Social Play Academy

08/06/2026

🧠 Meet the founder

Will Ellison is a Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in supporting a wide range of developmental, emotional, behavioural, social, and learning needs of children and teenagers.

After working alongside neurodivergent young people who often felt disconnected from traditional social programs, Will created the Social Play Academy to offer something different.

The programs on offer combine collaborative play, storytelling, and social learning in a way that feels meaningful, supportive, and fun.

Explore this range of programs via the link on our profile!

05/06/2026

Join the Explorer’s League! 🧙

A monster-catching adventure where young explorers take on exciting missions, solve challenges, and work together as a team.

Participants collect Monsters, navigate new environments, and through collaborative gamepla build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills 🧩

01/06/2026

🧩 Do you work with neurodivergent kids or teens?

Our Facilitator Training Program supports psychologists, educators, and allied health professionals to confidently deliver the Dragons of the Spectrum and Dragons of the Spectrum PLUS Social Skills Programs.

Learn how to run sessions, guide group dynamics, and use collaborative storytelling to support social development in an engaging and meaningful way.

Visit the link on our profile to learn more and view Training Program run dates 🔗

29/05/2026

🧠 Why group based social experiences?

Strong social connections are an important part of wellbeing, yet for many neurodivergent young people, traditional models of social learning don’t always feel meaningful or accessible.

At the Social Play Academy, learning is experience-first and gameified through collaboration, shared moments, and safe risk-taking.

Rather than trying to “fix” social behaviour, we create space for young people to learn, connect in their own way, and build confidence over time.

25/05/2026

For adventurers ready to take the next step 🧙🐉

Dragons of the Spectrum PLUS is an expansion program for returning players looking for a new challenge. Players step into the role of Game Master, with each group member having the chance to plan, guide, and lead their own story-driven adventures.

These skills build on those learnt in DOTS, and it’s a chance to grow in confidence and practice leading others.

22/05/2026

Adelarn needs heroes to rise ⚔️

Step into the Dragons of the Spectrum social skills program and become a hero!

Players create their own characters and take on weekly quests filled with mystery, teamwork...and dragons. Each story brings a new social theme to practice and develop social skills in an imaginative and engaging way.

Ready to begin your adventure? Explore DOTS via the link on our profile 🔗

18/05/2026

🎲 Find your way to play

At the Social Play Academy, we run group-based sessions where kids and teens build confidence, connection, and social skills through shared, game-based play. It’s a space where young people can learn, connect in their own way, and engage with confidence and creativity.

🗺️ Explorer’s League focuses on team-based missions and working together to complete challenges
🐲 Dragons of the Spectrum is a shared, story-driven adventure where players create their own characters
⚔️ Alliance of Dragons introduces strategy, alliances, and decision-making in a more competitive setting
🧙 Dragons of the Spectrum PLUS gives players the chance to step into leadership and run their own adventures

All programs are evidence-based, comprehensive, and most importantly fun!

15/05/2026

A new world awaits in Adelarn 🧌🧚

Explore, make friends, and take on powerful enemies as you journey through this original fantasy universe.

Each session is a collaborative adventure where players create their own characters and work together to navigate challenges and shape the story as it unfolds.

No two adventures are the same!

11/05/2026

🧠 Built on evidence, delivered through play

The Social Play Academy was founded by Clinical Psychologist William Ellison to rethink how we support young people’s social and emotional growth.

Many traditional programs rely on abstract teaching that doesn’t always translate into real-world confidence or connection. We take a different approach.

Our programs use evidence-based strategies, brought to life through collaborative gameplay. Participants create characters, explore new worlds and take on challenges as a team while learning to navigate conversations, regulate emotions, and solve problems together.

Over time, this approach builds confidence and strengthens social awareness in a supportive, neuro-affirming environment.

Start your adventure via the link on our profile 🐉⚔️

17/02/2026

We’re really thrilled to see our Dragons of the Spectrum program featured on ABC News this week.

It’s wonderful to see role-playing games being recognised not just as fun — but as powerful tools for connection and growth.

To find out more about our research and the impact it's having on young people across Australia, have a read below 🎲:

An Adelaide clinical psychologist creates a simplified version of Dungeons and Dragons to help neurodivergent children and young people learn social skills and develop peer connections.