Online Social Skills Development
Online Social Skills Development
LaunchPod’s Online Social Skills Development programs create engaging opportunities for children to connect with like-minded peers, communicate and build confidence in a safe and supportive online environment.
Rather than teaching social skills through worksheets or scripted interactions, we use Minecraft, shared interests and engaging group experiences to create natural opportunities for connection, communication and collaboration.
What is Online Social Skills Development?
Online Social Skills Development is a facilitated small-group program where children connect with peers through Minecraft, conversation and shared online experiences. Rather than teaching social skills through scripted activities, we create natural opportunities for children to communicate, cooperate, solve problems and navigate social situations together.
Our facilitators support the group while allowing friendships and interactions to develop naturally. Sessions are designed to be engaging, low-pressure and enjoyable, giving children regular opportunities to build confidence, practise social communication and experience genuine connection with peers.
1. 1:1 Sessions
Individual online sessions focused on your child’s social communication goals, confidence and interests, with support tailored to their individual needs.
2. Peer Sessions
Two children are thoughtfully matched around shared interests and supported to connect, collaborate and practise social skills together through Minecraft, conversation and shared activities.
3. Group Sessions
Small, interest-based groups where children connect with like-minded peers through Minecraft and shared activities, building confidence, communication, cooperation and meaningful social connections in a supportive online environment.
Choose the Right Session Format
Who Is Online Social Skills Development For?
Our programs are designed for children who may benefit from more opportunities to build confidence, connect with peers and practise social communication in an engaging, supportive environment.
We take a strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach and recognise that there is no single “right” way to communicate or socialise. Children are thoughtfully matched according to their age, interests, strengths, communication style and support needs.
How Do Online Sessions Work?
Sessions are delivered live online by experienced LaunchPod facilitators, with children joining through video call while connecting and playing together in Minecraft.
Sessions are shaped around the children participating and their shared interests. They may include collaborative Minecraft builds, challenges, creative projects, problem-solving, conversation and plenty of opportunities simply to spend time together.
Facilitators support participation and help create natural opportunities to practise communication, collaboration, perspective-taking, flexibility, problem-solving and navigating social situations, while allowing interactions and relationships to develop naturally.
Shared Interests Create Connection
We believe connection comes more naturally when children have something meaningful to connect around.
Minecraft and shared interests are not simply activities within our programs. They create a common space for engagement, communication, collaboration and connection.
By starting with what children genuinely enjoy, we create an environment where social interaction can develop naturally, without forcing children into scripted or artificial social experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who delivers the Online Social Skills Development sessions?
2. Is Online Social Skills Development delivered by an Allied Health Professional?
Our sessions are delivered by members of the LaunchPod team with experience supporting neurodivergent children. Depending on the program, this may include an Occupational Therapist, Early Childhood Educator or trained Therapy Assistant.
We match the facilitator and delivery model to the needs of the group, the purpose of the program and the participant’s funding arrangement.
Some sessions are, but not all sessions need to be.
LaunchPod has Occupational Therapists who may deliver Online Social Skills Development sessions where allied health involvement is appropriate. Other sessions may be facilitated by an Early Childhood Educator or trained Therapy Assistant.
Where a particular NDIS line item or funding arrangement requires delivery by an allied health professional, we ensure the service is delivered by an appropriately qualified clinician.
3. Can Online Social Skills Development be funded through the NDIS?
4. Can the Therapy Assistance line item be used for Online Social Skills Development?
Yes, participants use their NDIS funding for Online Social Skills Development.
The most appropriate line item depends on the participant’s plan, goals, how the session is delivered and who is delivering it. In some cases, a Therapy Assistance line item may be appropriate, while other participants may use a different relevant support item.
We can work with families and plan managers to identify the appropriate billing arrangement before sessions commence.
In some circumstances, yes.
Where the service is being delivered as Therapy Assistance and is consistent with the participant’s goals, support needs and funding arrangements, a Therapy Assistance line item may be appropriate. The applicable line item will depend on the individual participant and how the service is being delivered.
We are happy to discuss the proposed billing arrangement with the family or plan manager before commencement.
5. How long are the sessions?
6. Can my child join from anywhere in Australia?
Group sessions are typically 90 minutes, while peer and 1:1 sessions are typically 60 minutes.
We’ll confirm the session length, frequency and cost with you before your child commences.
Yes. Online Social Skills Development is available Australia-wide, subject to suitable session times, technology access and an appropriate peer or group match.
7. What does my child need to join?
8. Does my child have to use their camera or speak the whole time?
Your child will need:
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A device they are comfortable using to play Minecraft Bedrock Edition, such as an iPad, laptop, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 or Xbox
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A device that can connect to Google Meet for the live video call
Depending on your child’s setup, these may be the same device or two separate devices.
No. We recognise that children communicate and participate in different ways. We encourage connection without forcing children to perform socially in a particular way. Facilitators work with each child’s communication style and gradually support participation in ways that feel manageable and authentic.