At Quest & Connect, we’re creating something exciting for Ballarat — the region’s first gaming-based day program designed especially for neurodiverse and disabled individuals 16 and older who love gaming, creativity, and pop culture. Built on neuroaffirming values, Quest & Connect recognises and celebrates the many ways people think, communicate, socialise, and express themselves. This is a space where shared interests become the spark for genuine connection — through collaborative computer gaming, board games, content creation, hobby art, comic creation, storytelling and so much more. We know that specialised spaces for social gaming and community connection are rare — especially ones that truly honour individuality, autonomy, and identity. Quest & Connect fills that gap by offering a welcoming program where participants can play, create, laugh, invent, build friendships and belong, all within a supportive and accessible environment. Quest & Connect isn’t just about activities; it’s about community. We are thrilled to be bringing Ballarat a vibrant, empowering space that champions curiosity, collaboration, and the joy of shared interests.
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.”
