WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE LAB

Every Lab session is unique and each local Lab has its own personality—but all Labs share the same welcoming, inclusive spirit. At a typical session, you’ll find at least two experienced mentors alongside a group of 8-12 autistic young people enjoying video games, creative projects, or tech-based activities, either together or individually. Our mentors are tech experts and gamers themselves, ready to support participants in exploring their interests and building new skills at their own pace.

Many Labs offer trial sessions so young people and their families can see if it’s the right fit before joining. We encourage curiosity and self-direction—the Lab is unstructured and participant-led, deliberately designed to feel different from school. There’s no fixed curriculum or pressure, just a supportive space where young people can connect socially, share their passions, and develop skills naturally.

Most participants begin with individual or social gaming, finding comfort in the familiar. As they grow more confident, they often choose to explore new creative or technical areas—anything from coding and digital art to animation, game design, or electronics. At The Lab, there’s no “one right way” to participate—just a safe, friendly environment to be yourself, learn at your own pace, and have fun.

Please note:

  • All Lab sites operate independently, so session schedules, costs, and availability may vary from one location to another.

  • To register your interest, simply complete our online registration form. Your details will go directly to your chosen Lab, who will contact you with next steps.

  • Keep an eye on your junk mail folder! Because our emails come from a .org.au domain, they may be filtered into your spam or junk folder. If you’re waiting for confirmation, please check there first. Marking our messages as “Not Junk” will help ensure future emails reach your inbox.

Join the Lab community and help your child or teen build confidence, make friends, and develop digital skills in a welcoming, interest-led environment.

FAQs

  • We have face-to-face locations in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

    If you don’t have a Lab near you or prefer online participation, we run several national online groups each week. These include a session for young adults and another tailored for Western Australia, running on on Australian Western Standard Time (AWST).

  • Not exactly! The Lab is an unstructured social tech program, designed so participants can choose what they want to do, either on their own or with others.

    If you're interested in coding, our tech-savvy mentors are happy to support you. All mentors are IT professionals and love helping participants explore new skills and interests.

  • Fees may vary slightly by location, but we follow a recommended maximum based on the NDIS price guide:

    • $49.91 for a weekday two-hour session

    • $67.07 for a weekend two-hour session

  • Yes! Many participants use their NDIS funding to attend The Lab.

    Please note: While we are not currently NDIS-registered, we accept both Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS participants.

  • We aim to offer maximum flexibility with NDIS billing. Our fees are based on the line item for:
    Core Support – Group and Centre-Based Activities,
    which has the lowest cost limit, helping participants attend without needing to pay a gap.

    Other relevant line items under Core and Capacity Building can also be applied. Speak to your plan manager or support coordinator to find the best option for your plan.

  • Yes! Many of our face-to-face locations welcome support workers. We recommend confirming with your local venue before your first session.

  • We’d love to hear where you’d like to see a new Lab! Please use this form to express your interest.

    It may take time to establish a new Lab in your area, but every expression of interest helps!

    If you know of an amazing person or organisation who could spend a few hours of their week running a Lab, please send them this link and ask them to get in touch with us! This could be a neighbourhood house, local teacher, youth worker or tech enthusiast.

    In the meantime, check out The Lab Online to see if our virtual sessions could be a good fit.

  • The first step for any new participant is to register online here.

    This can be done by you, another support worker or your client’s parent/guardian.

    The email address used at sign-up will become the main point of contact for that participant's journey with The Lab.

HOW TO JOIN A LAB NEAR YOU:

The Lab is made up of a growing network of locally-run technology clubs for autistic children and young people. Each Lab is independently managed, so applications and registrations are handled directly by your nearest location.

Some Labs are supported by larger community organisations, disability service providers, or local councils. Others are set up by passionate individuals—parents, carers, or educators—who saw a need for inclusive, autism-friendly tech spaces in their area.

To find a Lab near you, browse the list of Lab locations below. Each link will take you to the specific venue’s page, where you can learn more about session times, activities, accessibility, and contact information.

Victorian Labs:

  • The Avondale Heights Lab will run sessions on Wednesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm at the Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre; 69 Military Rd, Avondale Heights

    Term 3 Dates: Tuesday 11 July – Saturday 16 September, 2023 (10 weeks)

    Cost: $27 per session ($270 Term fee) for Moonee Valley residents; $54 per session ($540 Term fee) for non-Moonee Valley resident; payable at the start of Term,

    The fee covers the cost of our mentors, who are professional programmers, graphic designers, 3D modellers and software designers.

    To apply and reserve a place for your child, please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and select the Avondale Heights from the list at the top of the child registration form

    For further information please email carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au

    See a program flyer here: https://thelab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Lab_MVCC_T3Flyer_2023.pdf

  • Sessions are held at the Ballarat Tech School, 136 Albert St, Ballarat Central on Wednesday afternoons from 4.30 to 6.30 pm.

    The cost will be $30 per session (for participants with no NDIS support) or $44 (where NDIS support is accessed) with session dates following the school term.
    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Ballarat Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.
    For further information please contact ballarat@thelab.org.au

  • The Lab at Carnegie Library runs sessions on Tuesday afternoons, 4.30 – 6.30pm.
    The library is located at 7 Shepparson Avenue, Carnegie. Bookings are essential.

    Please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Carnegie Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • The Lab at Caroline Springs runs sessions on Saturday afternoons from 1 – 3pm at the Caroline Springs Library. The cost is $62.60 for each two hour session where a participant has NDIS funding. Please contact admin@thelab.org.au for information on fee support for participants without access to NDIS funding.

    Please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Caroline Springs Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • The Lab Ferntree Gully runs sessions on Wednesdays 4 – 6pm for 9 – 15 year olds.

    The Lab is at: 22 Willow Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully

    The cost is

    $35 per session – unfunded

    $30 per session (concession and unfunded)

    $46.60 per session NDIS funded

    Fees are payable by the term.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of
    your child. Select the Ferntree Gully Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

    Contact No: 9758 7081

  • The Lab at Bargoonga Nganjin, Nth Fitzroy Library runs sessions from 1:30-3:30pm on Saturdays. The library is located at 182-186 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North. Bookings are essential.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Fitzroy Nth Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen. You’ll be contacted as soon as we have more information about a start date.

  • The Lab was established in Frankston in 2013 and now operates at Ebdale Community Hub, 20 Ebdale Street Frankston, off Wells Road.

    DAYS & TIMES – SCHOOL TERMS ONLY

    TUESDAYS
    4:30pm-6:30pm

    FEES
    What you will pay depends on whether you have NDIS funding.The current cost of a Lab session for participants WITH NDIS funding is $44.14 on weekdays and $59.34 on Saturdays. Lab fees are within NDIS price guidelines.

    For participants WITHOUT NDIS funding, please contact us as fees and conditions vary.

    To register your interest please click on the REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Frankston Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

    We will be in touch as soon as we can to let you know when a place will be available and to answer any questions.

    Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop or other device, including personal gaming devices. A limited number of loan laptops are available.

    We look forward to hearing from you.

  • The Lab Geelong was established in March 2013.

    The Lab Geelong currently runs the following sessions;

    Friday
    5:00pm-7:00pm (session for mature age participants, 16+)

    Saturday
    9.30am-11.30am

    Saturday
    11.30am-1.30pm

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Geelong Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • The Lab Greensborough runs one session per week, every term during the year. Our sessions occur every Wednesday from 3:45PM to 5:45PM.

    The fee to participate in The Lab Greensborough is $80 per school term.

    To register your interest and be put in the wait list please click on JOIN A LAB button on this page and leave your details. Please select GREENSBOROUGH from the list.

  • The Lab Highett runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4.30 – 6.30pm during school terms at The Peterson Centre, Cnr Peterson Street & Highett Road.

    To register and for location details, please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Highett Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • The Lab Manor Lakes currently runs on Monday nights 5-7pm

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Manor Lakes Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • The Moonee Ponds Lab will run sessions on Saturday 10am – 12pm and 1pm-3pm at the Sam Merrifield Library; 762 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds

    Term 3 Dates: Tuesday 11 July – Saturday 16 September, 2023 (10 weeks)

    Cost: $27 per session ($270 Term fee) for Moonee Valley residents; $54 per session ($540 Term fee) for non-Moonee Valley resident; payable at the start of Term,

    The fee covers the cost of our mentors, who are professional programmers, graphic designers, 3D modellers and software designers.

    To apply and reserve a place for your child, please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and select the Moonee Ponds Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form

    For further information please email carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au

    See a program flyer here: https://thelab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Lab_MVCC_T3Flyer_2023.pdf

  • The Niddrie Lab will run sessions on Tuesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm at the Niddrie Library; 483 Keilor Rd, Niddrie

    Term 3 Dates: Tuesday 11 July – Saturday 16 September, 2023 (10 weeks)

    Cost: $27 per session ($270 Term fee) for Moonee Valley residents; $54 per session ($540 Term fee) for non-Moonee Valley resident; payable at the start of Term,

    The fee covers the cost of our mentors, who are professional programmers, graphic designers, 3D modellers and software designers.

    To apply and reserve a place for your child, please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and select the Niddrie Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form

    For further information please email carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au

    See a program flyer here: https://thelab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Lab_MVCC_T3Flyer_2023.pdf

  • The Lab Reservoir is located at The Reservoir Neighborhood House. Following on from the Digital Enterprise Project, passionate staff and participants were eager to continue its success.

    Sessions run every Saturday during the Victorian school term for two hours. There is a morning session at 10:00am-12:00pm and an afternoon session at 3:00pm-5:00pm.

    Sessions are semi-structured; participants are welcome to explore the topic of the day, or let us know what you’re interested in and our dedicated mentors will be more than happy to guide you along.

    Term fees are payable at the beginning of the term.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Reservoir Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

    Please contact admin@reservoirnh.org.au for further details.

  • The Richmond Lab sessions are held on Saturdays from 10am to 12pm at the Richmond Library, 415 Church St, Richmond.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Richmond Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

  • The Lab Warrnambool currently runs on Tuesday nights 5-7pm

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Warrnambool Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • The Lab Werribee currently runs the following sessions;

    Tuesday
    5:00pm-7:00pm

    Thursday
    5:00pm-7:00pm

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Werribee Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • The Lab Yarraville is held at The Phoenix Youth Centre on Saturdays from 11am to 1:30pm.

    This Saturday group is a social gaming group in which participants and mentors are able to help with any issues or questions. There is opportunity for participants to game together, either on consoles or online together in the same room.

    To register your interest please click on the blue Join a Lab button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Yarraville Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

Rest of Australia:

  • The Lab Castle Hill is on pause for Term 3 2025.

    At Powerhouse Castle Hill, we focus on technical and creative skills, offering mentoring by experienced professional tutors in gaming, coding and media production. We strive to optimise the agency of all group members, while providing a safe environment for social development. The sessions are held in a museum setting including access to galleries displaying inspirational objects and collections.

    Entry to the museum is free, and there is a dedicated meeting room located next to the Lab space for parents who wish to stay on site.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Castle Hill Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

  • The Lab Five Dock has been running since 2024, and is hosted by City of Canada Bay Libraries who have been operating Labs since 2018.

    In The Lab Five Dock we focus on building foundational skills, with mentors supporting participants in gaming, coding and 3D printing. Designed specifically for children aged 10+, we emphasise a welcoming atmosphere for social development, along with a vibrant mix of technology and fun! You can hear from the mentors, and find out more about The Lab Five Dock here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMyjhNywkjo

    All sessions are run at Five Dock Library on Monday afternoons from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for 9-weeks during school terms. Parents are required to stay in the library space where there are workspaces and free WiFi.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select The Lab Five Dock from the list at the top in the child registration screen.

    Please note for participants aged 15+, we host The Lab Rhodes. We apply this age guide to target the group’s needs and interests.

  • The Lab Mascot is operated by The Social Space psychology clinic.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Mascot Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

  • The Lab Rhodes is hosted by City of Canada Bay Libraries and has been running since 2018.

    In The Lab Rhodes we focus on social, technical and creative skills, supported by professionals in coding, digital design, gaming, 3D printing and more. Participants have access to a range of maker space equipment, used under careful supervision, like 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, die cutting and more. Suited for mature participants aged 15+, our program is tailored to encourage social growth in a secure and supportive environment. You can hear from the mentors, and find out more about The Lab Rhodes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMyjhNywkjo

    All sessions are run at The Learning Space, Rhodes on Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for 9-weeks during school terms. Parents are welcomed to stay in the library space where there are workspaces and free WiFi. After their first term, you can elect for your child to come and go from The Lab under their own steam.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select The Lab Rhodes from the list at the top in the child registration screen.

    Please note for participants aged 10+, we host The Lab Five Dock. We apply this age guide to target the group’s needs and interests.

  • The Lab at Banyo runs sessions on​ Thursdays from 4pm – 6pm, with option of 6:30pm finish at Banyo Library Meeting Room 1 during school term dates.

    Mentors at Banyo & Nundah Labs have many years of experience in IT, game design and development, and programming. Activities include; tabletop game design and production, 3d sculpting and resin printing, 3d modeling and animation, programming with visual scripting and C#, level design, electronics programming, and some great collaborative projects like the Unity game, Little Penguin.

    Participants are encouraged to bring their own Windows or Mac laptops as we only have two spare laptops. 4-player Nintendo Switch or PC games will also be available on the projector.

    To register your child for the Banyo Lab please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and enter your and your child’s details. Select the Banyo Lab from the list on the top of the child registration screen.

    You can contact the Banyo Lab at joshua@thelab.org.au

  • We are currently seeking expressions of interest from those in Highfields and surrounds to recommence sessions in Highfields.

    In the meantime, families who are able to travel to Toowoomba are welcome to join our Toowoomba Lab.

    For further information please email toowoombahighfields@thelab.org.au

  • The Lab Nundah runs on Wednesday afternoons from 4pm to 6pm at Nundah Library during the school term.

    Mentors at Banyo & Nundah Labs have many years of experience in IT, game design and development, and programming. Activities include; tabletop game design and production, 3d sculpting and resin printing, 3d modeling and animation, programming with visual scripting and C#, level design, electronics programming, and some great collaborative projects like the Unity game, Little Penguin.

    Participants are encouraged to bring their own Windows or Mac laptops as we only have two spare laptops. 4-player Nintendo Switch or PC games will also be available on the projector.

    To register your child for the Nundah Lab please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and enter your and your child’s details. Select the Nundah Lab from the list on the top of the child registration screen.

    You can contact the Nundah Lab at joshua@thelab.org.au


  • The Lab at Sumner is hosted by Endgame eSports, a technology venue in the Western suburbs of Brisbane. Endgame is excited to provide a warm and inclusive community-centred environment.

    Endgame has a unique focus on developing the social capacity of the kids by utilising shared passion for games and other technologies, such as 3D printing. The mentors at Endgame are gaming and technology enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, including sports, teaching, gaming, and computer building.

    Sessions will run on both Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during school term from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

    To register, please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page to enter your details, and those of your child. Select the Sumner Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

  • In weekly sessions during term times at The Lab, our tech professionals and mentors support young neurodiverse people from ages 6 to 18 years develop connections, social, technical and vocational skills through common interests and activities. Our participant led social gaming, programing, coding, Lego, robotics and digital design activities are supportive, engaging, educational, and fun.

    Providing a safe and inclusive environment, breakout spaces are available and all parents, carers and support workers are welcome to stay or use these facilities as needed.

    East Creek Community Centre
    43 Kitchener St
    East Toowoomba

    Wednesday 3:30pm – 5:30pm during the school term

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select Toowoowoba from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

    For further information please email toowoombahighfields@thelab.org.au

  • The Lab Adelaide North runs sessions on Saturdays in Salisbury.

    We currently accept participants aged 8-16 but we are currently building a waiting list to start a second group for older participants.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Adelaide North Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • The Lab Adelaide South has two sessions on Saturdays from 10am to 12.30pm & 1 to 3.30pm in Park Holme.

    To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Adelaide South Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

  • Lab sessions run at the Glenorchy Library on Saturday mornings between 10am and Noon. Bookings are essential.

    Please register your interest by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Hobart Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Don’t See Your Area? Let us Know!

We’re always looking to bring The Lab’s unique blend of gaming, technology, and social connection to more communities across Australia. If you can’t see a Lab listed in your area, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know your location and interest—this helps us plan future Labs and connect with potential partners, venues, and mentors nearby. Your feedback could be the first step in creating a new autistic youth tech and gaming club in your community.

The Lab Online and The Lab Online WA

The Lab Online offers a welcoming and supportive virtual environment for young people on the autism spectrum who are looking for social connection, fun activities, and a safe online space to engage with peers.

Designed for participants who may not have access to in-person groups or who simply prefer an online social setting, our sessions are ideal for building confidence, friendships, and communication skills, all from home.

We currently run five live, mentor-led sessions each week:

  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 4:30PM Sydney/Melbourne time

  • Monday at 4:30PM Sydney/Melbourne time - Young adults group, designed for participants aged 18+ seeking social connection in a relaxed and age-appropriate online setting

  • Tuesday at 4:30PM Perth time

Sessions each run for 2 hours and participants from anywhere in Australia are welcome to join any of the sessions.

Each session includes:

  • A strong focus on social interaction and peer connection

  • Support from experienced mentors who understand and accommodate neurodiverse communication styles

  • Opportunities for shared interests like gaming, creative tech projects, and casual group activities

  • Group sizes of 8–12 participants with 2–3 mentors for personalised support

Whether your child is looking to connect with others, build communication skills, or simply enjoy time online with like-minded peers, The Lab Online offers a fun, inclusive, and supportive option.

How does The Lab Online work? What will my child experience?

The Lab Online has been running since 2016, evolving into a vibrant and engaging online community that goes way beyond your typical Zoom call.

We use Zoom, a flexible and secure platform that allows participants to:

  • See, hear, and chat with peers in real-time

  • Share screens to show off projects or games

  • Join breakout rooms based on interests, whether for group gaming or learning tech skills

  • Choose their level of visibility, with options to turn video or audio on/off for comfort

While we encourage cameras on to help build social connection, mentors support each participant's comfort level and help guide respectful use of the platform, like muting when not speaking to keep background noise low.

The result is an interactive, autism-friendly online space where young people feel supported, connected, and free to be themselves.

Security and safety at The Lab Online

To ensure a safe environment for all participants, The Lab Online requires users to join sessions using their real names, allowing us to verify registrations. Each session is carefully monitored by mentors, with no more than six participants per mentor, ensuring personal attention for everyone.

For added security, sessions are video recorded, capturing both video and text chat. These recordings are strictly confidential and will never be shared or accessed by anyone other than Lab Network directors or staff, unless we have written consent from the parents or guardians of all participants.

Does The Lab Online provide a structured learning experience?

While The Lab Online isn't a traditional classroom, its primary focus is on fostering a positive, supportive social experience for autistic young people by engaging with technology and gaming interests. Participants lead the way, engaging in activities they enjoy at their own pace. While our mentors bring technical expertise, learning is participant-driven, fostering autonomy and improved self-esteem.

This flexible, self-directed approach has proven to be the most effective for long-term engagement and positive growth.

Does The Lab Online require specialised equipment?

No, The Lab Online does not require specialised equipment. Any computer or device with internet access, a camera, and a microphone that can run popular games and video will work. Simply install the Zoom app before your first session to join.

While tablets can work, their small screens may limit visibility, particularly for some online games. However, many participants still enjoy the sessions using tablets.

Minecraft versions for Lab Online participants

Minecraft is one of the most popular games in The Lab Online sessions. There are two versions: Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Minecraft Java Edition.

  • Bedrock Edition is designed for consoles, tablets, and mobile devices.

  • Java Edition is for laptop and desktop computers.

These two versions run on different operating systems, meaning Bedrock users can only play with other Bedrock users, and Java users can only play with other Java users. Since the majority of Lab Online participants use Minecraft Java Edition, we recommend purchasing this version for the best experience and to ensure compatibility with other players.

Lab Online fees and NDIS funding

As a not-for-profit organisation, we aim to keep the cost of our service affordable and equitable for everyone. We base our fees on the NDIS price guide for “Core Supports – Group Activities” as this has the lowest limit of the possible NDIS line items that may be applied.

The current fee for Lab Online is $49.91 per two-hour session, invoiced by the school term (pro-rata for those joining part-way through a term).

Unless prior arrangements have been made, The Lab is unable to refund payments for non-attendance because we rely on having a confirmed minimum number of participants each week to fund the Lab’s operations.

Where a participant is Self-Managed or Plan Managed, The Lab is able to invoice directly to the participant or a plan manager. If you have an Agency-Managed NDIS plan please discuss payment options with your NDIS support person.

At the time of registration, you will be asked to provide your billing details, the name of your plan manager, and their contact information.

For participants without NDIS funding, please contact us to discuss fee arrangements.

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