Supporting Your Child’s Development: How Allied Health Assistants Make a Difference
Dungeons & Dragons NDIS groups offer something special, a chance to step into a world of imagination, creativity, and connection. That’s why our team at It’s More Than Therapy (IMTT) developed a Dungeons & Dragons program, available for funding under the NDIS, that blends structure, storytelling, and support to create something truly transformative. Our in-person Dungeons & Dragons social group is so much more than just rolling dice, it’s about building confidence, friendships, and a stronger sense of self, all within a fun, inclusive setting.
Run weekly on Tuesdays in our Wyong clinic, IMTT’s adult (18+) D&D group is a small, consistent gathering of up to six participants, supported by two experienced support workers, one of whom acts as the Dungeon Master (DM). Participants play as characters they’ve helped design, with each person receiving a custom 3D-printed and painted miniature of their character, made in-house. Sessions combine creative storytelling, puzzles, roleplay, and collaborative problem-solving in a fully guided format.
No prior experience is needed. Everything is explained, scaffolded, and adapted based on individual communication styles and access needs. The goal isn’t to “win”, it’s to play, connect, and grow in a setting that prioritises emotional safety, creativity, and fun.
Our Dungeons & Dragons program offers a rare opportunity for players to explore identity, communication, and self-expression in a non-judgemental space. Participants might play characters who are brave, witty, quiet, curious or anything in between. As one of our support worker Ash puts it:
“Playing a character gives people a bit of emotional distance. They can try new ways of thinking or expressing themselves without feeling personally exposed.”
This practice of safely experimenting with different perspectives through roleplay is something researchers are paying close attention to. In a 2024 study published in PubMed, autistic adults participating in a short D&D campaign reported fewer struggles with social interaction in-game compared to real life. The study found that tabletop roleplaying games provide a safe social space where participants can build relationships, explore their identity, and even carry the confidence they build in-game back into their daily lives.
This is a Social and Community Access program delivered under the NDIS, designed to support participants in building confidence, connection, and enjoyment through shared play. While everyone joins with a love of the game, each participant also brings individual goals, whether that’s gaining confidence in group settings, receiving support with communication or accessibility needs, or having help navigating tasks during the game itself. Whatever those goals may be, the changes we’ve witnessed have been really meaningful and all of it happens in a supportive, inclusive environment that adapts to each person’s needs.
An often-overlooked benefit of the program is the space it creates for goal-setting and self-advocacy. Through their characters, participants lean into identifying what they want (serious or silly) and explore how to express and pursue those goals within the story. For many, it’s a rare opportunity to experience choice, control, and problem-solving in a way that’s empowering and pressure-free.
“Over time I’ve seen participants grow in confidence, communication, and connection,” Ash says. “People who were once reserved start contributing ideas and supporting others. They begin to take initiative and really step into their characters.”
Participants aren’t just engaging in fantasy; they’re exploring real-world skills like teamwork, emotional regulation, and problem-solving without pressure or correction. A separate study shared by Psychiatrist.com found that games like D&D allow players to externalise internal struggles, helping them build emotional resilience and connect with others facing similar challenges.
So, what makes Dungeons & Dragons groups like this a great fit for so many participants?
Jordan, the group’s Dungeon Master and program creator, explains:
“Helping participants grow confident using their voice is one of the most important things we can support. Whether they’re standing up for their character or expressing what they need as a player, that self-advocacy is powerful.”
At IMTT, our approach to support groups is person-centred, neuroaffirming, and designed to grow with our community’s interests. As interest in our Dungeons & Dragons NDIS program continues to build, we’re looking to expand into new age groups, starting with after-school sessions for teens.
If you know a young person who loves gaming, storytelling, and wants to connect with others in a safe, inclusive setting, we’d love to hear from you. These groups are still in the planning stages, so now’s a great time to share your interest and help us shape what comes next.
There is currently one place left in the Tuesday adult group and it may not last long.
If you or someone you support is looking for a welcoming, imaginative way to explore connection, confidence, and joy through shared storytelling, this group could be the perfect fit.
We’re also exploring interest in future groups, including after-school sessions for teens. If you know a young person who might love a group like this, we’d love to hear from you.
To express interest or learn more, contact It’s More Than Therapy at:
→ programs@imtt.com.au
→ Also feel free to visit us online and explore our services at imtt.com.au
Let the adventure begin, secure your spot in our Dungeons & Dragons group today!
