Why Social Groups Are Important for Autism Support

Krystal Xylander • April 17, 2025

Creating Connection Through Shared Passions and Safe Spaces

For many autistic individuals, connecting with others in a meaningful and enjoyable way can be a challenge—not because they lack the desire for connection, but because the typical environments where socialising takes place are not always accommodating. The noise, unpredictability, and social expectations of everyday life can make social interaction feel overwhelming, even isolating.
That’s where structured autism social groups come in. At GameSpec, we’ve created a space where neurodivergent people can thrive—not just participate. We believe that the right environment, support, and shared interests can help turn a difficult social experience into a positive, confidence-building one.

Understanding the Importance of Social Connection

Social connection is a vital part of mental, emotional, and developmental wellbeing. For autistic individuals, however, socialising isn’t always intuitive. While some may naturally develop friendships, many benefit from support in learning how to engage with others, pick up on nonverbal cues, and building trust over time.
Autism social groups are designed to address these needs. They offer structured opportunities to interact with peers, practice communication, and engage in shared activities—all in a supportive, judgement-free setting. The benefits go beyond just making friends. Participants often build skills in:
  • Reading social cues
  • Expressing their needs
  • Taking turns and sharing
  • Empathy and perspective-taking
  • Problem-solving in a group setting
  • And perhaps most importantly, they gain a sense of belonging and confidence.
  • The Power of Peer Interaction

One of the most effective ways to learn social skills is through peer interaction. It’s not about sitting in a classroom and being taught how to talk—it’s about doing things with others. Whether it’s playing a game, sharing a hobby, or just being in the same space, the opportunity to observe, try, and learn from peers is invaluable.

At GameSpec, our social groups are facilitated by experienced peer support workers who encourage participation but never push it. We follow the participant’s lead and use their interests to spark interaction. This builds confidence and allows social skills to develop naturally, rather than being forced.

GameSpec: Brisbane’s Ultimate Autism Gaming Hangout

Located in Greenslopes, GameSpec is not your typical support service. We’re a dedicated NDIS social support provider for teens, young adults, and those young at heart. Our purpose-built environment is calm, sensory-friendly, and created specifically for neurodivergent individuals.

Our services revolve around one unifying theme: gaming. Why? Because for many autistic people, gaming is more than a hobby—it’s a passion, a language, and a bridge to social interaction.

We offer:

  • PC and console gaming
  • Tabletop role-playing games (like Dungeons & Dragons)
  • Warhammer painting and model-building
  • Pokémon trading and collecting
  • LEGO building
  • Board games
  • Group outings and special events
Gaming offers structure, predictability, and shared focus—ideal conditions for building social skills for autism. But it’s not just about the games. It’s about what happens around the games: the chats, the laughs, the teamwork, and the friendships that grow from shared moments.

A Safe and Inclusive Space

One of the key barriers to socialising for autistic individuals is the feeling of not being accepted for who they are. At GameSpec, we’re committed to inclusivity. We embrace all identities, all abilities, and all ways of being. Our goal is to create a space where people feel safe enough to be themselves.

That sense of safety and belonging is crucial. It’s only when someone feels accepted that they can begin to take social risks, try new things, and step outside their comfort zone. We often see participants who start out hesitant eventually take the lead in group games or help welcome new members—milestones that reflect real growth in confidence and communication.

How Social Groups Fit into the NDIS

Families often wonder how to access autism social groups using their NDIS funding. The good news is, GameSpec’s services can be claimed under several support categories:

  • Increased Social and Community Participation
  • Development of Daily Living and Life Skills
  • Improved Relationships
This means families can use their existing plans to support meaningful social engagement, facilitated by our trained team in a purpose-built space. We also offer support in understanding how to include social participation goals in your NDIS plan.

Real Stories, Real Growth

We’ve seen amazing progress in our social groups—from participants who once avoided eye contact now engaging in group conversations, to teens who’ve discovered a sense of purpose and identity through Dungeons & Dragons storytelling.
One parent recently shared:
“GameSpec has given my son a place where he feels like he belongs. He talks about his friends there all the time. It’s the first time he’s felt confident socially.”

These kinds of outcomes are exactly why autism social groups matter. They’re not just about teaching skills—they’re about changing lives.

Join Us at GameSpec

If you’re looking for a supportive environment where your loved one can build social skills for autism in a natural, enjoyable way, GameSpec might be the perfect fit. We offer 1:1 peer support and small group sessions designed to build confidence and community.

📍 Based in Greenslopes, Brisbane
🎮 Sensory-friendly space tailored for neurodivergent individuals
📅 Weekly groups, one-off events, and tailored sessions