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Let’s roll the dice and grow together-socially, emotionally, and adventurously!

Register Now for Term 1, 2026 – Click Here A social group where friendships grow through shared adventures and imagination. In our online Social Group, participants dive into exciting adventures where creativity and teamwork take centre stage. Playing Dungeons & Dragons, everyone builds unique cha...

12/03/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 -𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗯 𝗜𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘!

Game developers -if you’re committed to accessibility and inclusive design, this is your chance to gain real, meaningful insights.

Our Play Test Lab connects your game with our neurodivergent participants, who test it in their own homes, giving you authentic, real‑world accessibility feedback.

The entire process is coordinated by our Games Masters, ensuring everything runs smoothly while allowing participants to engage naturally and comfortably in their own environment.

We’re excited to share that Brave Cart has already completed their at‑home play testing with us!
Our participants provided thoughtful, insightful feedback that is helping shape a more accessible and inclusive gaming experience.

If you’re ready to understand how real players experience your game - and how to make it more inclusive -our Play Test Lab is here for you.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗯: https://mindsatplay.com.au/play-test-lab/

Let’s build accessible, inclusive gaming experiences together.

10/03/2026

𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁-𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴

Flexible thinking grows best in a space where participants feel safe, supported, and free to explore.

Across our social groups -from navigating an unexpected moment in Dungeons & Dragons, redesigning a build in Minecraft, experimenting with colour choices in Mini Painting, or adapting daily plans in Stardew Valley-we see participants embrace new ideas with confidence.

They rethink strategies, explore alternatives, and discover that there’s always more than one path forward.
Because our groups offer a supportive environment, participants can try new approaches, make changes, and stay engaged even when things don’t go exactly as expected.

Every week, we see real‑world resilience, creativity, and problem‑solving shine through.