Is There NDIS Support for Developing Social Skills?

Making friends. Joining a conversation. Handling conflict. Asking for help. For many people, these social moments come naturally — but for others, they can feel overwhelming or confusing.

If you (or someone you support) needs help developing social skills, the NDIS can fund this — through both 1:1 support and group-based programs.

Let’s look at what’s available, how it works, and how the right support can build lasting confidence and connection.

🧠 Why Social Skills Matter

Strong social skills help people:

• Build friendships and community

• Feel more confident in public spaces

• Communicate needs and feelings

• Handle tricky or unexpected situations

• Advocate for themselves

• Build emotional safety in relationships

For many participants, these skills aren’t about “being more outgoing” — they’re about feeling understood, accepted, and in control.

💬 How the NDIS Can Support Social Skills Development

NDIS funding can be used to support social skills in several ways:

✅ 1:1 Support

A support worker can:

• Practice turn-taking and conversation starters

• Support community access (e.g. buying things, asking questions)

• Help navigate social rules in public spaces

• Use role-play and visual supports

• Encourage gentle exposure to new situations

• Build emotional regulation alongside social skills

✅ Group Programs

Group-based supports can help participants:

• Practice communication in real time

• Build friendships in safe environments

• Engage in teamwork and shared tasks

• Learn how to handle group dynamics

• Increase confidence through gentle challenge

✅ Therapeutic Supports

Participants may also see:

• Psychologists (for confidence, anxiety, or social-emotional learning)

• Occupational therapists (for emotional regulation and social routines)

• Speech therapists (for communication and pragmatic language)

🧡 What We Offer at Loving Life Support Services

At Loving Life, we support social skill development in both 1:1 sessions and small group programs, tailored to teens and young adults.

We use:

• Visual aids and social scripts

• Low-demand, low-pressure environments

• Gentle coaching and positive reinforcement

• Activities like bowling, cooking, and team challenges to build connection

• Role-play and real-world practice

• Space to reflect and try again

Some participants prefer calm, supported 1:1 sessions. Others thrive in social groups designed to build friendships slowly over time — and we offer both.

🎯 What Goals Might Be Funded Under the NDIS?

If a participant has goals like:

• “I want to build my confidence around others”

• “I want to make friends”

• “I want to learn how to handle conflict”

• “I want to speak up for myself”

Then social skills supports are often a great fit.

Funding may come from:

• Core Supports – Community Participation

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living

• Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation

A Support Coordinator or Plan Manager can help allocate funds.

💡 Social Skills Aren’t Just for Kids

We support many teens and adults who want to feel more socially confident — whether that’s in a group of 3, at the shops, or in a job interview.

Everyone deserves to feel included — and with the right tools and the right people beside them, social confidence can grow.

📍 Based on the Gold Coast

📝 Check out our Social Skills Groups here