Minecraft Program Frequently Asked Questions

  • No — it’s not a gaming club. Minecraft is the shared activity we use to keep kids engaged while we explicitly teach and practise social skills using a PEERS®-informed and structured social learning approach. Facilitators guide the session moment-by-moment so children can practise skills like starting conversations, turn-taking, teamwork, managing frustration, resolving conflict, and repairing misunderstandings.

  • PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based social skills program developed at UCLA. It teaches practical, step-by-step skills for conversation, joining in, handling disagreements, and building and maintaining friendships. In this program, we use PEERS®-informed strategies and guided practice so children can apply skills in real time.

  • Strivesocial offers two Minecraft-based options:

    • Minecraft Social Skills Group (telehealth): a 10-week online group with up to 6 participants, guided by two trained facilitators.

    • Minecraft 1:1 Social Skills Coaching (telehealth): one-on-one sessions with flexible session length and times, tailored to individual goals.

  • This program is designed for neurodivergent children aged 8–14 who want support with friendships, teamwork, and confidence in a strengths-based, neuroaffirming environment. It may suit children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or social communication differences.

  • That’s common. Groups are small and supportive, and facilitators actively help children join in at a pace that feels safe. One-on-one support is also available for children who do best with individual coaching.

  • Groups are capped at 6 participants and facilitated by two trained facilitators. Sessions are structured, with clear expectations and active support for respectful communication, turn-taking, and inclusion.

  • Yes. The program is delivered via telehealth (online) and is available across Australia.

    • Group program: 1.5 hours on weekends. Exact times and availability can vary by intake.

    • 1:1 coaching: flexible session times (telehealth).

    • Group program: 1.5 hours on weekends. Exact times and availability can vary by intake.

    • 1:1 coaching: flexible session times (telehealth).

  • The next group intake starts 21 March and enrolments close 18 March (or earlier if places fill).

    Individual sessions can start at any time depending on availability.

  • Weekly topics typically include:

    • Starting conversations and joining in

    • Turn-taking and sharing control

    • Teamwork, planning, and flexible thinking

    • Managing frustration and coping with mistakes

    • Conflict resolution and repairing misunderstandings

    • Friendship skills (inviting others, keeping the group positive)

    Topics may be adjusted to match the needs of the group.

  • Participants will need:

    • Minecraft Bedrock Edition (this allows participants on mobile, tablet, laptop/computer, Switch, or console to join)

    • A Microsoft account (participants can’t join a Realm without one)

    • A stable internet connection and a headset/microphone (recommended)

    Families are supported to join the Realm in the first session (allow around 5–10 minutes for downloads/sign-in).

  • No. Children don’t need to be expert players. Activities are adapted so children can participate regardless of skill level.

  • Children participate in a facilitated group with clear expectations and active supervision. Groups are kept small and focused on safe, respectful interaction. There is no access for ‘strangers’ to join the specially designed Minecraft realm.

  • Yes. Parents/caregivers can join in with the lessons or alternatively be provided with an overview of goals and what the program is working on. It is up to you what you think will work best for your family and child.

    • Group program: $700 for the 10-week program (1.5-hour sessions).

    • 1:1 coaching: pricing depends on session length and goals (details provided on enquiry).

  • Yes, NDIS funding is accepted when the support aligns with the participant’s plan goals (e.g., capacity building and social participation).

  • No. Minecraft is used as a motivating learning environment. This program is not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft.

  • Enrolment is via online enquiry. Places are limited and may fill before the closing date.

  • If a session is missed, families can contact Strivesocial to discuss options for that intake.