Let's build friendships and grow together.
Fostering social connections, in a nurturing environment for neurodivergent children & teens.
At Marching Forward, we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where neurodivergent children can build meaningful social connections. Our program is designed to foster confidence, communication skills, and emotional growth, all while encouraging children to form lasting friendships with peers who truly understand them. Through personalised support and a focus on individual strengths, we create a space where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive socially.
December School Holiday Community Program
Amaze World
16th December
Discover the magic of Amaze World! Children and teens embark on an adventure filled with puzzles, riddles, and enchanted fun, including food and transport.
Arcades & BBQ
18th December
Level up the fun with a day at the arcades and a sizzling BBQ! Children and teens will enjoy endless entertainment with exciting games and challenges, followed by a delicious barbecue feast.
Southbank
20th December
BOOKED OUT
Experience a day of fun and excitement at Southbank! Children and teens will enjoy swimming in the lagoon, a delicious group lunch, and the thrill of exploring a maze.
December In-House Program
Salt Dough Xmas Decorations
17th December
BOOKED OUT
Get festive and creative at Art Escape's Salt Dough Christmas Decoration Workshop! Children and teens will craft their own unique ornaments to treasure or gift, learning fun techniques in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. This hands-on holiday experience includes all materials, making it the perfect way to spark some Christmas cheer!
Ginger Bread Making
19th December
BOOKED OUT
Whip up some holiday magic at Art Escape's Gingerbread Making Class! Children and teens will have a blast baking, decorating, and personalising their delicious creations in a fun and festive setting. This sweet experience includes all ingredients, making it a perfect way to celebrate the season with creativity and cheer!
January School Holiday Community Program
Maleny Bird World
6th January
Take flight on a breathtaking adventure to Maleny Bird World! Children and teens will get up close with stunning exotic birds, exploring lush surroundings filled with nature's beauty. This unforgettable day includes transport and lunch, making it an effortless way to connect with wildlife and create cherished memories.
Holey Moley
8th January
Get ready for a tee-rific day at Holey Moley! Children and teens will have a blast playing the most fun-filled mini-golf courses, packed with quirky challenges and laughs at every hole. Transport and lunch is included, making this a hole-in-one adventure you won’t want to miss!
Moana 2 Movie Day
10th January
Set sail for an unforgettable Moana 2 Movie Day! Children and teens will dive into the next chapter of Moana's epic adventure on the big screen, surrounded by friends and fun. Transport and lunch are included, making it a hassle-free way to enjoy the magic of Disney together!
iFly Experience
13th January
Soar to new heights with an unforgettable day at iFly Brisbane! Children and teens will experience the thrill of indoor skydiving, floating on air in a safe and exciting environment. This high-flying adventure includes transport and lunch, making it a hassle-free way to create lasting memories and feel the rush of flight!
Pokemon Go Hunt
15th January
Embark on an epic Pokémon Go Day Hunt! Children and teens will explore, catch, and battle their favourite Pokémon in a fun and interactive adventure. With transport and lunch included, this exciting day out is the perfect way to combine gaming, teamwork, and outdoor exploration!
Mufasa Movie Day
17th January
Join us for a roaring good time at the Mufasa Movie Day! Children and teens will enjoy an exciting cinema experience watching the much-anticipated Mufasa movie with friends. Transport and lunch are included, making it a stress-free way to relax and dive into the magic of the Pride Lands!
Laser Zone
20th January
Gear up for an action-packed adventure at Laser Zone! Children and teens will dodge, aim, and strategise their way through an exhilarating laser tag experience. Transport and lunch is included, ensuring a hassle-free day filled with fun, teamwork, and excitement!
Blueys World
22nd January
Step into the playful magic of Bluey’s World! Children will love exploring the interactive adventures inspired by everyone’s favourite blue heeler. With transport and lunch is included, this day of fun, laughter, and imagination is the perfect way to bring Bluey’s world to life!
Dopamine Land
24th January
Immerse yourself in a world of sensory wonder at Dopamine Land Brisbane! Children and teens will explore interactive rooms designed to spark joy, creativity, and endless fun. With transport and lunch included, this vibrant experience is the ultimate day out to boost smiles.
January In-House Program
Paint & Play
7th January
Unleash creativity at Art Escape Dayboro’s Paint and Play Workshop! Children and teens will enjoy a fun-filled day of painting masterpieces and exploring interactive activities in a relaxed, inspiring setting.
Chocolate Making
9th January
Indulge in a sweet adventure at Art Escape Dayboro’s Chocolate Making Workshop! Children and teens will craft their own delicious creations while learning fun techniques in a hands-on, tasty experience.
Slime Making
14th January
Get ready for gooey fun at Art Escape’s Slime Making Workshop! Children and teens will mix, stretch, and create their own colourful slime in this hands-on, laughter-filled experience. Enjoy a day of squishy creativity!
Tie Dye Workshop
16th January
Add a splash of colour at Art Escape’s Tie Dye Workshop! Children and teens will create vibrant, one-of-a-kind designs while learning the art of tie-dye in a fun and creative setting. Brighten their day with unique masterpieces!
Watercolour Magic
21st January
Discover the beauty of painting at Art Escape’s Watercolour Workshop! Children and teens will learn techniques to create stunning, expressive art in a relaxed and inspiring environment. Nurture creativity and take home a masterpiece!
Paint a Plate
23rd January
Unleash your creativity at Art Escape’s Paint-a-Plate Workshop! Children and teens will paint their own high-quality pottery plate, which will be professionally glazed for a lasting, stunning finish. Perfect way to create a masterpiece to treasure forever!
Empowering neurodivergent kids & teens through social connection and growth
Fosters Social Skills
Encourages positive interactions and communication among neurodivergent children.
Builds Confidence:
Provides a supportive environment where children can express themselves freely.
Creates Lasting Friendships:
Helps children form meaningful connections with peers who understand their experiences.
Inclusive and Safe Space:
Ensures a welcoming atmosphere tailored to the needs of neurodivergent children.
Encourages Emotional Growth:
Supports emotional development through guided social engagement.
Tailored Support:
Facilitated by experienced staff who understand the unique needs of each child.
Some of Our Adventures
Our Support Staff
Lou
Founder , Owner & Support Worker
As an AuDHD individual and a parent to three AuDHD children, Lou brings personal experience and a deep understanding of neurodivergent children, creating a space that celebrates and empowers our young community whilst reaching their goals.
Alicia
Co-Owner & Support Worker
Now the co-owner of Marching Forward, Alicia's firsthand experience growing up in a neurodivergent household with ADHD allows her to connect with and support the unique needs of the children and teens.
Meet Our Founder
"At Marching Forward, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for neurodivergent children to feel understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. This program is more than just a place to socialise – it’s a community where every child is valued and encouraged to grow in their own way."
Lou
Founder & Owner - Marching Forward
Words from Parents
If you are looking for someone who is kind, nurturing and understanding of your child's needs you have come to the right place. My daughter is 14 and finds it incredibly difficult to socialise and commit to days out so we had nearly given up until we found Lou. After just one week of being in Lou's company, my daughter now can't wait to go back for more, believe me this is a miracle. There are so many other groups that I would not trust with my daughter but I instantly knew we had joined the right group with Marching Forward. If you are not sure, give it a try, I promise Lou will put you at ease and you won't look back. Keep up the good work Lou, we are so happy we found you :)
Kelly Atkins - Parent of Marching Forward Participant
Frequently Asked Question
At what ratios are your groups held?
Our in-house, community groups and STA/respites work on ratios up to 1:4. We understand that each participants needs are unique to them so if lower ratios or even 1:1 are needed we can accommodate those needs we just ask for enough notice so we can appropriately staff.
Do you offer transportation?
Our community programs and STA/Respites are inclusive of transport. Our in-house programs we offer an option for transportation if you are not able to travel to our Art Escape hub in Dayboro, this is invoiced at a cost according to the NDIS price guide and is divided between the number of participants using the transport service. We recommend you seek assistance from your LAC, Plan Manager and/or Support Coordinator when agreeing to invoice items. If you are using the transportation service, then we will meet at a designated pick up and drop off location that is disclosed once the participant has signed up and all forms received by Marching Forward.
Would your services include any additional items?
Our community programs and STA/Respites are inclusive of transportation, lunch and all activity costs. Our in-house programs are inclusive of the costs of activities, snacks and water are provided. We recommend you provide your child with lunches during the in-house programs.
What happens if I don't show to a session booked or I am late to collect my child from our session?
No shows will be billed at the session rate. We understand life can take a turn and if you contact us as soon as possible if you think your child won't be able to attend a session, we will endeavor to fill the space, so it doesn't come at a cost to you.
Effective immediately, late fees will apply if a participant is late to be collected. We understand life can take a turn so there will be no fee for the first 15 minutes, half of the session rate will be applied 16 - 30mins after session ends and a full session will be deducted 30 minutes after a session ends. We ask that you contact staff as soon as possible to notify of any late pick-ups. We hope you understand that it is important to us that our staffs time is respected as lateness has a knock-on effect and can impact the rest of their day. It can also be unsettling for the children if they are picked up late and their well-being is important to us.
Get In Touch
Email: [email protected]
Assistance Hours
Mon – Sat 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday – CLOSED
Phone Number:
0499 000 486
