Dragons of the Spectrum (DOTS) is a fun, story-driven social learning program designed to support neurodivergent children to build confidence, communication, and emotional awareness.
Blending social-emotional skill development with a simplified, cooperative tabletop role-playing game, DOTS gives children a safe and playful space to learn, practise, and grow at their own pace.
Plus, groups are facilitated by an experienced Solasta clinician, who is also a Certified DOTS Facilitator, using a strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach.
What to expect in each session
Every DOTS session combines structured learning with imaginative adventure. Children will take part in:
- A targeted social-emotional learning topic.
- A collaborative fantasy storyline that encourages teamwork.
- Character creation, problem-solving tasks, and group quests.
- Real-time opportunities to practise new skills in a supportive environment.
This blended format helps children connect skills to real-world situations while having fun and staying engaged.
Key skill focus areas
DOTS supports children to build:
- Self-awareness and emotional vocabulary.
- Conversation skills and confidence asking for help.
- Coping strategies and emotion regulation.
- Assertiveness, flexibility, and adapting to change.
- Turn-taking and collaborative planning.
- Perspective-taking and empathy.
- Group decision-making.
- Conflict resolution and reflective thinking.
These skills are woven naturally into play so children learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
How it works
The epic adventure
Program overview
Duration: 10 weekly sessions, starting February 2026, Thursdays, 4 pm – 6 pm.
Session length: 120 minutes.
Group size: 3 – 4 children. Spaces are limited to maintain small and supportive group environments.
Location: Solasta Klemzig – Level 2, 280 North East Road, Klemzig SA 5087.
Who DOTS is for: Children aged 10+ with social communication needs (including Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 – 2, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or similar profiles).
Fees: $2,074 for the full 10-week program + $244 Program Pack (once-off).
Funding options: If your child has a NDIS plan with goals related to social skills or group programs, DOTS can generally be funded through relevant plans. Medicare rebates may also be available with a current Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP or a referral from a Paediatrician that specifies group therapy. If you’re unsure about funding, our team can help you understand your options.
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Meet our Certified Dragons of the Spectrum Facilitator
Nataly Veal
Clinical Psychologist
Klemzig
Nataly Veal is a Clinical Psychologist with experience supporting individuals across all age groups, including children, young people, and adults with mental health concerns, learning difficulties, and disabilities. Nataly has specific interests in autism and ADHD.
With over a decade of experience in diverse settings, including public, private, and independent school systems, Nataly possesses a wealth of knowledge in psychoeducational assessments and can identify and provide recommendations for various conditions, such as intellectual disability, specific learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia), as well as gifted and talented learners.
Nataly's therapeutic style is warm and engaging, and she is dedicated to employing a strength-based and values-driven approach that empowers clients to achieve their goals. When working with neurodivergent children who have social, emotional, and behavioural needs, Nataly adopts a child-centered approach. Nataly collaborates with parents, teachers, and other allied health professionals to develop effective strategies across home and school settings.
When working with adolescents, Nataly's kind and empathic therapy style enables her to foster strong relationships and provide genuine understanding and support throughout their life challenges. She also extends her expertise to adults, assisting them in improving their mental health, life outlook, and overall well-being.
As a committed professional, Nataly provides clinical supervision to early career psychologists as well as clinicians in registrar programs seeking practice endorsement. Her guidance and mentorship empower fellow practitioners to refine their skills and deliver exceptional care.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dragons of the Spectrum (DOTS)?
Dragons of the Spectrum (DOTS) is a neuro-affirming social-emotional learning program for children aged 10 and over. It blends structured social skills teaching with a simplified tabletop role-playing game, giving children a fun and safe way to practise communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional regulation.
Who is the program suitable for?
Dragons of the Spectrum is designed for children aged 10+ who benefit from support with social communication, emotional awareness, or flexible thinking, This includes children who are living with:
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Autism (Level 1 – 2).
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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Social anxiety.
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Challenges with executive functioning.
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Other neurodivergent traits or social learning needs.
No gaming experience is needed as sessions are guided by a Certified Dragons of the Spectrum Facilitator.
How do I know if Dragons of the Spectrum is a good fit for my child?
If you child experiences challenges with any of the following, Dragons of the Spectrum may be a good fit:
- Making or keeping friends.
- Interpreting social cues.
- Expressing emotions.
- Coping with frustration or change.
- Communicating needs.
- Managing conflict.
- Working in teams or groups.
Our intake team can help you assess suitability before you register your interest.
Can funding or rebates apply?
Yes. If your child has a NDIS plan with goals related to social skills, emotional regulation, or group therapy, the cost of Dragons of the Spectrum can often be covered by their funding.
It can also be funded through:
- Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
- Paediatrician referrals specifying a group program.
- Other applicable plans (our team can help you explore options).
What outcomes can families expect?
While each child is unique, families typically notice improvements in:
- Confidence and emotional expression.
- Flexible thinking and resilience.
- Communication and teamwork.
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution.
- Navigating friendships and group settings.
- Many children also begin generalising skills at school, home, and community activities.
What happens after the 10-week program?
Depending on your child’s needs, Solasta may offer follow-up individual sessions, additional group options, or further skills-based or therapeutic supports. Our team will guide you through the next steps to help your child meet their goals.
What is autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, processes information, and experiences the world.
Children with autism (Level 1 – 2) may:
- Prefer routine and predictability.
- Find social cues of unstructured group situations challenging.
- Experience strong sensory preferences.
- Communicate in ways that are unique.
- Have deep interests and strengths.
Dragons of the Spectrum uses a neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach – no “fixing” and no masking. Instead, we focus on building confidence, coping tools, emotional language, and social safety.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, working memory, motivation, and self-regulation.
Children with ADHD may experience:
- Difficulty staying focused on low-stimulus tasks.
- High energy or restlessness.
- Impulsivity or fast decision-making.
- Challenges with turn-taking or waiting.
- Strong creativity, problem-solving, and intuition.
Dragons of the Spectrum incorporates movement, creativity, hands-on play, and short structured segments that support engagement for ADHD brains.
Does my child need a diagnosis to join?
No. A formal diagnosis is not required. If your child experiences social communication challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, or benefits from guided group support, they’re welcome.
How does tabletop role-playing help with social skills?
Role-play provides a safe, low-pressure way to:
- Practise conversations.
- Problem-solve as a team.
- Navigate conflict.
- Tolerate uncertainty or change.
- Build perspective-taking.
- Try new coping strategies in the moment.
Children often learn more easily through imaginative play because the stakes feel lower and the fun keeps them engaged.
Who runs Dragons of the Spectrum at Solasta?
Dragons of the Spectrum is delivered by an experienced Solasta clinician who specialises in:
- Child and adolescent mental health.
- Autism and neurodivergence.
- Social-emotional learning.
- Group therapy.
- Strengths-based, neuro-affirming practice.
All sessions follow a structured clinical framework with clear goals.
What if my child is anxious or shy?
That’s completely OK. Dragons of the Spectrum is specifically designed to support children who:
- Feel nervous in groups.
- Dislike unstructured social situations.
- Have had negative experiences in school or peer settings.
The small group size (3 – 4 children) helps us build trust and safety. Children can participate at their own pace.
Our approach
At Solasta, we know that every child and young person is unique – and so is every family. Feeling comfortable and understood is an important part of the process, which is why we take time to connect your child with a clinician who is the right fit for them.
Our clinicians work in a child-centred, family-focused way. This means your child’s strengths, interests, and goals are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we’ll support your child to build confidence, develop skills, and take steps toward reaching their full potential.
Throughout your journey with us, you and your child can expect a safe, welcoming space where you’ll always feel listened to, respected, and supported.
Our space
Get a sense of what attending an appointment at Solasta would feel like.
We offer a carefully designed, modern and inviting therapy space. Our spacious, light-filled rooms create an environment that allows for safety, privacy and growth. From the waiting room to your time in our therapy rooms, we have consciously created an enriched space to support your sense of comfort.
For children, we also have rooms specifically designed to accommodate sensory needs, complete with toys, soft lighting and thoughtfully selected furnishings to create a calming environment.
Explore the photos of our space below or check-out our virtual tour.
Klemzig
Christies Beach
DOTS is a social play program developed by Social Play Academy and delivered at Solasta by a certified facilitator.