FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Facilitator Training Program
What is the DOTS Facilitator Training Program?
A two-day interactive training program that takes place online. It teaches professionals how to deliver the DOTS and DOTS+ social skills programs.
Who can complete the training?
Psychologists, counsellors, social workers, occupational therapists, teachers, developmental educators, allied health professionals and other practitioners supporting children and young people.
Do I need previous roleplaying or tabletop gaming experience, or experience delivering social skills groups?
No. You don’t need previous experience delivering social skills groups, or experience as a Game Master or tabletop gamer. However, experience working therapeutically or educationally with children and young people is helpful.
How is the training delivered?
The training is delivered live via Zoom across two days and is highly interactive.
How many people attend each training?
Training groups are intentionally small, with a maximum of four (one trainer) to eight (two trainers) participants.
Do I need to attend both days?
Yes – attendees must complete the full training to become an approved/certified DOTS facilitator.
What will we actually do during the training?
Learn the DOTS framework, experience program activities and roleplaying exercises, practise facilitation skills, work through common group challenges, and learn how to adapt delivery while maintaining the integrity of the program.
What is the difference between DOTS and DOTS+?
DOTS teaches foundational social-emotional and roleplaying skills, while DOTS+ builds upon these skills with greater independence, complexity and social problem-solving. The Facilitator Training Program covers how to facilitate both DOTS and DOTS+.
What is DOTS Open?
DOTS teaches foundational social-emotional and roleplaying skills, while DOTS+ builds upon these skills with greater independence, complexity and social problem-solving. The Facilitator Training Program covers how to facilitate both DOTS and DOTS+.
What can I do once I have completed the training?
After the conclusion of the training program, attendees are certified to deliver both the DOTS and DOTS+ programs within their school, organisation or business.
What resources are included with the training?
The training program covers all reusable resources required to facilitate the DOTS and DOTS+ programs. This includes; the DOTS & DOTS+ Facilitator Manual& Adventure Guide, Presentation Slides, Norgs’ Item Shop book, dice sets, four types of tokens, A4 posters, Adventure card packs and character cards.
Frequently Asked Questions about our Social Skills Programs
Where are groups run?
The Dragons of the Spectrum Social Skills Program is being offered by trained facilitators across Australia. To find the nearest group, visit www.dragonsofthespectrum.com.au
Can anyone participate in these programs?
Although the SPA programs were designed around the support needs of children on the Autism Spectrum, any child or teenager can participate. The ages listed under each program merely provide guidelines for the relevance of the social skills.
What skills are required to participate in SPA programs?
Each program requires simple math skills (adding, subtracting) and basic attentional resources.
Do group members require any previous role-playing/wargaming experience?
No. The DOTS and AOD games are completely original, and groups learn to play each across sessions.
What does my child need to bring to sessions?
All resources required to participate in each program are provided by trained facilitators at each session.
Can I use my child's NDIS funding or Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) to pay for the programs?
The cost ofall SPA programs may be covered through the NDIS, if social skills arespecified in your child's NDIS plan.
The cost ofall SPA programs may be covered through Medicare, if facilitated by aMedicare-relevant provider.
When are Social Play Academy groups run?
Groupprograms are held at various times, depending on the certified facilitators.For more information, please contact the facilitators directly at www.dragonsofthespectrum.com.au
