A Place Where Neurodivergent Young People Can Truly Belong
Through gaming, technology, coding, creativity, and shared interests, we help young people build meaningful social connections in environments designed around their strengths.
Built On Understanding, Designed For Connection
The Team Behind Play Tech
Play Tech Australia was founded by Mark and Amanda, parents of neurodivergent children who recognised the need for social environments that genuinely understood autistic and neurodivergent young people.
Many traditional social groups can feel overwhelming, heavily structured, or disconnected from participant interests. We wanted to create something different, a space where young people could engage naturally through activities they already love.
What started as a small community-driven idea has grown into a trusted social development program supporting families across multiple South East Queensland locations.
Today, Play Tech Australia continues to help participants:
confidence
friendships
communication skills
independence
and included
A Different Approach
To Social Development
At Play Tech Australia, we believe social growth happens best when young people feel safe, comfortable, and understood.
Our sessions are:
Rather than forcing interaction, we encourage natural social engagement through shared interests like gaming, coding, board games, Dungeons & Dragons, and creative projects.
Why Families Choose Play Tech Australia
Play Tech Australia supports many neurodivergent participants accessing services through the NDIS. Our programs may align with goals relating to:
Environments
Our sessions are designed specifically for autistic and neurodivergent participants.
Programs
Young people are encouraged to engage at their own pace and through their own interests.
Mentors
Our mentors come from backgrounds including disability support, education, technology, creative industries and youth mentoring.
Connection
We help participants build friendships and confidence through shared experiences.
Purpose
Technology becomes the bridge for connection, creativity, communication and self-expression.
Why Families Choose Play Tech Australia
Play Tech Australia supports many neurodivergent participants accessing services through the NDIS. Our programs may align with goals relating to:
Meet Our Founders
Amanda – Co-Founder
Amanda has more than 20 years of accounting and business experience and brings strong analytical and organisational skills to Play Tech Australia. As a mother of two autistic children, Amanda brings a personal understanding of neurodivergence and the importance of creating the right support and opportunities for young people.
Amanda is passionate about helping autistic and neurodivergent young people build confidence, develop their strengths and have opportunities to be the best version of themselves. She plays a key role behind the scenes, helping keep Play Tech organised, sustainable and running smoothly.
Mark – Co-Founder
Mark has worked in IT for more than 35 years and still loves the tech side of things, especially hardware and old-school gaming. As a stepdad to two autistic children and husband to an autistic wife, Mark brings a strong personal understanding of neurodivergence.
What drives him most is seeing young people build confidence, feel included and make positive changes.
Go Panthers!
Our Team
Our mentors are selected based on their ability to genuinely connect with young people in respectful, supportive, and engaging ways.
Our team includes:
- Educators
- Technology professionals
- Creative facilitators
- Gaming mentors
- Youth mentors
- Qualified Support workers
All of our mentors have an NDIS Quality assurance certificate, and NDIS worker Screening Clearance.
Alicia
Team Leader
Alicia is originally from New Zealand and has always loved working with children. She began as a Teacher Aide supporting children with disabilities before moving into a supervisory role in Before and After School Care. Now part of the Play Tech Australia team, Alicia brings a friendly, supportive approach and loves helping create a fun, inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.
Cameron
Team Leader
Cameron helps keep sessions running smoothly while making sure participants feel welcomed, supported and included. He enjoys getting involved with the group, building connections with young people and helping create the relaxed atmosphere Play Tech is known for.
Nicholas
Team Leader
Nicholas supports both the participants and staff in his team and helps make sure everyone has a great experience at Play Tech. He brings a calm and approachable style to sessions and enjoys helping young people connect, have fun and feel comfortable being themselves.
Connor
Support Worker
Connor combines support work with a love of Dungeons & Dragons and creative storytelling. Whether he is running an adventure, helping someone create a character or just having a laugh with the group, he enjoys giving young people a space where their imagination can run wild.
Stevan
Support Worker
Stevan brings plenty of personality to the Play Tech team, along with a real talent for coding, technology and problem solving. He loves learning how things work and sharing his knowledge with the young people around him. Whether he is helping with coding, chatting about technology or getting involved in a session, Stevan brings energy and curiosity while helping make Play Tech a fun, relaxed and welcoming place to be.
Jack
Support Worker
Jack has been part of Play Tech for five years and is pretty hard to miss, especially with the purple hair. He loves computers, gaming and technology and enjoys jumping into a game, having a laugh and helping young people feel comfortable being themselves.
Krystal
Support Worker
Krystal is a full-time student working towards a career in STEM and engineering, with interests ranging from technology and science to art. As an autistic and ADHD person herself, she brings a personal understanding of neurodivergence and loves seeing young people grow into confident adults who are proud of who they are.
Angus
Support Worker
Angus enjoys getting involved in sessions and helping young people connect through games, activities and shared interests. His relaxed approach helps create a space where participants can have fun, make friends and feel part of the group.
Eamen
Support Worker
Eamen brings a friendly, easygoing approach to Play Tech sessions and has a particular love for Dungeons & Dragons. He enjoys encouraging creativity and helping young people connect through shared interests and storytelling. Whether he is joining a game, exploring a fantasy world or simply having a chat, Eamen helps create a relaxed, welcoming space where young people can have fun and be themselves.
Josh
Support Worker
Josh enjoys connecting with young people through gaming, conversation and shared interests. He brings a relaxed energy to sessions and is always happy to jump in, lend a hand or join whatever the group has going on.
Chloe
Support Worker
Chloe brings a warm and friendly personality to the Play Tech team. She enjoys building connections with young people and helping create a supportive space where participants can socialise, explore their interests and simply be themselves.
Every team member shares the same goal:
Creating environments where neurodivergent young people
feel safe, included, and empowered.