START A LAB
IN YOUR COMMUNITY:
Are you interested in starting a technology-based program that supports autistic children and teens? The Lab is a proven, community-driven model that’s easy to set up and provides real impact. With a focus on digital skills, creativity, and social connection, The Lab helps autistic young people thrive in a safe and welcoming environment.
Each local Lab is independently run, often by community organisations such as neighbourhood houses, public libraries, youth centres, local councils, or disability service providers. Some Labs are also established by passionate individuals (e.g. parents, educators, or tech professionals) who see the need for an inclusive space where young people on the autism spectrum can explore their interests in gaming, coding, and digital creation.
The Lab Network offers full support to help you get started. This includes:
Startup guidance on how to set up a Lab in your area
Ongoing administrative and governance support
Access to shared resources and training for mentors and organisers
Connection to a national network of over 30 Lab sites across Australia
Mentorship from experienced Lab facilitators who can help you launch successfully
While The Lab is not a registered NDIS provider, many families use their NDIS plans to pay for session attendance under social and community participation funding.
Why Start a Lab?
By launching a Lab in your community, you're offering more than just a club—you’re creating a space where autistic young people can build confidence, make friends, and grow their technical and social skills at their own pace. The Lab provides structure where needed but encourages freedom, creativity, and interest-led learning. Participants aren't expected to conform to strict rules or lessons—they're supported to pursue what excites them, whether that’s game development, animation, programming, or just connecting over Minecraft.
Your Next Steps
If you’re thinking about starting a Lab site, the best place to begin is our comprehensive FAQ section below. It covers everything from venue requirements and staff recruitment to how Labs are funded, what tech is needed, and how to work with families and NDIS participants. Whether you’re ready to get started or just exploring the idea, we’re here to help guide you through the process.
FAQs ABOUT STARTING A LAB
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The Lab is a community-based, not-for-profit program that can be started by a wide range of organisations or individuals. Labs are currently run by disability service providers, Neighbourhood Houses, local and state government agencies, schools, libraries, and passionate individuals who want to support autistic young people in their community.
Each Lab operates independently but is part of The Lab Network—a national not-for-profit organisation that provides support, resources, and guidance. Labs pay a small subscription fee to access shared branding, tools, mentoring resources, and ongoing support from the Network.
If you’re interested in creating a safe, inclusive space for young people to connect over technology, gaming, and creativity, starting a Lab could be a great fit for your organisation or community.
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The Lab is designed to offer a relaxed, non-school-like environment, which is reflected in our choice of venues. Local libraries, community centres, neighbourhood houses, arts centres, and even RSL clubs can all host a Lab. The key requirement is reliable wi-fi, as poor internet can disrupt sessions. Most modern venues meet this need, though some may have security settings that require adjustment.
An ideal venue includes access to a nearby space with tea and coffee facilities where parents or guardians can relax during the session. While carers may stay with participants, it’s generally preferred that parents wait in a separate area.
The main room should comfortably accommodate up to 12 people, enough for 10 participants and two mentors. Larger spaces are welcome. Some venues offer discounted or free use for not-for-profit programs, while others may charge a rental fee.
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Lab mentors are a vital part of every session, helping to create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for participants. Many mentors are recruited from TAFE and university programs in computer science, game development, or digital media, but a formal qualification isn’t essential.
We look for people with a mix of:
Strong tech or gaming knowledge
An empathetic, professional, and outgoing personality
The ability to connect with and support autistic young people
While that might sound like a big ask, we’ve found many young people already have these qualities or quickly develop them. Mentoring at The Lab is not only rewarding, it also provides valuable real-world experience for those pursuing careers in tech, education, or community work.
Today, nearly 100 mentors are involved in Labs across Australia, with many staying involved long-term because they find it both challenging and fulfilling.
The Lab Network can also support new Labs with mentor recruitment, offering guidance on where to look, how to promote roles, and what to look for in potential mentors.
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The Lab’s focus is on community and inclusion, not profit, and we are committed to making our sessions accessible and affordable for all families.
The Lab is delivered by a diverse range of organisations and individuals, and because of this, each Lab can be structured differently. Most Labs charge fees to cover costs like venue hire and mentor engagement. Our goal is always to keep participation fees as low as possible.
Labs can be run by individuals or any type of organisation or business, as long as they align with our ethos of community-focused, not-for-profit service.
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Mentors at The Lab are engaged in ways that suit the structure of the organisation running the local group. In some cases, mentors are employed directly by the host organisation. In others, mentors may be volunteers who receive an honorarium to recognise their time and contribution. The engagement model is flexible and determined by the host based on their needs.
The Lab Network can provide a Mentor Volunteer Agreement (ideal for sole traders) and offers support with mentor recruitment, training, and access to a national peer network of nearly 100 experienced mentors.
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Participants with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans can use their funding to cover Lab sessions. As The Lab is not an NDIS-registered provider, NDIA-managed (agency-managed) plans cannot be used.
Fees are aligned with NDIS price guide rates for group-based social and community participation and are calculated based on participant-to-mentor ratios. Participation costs are kept within these approved limits.
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The Lab can be run by a sole trader with an ABN, as an unincorporated association with a management committee, or as a registered company. Each structure has different legal and operational requirements, so it’s important to seek independent legal advice to determine which option is best for your situation.
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Yes, public liability and professional indemnity insurance are required to operate a Lab. This protects you and your mentors and is a condition of membership in The Lab Network, as well as a common requirement for hiring venues.
If you're operating as a sole trader, The Lab Network can provide insurance cover and pass the cost on to your Lab.
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The Lab Network is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2013 to support the growth of The Lab and help new venues get started. Led by a volunteer board with expertise in disability, education, tech, law, finance, and governance, our mission is to make The Lab accessible to as many autistic young people and their families as possible.
We’re here to support you with governance guidance, policy resources, and administrative tools including our custom-built Admin Assistant portal, which all Lab Network members use to manage sessions and participants efficiently.
To ensure The Lab model is evidence-based and impactful, we've partnered with respected research organisations like the Young and Well CRC and the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, and supported several post-doctoral studies into our approach.
BECOMING A MENTOR
Brilliant Minds Need Smart Mentors
Are you a university student, recent graduate, or mid-career professional looking for meaningful, well-paid part-time work? Join us as a mentor and make a real difference to young people in your community.
At The Lab, you’ll have the chance to share your passion for games, coding, digital media, or creative technologies, while helping autistic young people develop skills, confidence, and friendships. Whether you’re into game design, video production, coding, tabletop gaming, or just love sharing your knowledge, you could be the positive influence that inspires someone’s future.
What You’ll Do as a Mentor
The Lab is a participant-led social and technology club, designed to support young people’s interests in games and technology. Your role is to:
Encourage skill development in areas like coding, video editing, digital art, or other tech passions.
Support participants in sharing their interests and collaborating with peers.
Create a welcoming, fun, and inclusive environment.
Unlike school, there’s no rigid structure—sessions flow from the participants’ ideas and interests. You’re not expected to be a teacher, disciplinarian, or therapist. Instead, you’re there to guide, inspire, and make each session enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love Mentoring at The Lab
Well-paid, flexible, part-time work (usually 1–2 sessions per week during school terms).
Build your technology, communication, and mentoring skills.
Work alongside creative, enthusiastic young people and fellow tech-minded mentors.
Join a national network with ongoing training and peer support.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and abilities. If you need specific arrangements or additional support during the application process, just let us know! And don’t worry if you don’t have previous experience working with neurodiverse kids, we provide full induction and training to make sure you’re ready to roll!
Button not working? Email us directly with your name and resume:
info@thelab.org.au
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