Designed to support autistic young people as they explore who they are, how they feel, and how they want to show up in the world. We understand that adolescence can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially in a world not built for neurodivergent brains and bodies.
Approach: We are an NDIS-registered, disability-specific provider, offering therapist-led, interest-based group sessions designed specifically for autistic teens. Our Phoenix Friends teen programs are proudly autistic-led, delivered by a neurodivergent team, and grounded in lived experience, clinical knowledge, and neurodivergent-affirming practices. These programs are intentionally created to empower autistic teens to thrive in a world not built for their minds or bodies. Our approach embraces each teen’s unique brain and nervous system, supporting personal development in ways that feel safe, validating, and relevant to their age, identity, and autonomy.ection, safety, and empowerment. Every group is thoughtfully created to meet children where they’re at and support them to grow at their own pace, in ways that align with their neurotype and unique needs.
Environment: All sessions take place within The Nest, our dedicated safe space—a sensory-aware, emotionally supportive environment where teens can feel grounded, connected, and free to explore who they are without pressure to mask or conform. We use interest-based groups as the foundation because the autistic mind learns best when motivated by genuine curiosity and connection. While group topics—such as digital art, gaming, makeup and self-care, role-playing games, movement, and creative expression—may vary, the therapeutic intent is consistent, with targeted skill development and affirming strategies woven into every session.
Goals: Phoenix Friends teen sessions support a wide range of functional and developmental goals aligned with individual NDIS plans, including but not limited to: building independence and daily living skills, developing safe and authentic friendships, enhancing communication (verbal, AAC, or alternative), strengthening emotional regulation and self-awareness, navigating group dynamics and shared spaces, encouraging participation and inclusion, expanding identity, confidence, and autonomy, practising flexible thinking and collaborative problem-solving, developing routines and managing transitions, promoting sensory regulation and nervous system support, and exploring self-advocacy and personal values.
Empowerment: We also support goals including, but not limited to: task initiation, planning, and follow-through; turn-taking, perspective-taking, and peer communication; interoception and co-regulation strategies; identity development and self-esteem; and leadership, creativity, and expressive play. At Phoenix Friends, we don’t focus on compliance—we focus on connection, safety, and empowerment. Every group is thoughtfully created to meet autistic teens where they’re at and to support them in building lives of confidence, belonging, and joy—on their own terms.
These are not just teen hangouts—they are therapeutic, interest-based, neurodivergent-affirming programs designed to help autistic young people develop meaningful skills, nourish their nervous systems, and step into their identity with pride.
