School Holiday Programs for Autistic Children

	Age Groups, Days & Times 3-17 During school holidays
	Locations Various locations based on activity
	Your Host / Coordinator Autism SA Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Facilitators
	Funding Options NDIS Funding Fee for service

What are School Holiday Programs?

School holiday programs at Autism SA are where children aged 3-17 are supported to engage in activities that can help with the development of life skills, social and communication skills and friendships.

Have fun and make new friends while developing a range of life, social and communication skills.

A variety of different programs are delivered each school holidays. Read below to learn more about therapeutic programs coming up next.

Therapeutic programs

Autism SA’s therapeutic school holiday programs are smaller groups delivered by Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists at a range of times and locations.

During the upcoming July School Holidays we will be running the following activities:

Self-Care Spa Studio (5-11 years & 12-17 years)
Building Connections – Social Group (7-12 years)
Cooking Group (6-12 & 12-17 years)
Dungeons & Dragons (8-12 years & 12-17 years)
Goal & Hoop Sports Group NEW! (6-12 years & 12-17 years)

Read more about each group and register below.

Self-Care Spa Studio

Locations: Tonsley & Elizabeth

Age range: 5 – 11 years and 12 – 17 years

A spa-inspired school holiday group for emotional wellbeing, creativity, and connection.

Our Self-Care Spa Studio is a calm, creative, and connection-focused therapeutic session designed to support children and teens through age-appropriate, sensory-friendly activities. This 3-hour group invites participants to unwind, explore self-care routines, and build social connections in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

Mini Studio (Ages 5–11)
Gentle pampering, playful crafts, and calming self-care activities tailored for younger children.

Teen Studio (Ages 11–17)
A chill-out experience with DIY spa stations, mindfulness tools, and creative expression designed just for teens.

Participants will explore calming and confidence-building stations such as:

Nail painting
DIY sleep masks
Make-your-own body scrubs
Positive affirmations
Soft music and a low-stimulation setting

Each child or teen is supported to engage at their own pace, express themselves creatively, and enjoy shared experiences with peers.

The Self-Care Studio nurtures:

Self-awareness and healthy self-care routines
Emotional regulation and mindfulness
Confidence and positive self-talk
Peer connection and social interaction
Sensory exploration and comfort

A calm, creative, and empowering way to spend the school holidays.

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

Cooking Group

Locations: Tonsley & Elizabeth

Age range: 6-12 & 12-17 years

Participants will be supported to develop their food and kitchen safety skills, basic functional cooking skills, planning and problem-solving skills (executive functioning) and social communication opportunities within a group setting.

The group will support individuals to participate in a range of different foundational cooking experiences whilst supported by a multidisciplinary team, including Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists.

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

Dungeons & Dragons

Locations: Tonsley

Age range: 8-12 & 12-17 years

The Dungeons and Dragons group will be facilitated by a multidisciplinary team including Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists. This group is tailored towards autistic participants aged 8 – 17 years old. The program focuses on supporting social, communication, language and problem-solving skills through the game Dungeons and Dragons.

Participants will collaborate to create an adventure whilst implementing strategies and solving different mysteries, puzzles and encounters. The group will be supported to engage and work together as a team and overcome different challenges as they arise. The participants will learn about different social communication preferences, explore different forms of play whilst building on their self-advocacy skills within social interactions.

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

Goal & Hoop Sports Group NEW!

Locations:Mitchell Park Sports & Community Centre (139 Bradley Grove, Mitchell Park) OR John McVeity Centre (182 Peachey Rd, Smithfield Plains)

Age range: 6-12 & 12-17 years

Goal and Hoop Sports Group is a fun, inclusive school holiday sports group for autistic young people, led by a multidisciplinary team including Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists.

Participants can build confidence, develop motor skills, and enjoy basketball and soccer in a welcoming, sensory-safe, and supportive environment.

With thoughtful adaptations such as visual schedules, communication supports, breakout spaces, sensory tools, and no whistles, the group is designed to support individual needs.

Suitable for all skill levels, Goal and Hoop is all about helping participants stay active, have fun, and connect with others.

Registration form: Please refer to the below registration form for further information:

How can I access School Holiday Programs?

For more information about supports and services at Autism SA please contact us on 1300 288 476 or email at contactus@autismsa.org.au.

Autism SA is accredited and registered as a provider through the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This means that you can pay for services at Autism SA with your NDIS funding, or you may pay yourself, through fee for service.