At Quest & Connect, we’re creating something truly unique for Ballarat - a welcoming, neuroaffirming space where young adults can connect through their interests, feel understood, and build lasting friendships.
While Ballarat has many fantastic community and support programs, we recognise that some young people- particularly those who are neurodivergent- can feel overlooked or struggle to find environments where their passions and communication styles are valued. Quest & Connect was developed to bridge that gap, offering a place where interests like gaming, creative arts, and digital media become powerful tools for connection, self-expression, and growth.
Research shows that shared-interest environments, such as gaming, can foster meaningful social interaction, motivation, and belonging for neurodivergent individuals. Many people find that gaming provides a relaxed and natural context for developing social communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills- often in ways that feel more authentic and accessible than traditional social settings.
Our goal is to celebrate these strengths and provide a community where participants can be themselves, form genuine bonds, and build confidence in a supportive environment. By focusing on empowerment, inclusion, and creativity, we aim to help young adults develop both social and practical skills that extend well beyond the program- into community life, relationships, and future opportunities.
Quest & Connect is more than a program. It’s a place to belong, to connect, and to grow together.
At Quest and Connect its our belief that gaming doesn’t just provide fun but also benefits with social skills, creativity, community, self regulation, structure and much more! But don’t just take our word for it…
“Participants identified the benefits of the group as getting them out of the house and being a site where they have had meaningful social contact based on something about which they are confident.”
“Video games can help autistic people improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. Many video games require players to respond quickly to changes, manage multiple tasks, and plan under pressure, which are transferable and useful skills in everyday life.”
— Autism Awareness Australia
“Strategy board games provide numerous advantages for autistic adults, notably in critical thinking and cognitive skills development. Engaging in these games offers a structured environment where players can hone valuable abilities.”
