Next Level Collaboration
A neurodiversity-affirming social capacity building program for young people who love gaming.
Ages 8 to 15 ● Small groups ● 8 weekly sessions ● In Carlton
Does this sound like a young person you know?
Some kids connect easily online and find face-to-face
harder. You might have noticed:
- they love gaming and find other socialising confusing
- group situations leave them drained.
If any of that sounds like your young person, Next Level Collaboration might be a good next step.
Small groups forming now. We’ll be in
touch with dates and details.
Prefer to chat first?
Call the clinic on 03 9035 7199
Register your interest
A fun social capacity building program for neurodivergent young people in Melbourne
Next Level Collaboration uses cooperative video games to build social confidence, teamwork and connection.
The program is neurodiversity-affirming and co-designed with the neurodivergent community. It's built so every young person can show up as themselves.
Because the learning happens through something they
already enjoy, new skills are more likely to carry beyond the session into school, home and friendships.
What they’ll gain
Every young person is different, so outcomes look different for different people. Over eight weeks, participants often report:
- More confidence in groups, including outside the program
- Easier connection with other young people who share their interests
- More comfort speaking up, reading a room and joining in
- Stronger teamwork and negotiation when things get harder
- A sense of belonging that travels beyond the sessions
How it works
Learn
We teach each skill explicitly, using video examples to show the different ways it can look in practice. We help everyone find an approach that feels comfortable for them.
Practise
Participants put the skill into practice during a carefully chosen cooperative video game, with facilitators supporting and guiding along the way.
Reflect
After gameplay, participants reflect together on how they used the skill, what they noticed and where they might use it next.
Program details
- Ages: 8 to 15
- Group size: Maximum 6 participants
- Format: 8 weekly in-person sessions, 90 minutes each
- Session time: 4:00pm to 5:30pm
- Location: Level 1, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton
- Cost: $99 per session
- Funding: NDIS, Medicare and private options available. We can help you work out which pathway suits your family.
- When: New groups are forming now. Register your interest and we'll be in touch with confirmed dates.
MTHC is where healthcare, education and research come together
A connected system of care
We offer a range of services to support people across different health needs and stages of life. Your child can move easily between services as their needs change, without starting from scratch each time.
Frequently asked questions
Is Next Level Collaboration a therapy group?
It's a social capacity building program, not individual therapy. It runs through our speech pathology service and uses cooperative gaming to build social confidence, teamwork and connection in a small group. Some families use it alongside individual therapy. Others use it on its own.
Does my child need a diagnosis to join?
No. A diagnosis isn't required. The program is designed to suit neurodivergent young people aged 8 to 15 who enjoy gaming, whether they're diagnosed, in the process of assessment or not seeking one.
How do you make sure my child is safe and comfortable?
Groups are small, with a maximum of six participants. Facilitators are trained in the program and supported by our clinical team. Sessions are designed so young people can show up as themselves. Groups are small, with a maximum of six participants. Facilitators are trained in the program and supported by our clinical team. Sessions are designed so young people can show up as themselves.
Can I use NDIS or Medicare funding?
NDIS, Medicare and private payment options are available. The right pathway depends on your circumstances. When you register your interest, our team can talk through which option suits your family. NDIS, Medicare and private payment options are available. The right pathway depends on your circumstances. When you register your interest, our team can talk through which option suits your family.
What happens after I register my interest?
Our team will be in touch with confirmed dates, fees and next steps. If you have questions, we can talk them through by phone or email before you commit. There's no obligation at the enquiry stage.
Who runs the program?
Next Level Collaboration is run through MTHC: Speech Pathology. Sessions are facilitated by trained educators, therapists and researchers, many with lived experience of neurodivergence.
Do parents stay for the sessions?
Sessions are for young people only. Parents and carers drop off and pick up. If your child needs support with transitions, let us know — we can work with you to make the first session easier.
What kinds of games do you use?
We use carefully selected, age‑appropriate, non‑violent cooperative games that encourage teamwork, planning and communication.
How do you decide which group my child joins?
We look at age, interests, communication style and what helps your child feel comfortable. This helps us create groups where young people can connect more easily.
Is the program suitable for autistic or PDA‑profile young people?
Yes. The program is designed with neurodivergent young people in mind. We focus on reducing pressure, supporting autonomy and creating a predictable, interest‑based environment. Yes. The program is designed with neurodivergent young people in mind. We focus on reducing pressure, supporting autonomy and creating a predictable, interest‑based environment.
What if my child misses a session?
You’re only charged for sessions attended. If your child needs time off due to illness or overwhelm, just let us know.
Is the program LGBTQIA+ inclusive?
Yes. We create a respectful, affirming environment where everyone can show up as themselves.
What technology do you use?
Sessions use consoles and PCs set up in our clinic. You don’t need to bring anything from home.
Where is the program held?
All sessions are in person at MTHC: Speech Pathology, Level 1, 723 Swanston Street, Carlton. It's the home of our speech pathology service, and part of MTHC.
Contact Us
Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic
Level 1, 723 Swanston St,
Carlton 3053
Phone: 03 9035 7199
Fax: 03 9347 1535
Email: speech-clinic@unimelb.edu.au
Opening hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4.30 pm
Closed public holidays