SAFE Social Group Therapy Program
A Neuroaffirming Way to Support Early Social Connection
About the Program -
The SAFE Social Group Therapy Program is a gentle, play-based group therapy program designed to support neurodivergent children aged 4–8 years as they explore social connection, communication, and emotional understanding — without pressure to mask, copy, or “fit in.”
At Grow Therapy Services, we understand that social challenges in early childhood are rarely about “skills.” They are often about sensory overload, unmet needs, communication differences, or feeling unsafe or misunderstood.
SAFE Social focuses on building confidence, emotional safety, and connection, while honouring each child’s natural way of interacting with the world.
What Makes SAFE Social Different?
Many traditional social skills programs focus on teaching children how to behave in “expected” ways.
SAFE Social takes a different approach.
We do not teach children to suppress who they are.
Instead, we support children to:
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Feel safe and accepted in social spaces
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Understand themselves and others through play
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Build confidence in communication (spoken or non-spoken)
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Explore social interaction at their own pace
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Develop early self-advocacy and boundary awareness
SAFE Social helps children grow socially by expanding choice and confidence, not by forcing compliance.
What Does SAFE Stand For?
S – Social
Exploring connection, play, and shared experiences in a safe, supported group.
A – Awareness
Building early awareness of feelings, body signals, sensory needs, and others around us.
F – Flexible
Supporting children to try different ways of engaging — without pressure or “right answers.”
E – Engagement
Encouraging joyful participation through play, movement, creativity, and interests.
Who Is This Program For?
SAFE Social is suitable for children aged 4–8 years who:
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Are autistic or neurodivergent
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Have communication differences (including AAC or limited speech)
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Experience big feelings or emotional overwhelm
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Find group settings challenging
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Prefer parallel play or need support with turn-taking
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Experience anxiety, avoidance, or shutdown in social situations
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Benefit from structured, predictable, play-based environments
Children do not need a formal diagnosis to participate.
How the Program Works
SAFE Social is delivered in small, therapist-led groups using a play-based, neuroaffirming approach.
Sessions include:
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Predictable routines and visual supports
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Sensory-friendly activities
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Movement and regulation opportunities
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Play-based social exploration
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Supported peer interaction
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Flexible participation (watching, joining, stepping away)
Children are never forced to participate. Engagement is always invited, not demanded.
Program Focus Areas
Rather than teaching scripts or rules, SAFE Social supports early development in:
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Emotional understanding and regulation
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Communication confidence
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Social curiosity and connection
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Body awareness and sensory needs
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Turn-taking and shared play (at each child’s pace)
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Understanding boundaries and personal space
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Feeling safe around peers
All goals are individualised and developed in collaboration with families.
Why SAFE Social?
✔ Neuroaffirming and trauma-informed
✔ Play-based and developmentally appropriate
✔ Supports regulation before social demands
✔ Flexible for different communication styles
✔ Delivered by experienced therapists
✔ Aligns with NDIS goals and reporting
✔ Reduces stress for children and families
SAFE Social helps children build connection without pressure and confidence without masking.
Funding & Fees
SAFE Social can be funded through:
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NDIS (Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living)
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Early Childhood Supports (ECEI)
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Self-funded options
We offer block-based group programs, reducing the pressure of weekly appointments while still providing meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
Progress and strategies are shared with families to support consistency across home, school, and community settings.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re wondering whether SAFE Social is the right fit for your child, we’re here to help.
Contact us to
- Discuss suitability
- View upcoming group blocks
- Learn how we support neurodivergent children and families