Social Space

SECRET AGENT SOCIETY (SAS)

At The Social Space Psychology Clinic, we recruit children aged 8–12 to take on the role of Junior Detectives in SAS. Through missions, games, and interactive challenges, children learn to recognise emotions, communicate effectively, manage anxiety and anger, and build friendships.

The program includes:

  • Child group sessions for targeted skill-building
  • Parent sessions for coaching strategies to reinforce skills at home
  • Teacher collaboration to support learning in school environments
  • Digital Headquarters with four levels of gamified missions, journals, and resources
  • Reward systems to encourage progress at home and school

Unlike many other programs, SAS:

  • Teaches emotion recognition before social interaction skills
  • Uses step-by-step formulas for targeted development
  • Adapts content to each child’s abilities and family context
  • Features award-winning games, gadgets, and visual supports
  • Focuses on generalisation of skills into everyday life
  • Is supported by over 19 research publications

This playful yet evidence-based approach makes SAS one of the most recognised and effective child social skills programs in Sydney.

Skills Covered

Junior Detectives practise how to

Emotion Management

  • Recognise and express emotions appropriately
  • Manage anxiety, anger, mistakes, and change
  • Develop self-awareness, strengths, and personal goals

Communication Skills

  • Communicate and cooperate with others
  • Understand jokes, accidents, and bullying
  • Prevent teasing and manage conflict

Co-operative Play & Teamwork

  • Build, maintain, and repair friendships
  • Work as a team and solve problems

Skills Covered

Junior Detectives practise how to

Participation Requirements

  • High functioning neurodiverse clients or individuals experiencing social difficulties
  • Aged 8-12 years
  • Not experiencing significant emotional or behavioural challenges
  • Motivated to participate in the program

Why It Matters

Children with autism, ADHD, or social-emotional challenges often struggle to make and keep friends, leading to isolation, anxiety, and difficulties at school. SAS gives them a safe, fun, and structured way to learn the skills they need for friendships, confidence, and resilience.

Friendships made in childhood form the foundation for long-term wellbeing, independence, and belonging. With SAS, children don’t just learn to cope—they learn to thrive.

Proven Results

Over 15 years of research across Australia, the USA, Europe, and Canada confirms SAS’s effectiveness.

  • Clinic-based RCT: 76% of children with Asperger’s improved to the typical range of social functioning (Beaumont & Sofronoff, 2008).
  • School-based evaluations: Gains in social and emotional skills lasted up to a year post-program.
  • International studies: Benefits found for children with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety, with improvements sustained at follow-up.
  • Broad effectiveness: SAS helps children with diagnoses, learning difficulties, or simply social challenges.

With over 19 publications and 4 randomised controlled trials, SAS is one of the world’s most evidence-based social skills programs for children.

Participation Requirements

  • High functioning neurodiverse clients or individuals experiencing social difficulties
  • Aged 8-12 years
  • Not experiencing significant emotional or behavioural challenges
  • Motivated to participate in the program

Why It Matters

Children with autism, ADHD, or social-emotional challenges often struggle to make and keep friends, leading to isolation, anxiety, and difficulties at school. SAS gives them a safe, fun, and structured way to learn the skills they need for friendships, confidence, and resilience.

Friendships made in childhood form the foundation for long-term wellbeing, independence, and belonging. With SAS, children don’t just learn to cope—they learn to thrive.

Proven Results

Over 15 years of research across Australia, the USA, Europe, and Canada confirms SAS’s effectiveness.

  • Clinic-based RCT: 76% of children with Asperger’s improved to the typical range of social functioning (Beaumont & Sofronoff, 2008).
  • School-based evaluations: Gains in social and emotional skills lasted up to a year post-program.
  • International studies: Benefits found for children with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety, with improvements sustained at follow-up.
  • Broad effectiveness: SAS helps children with diagnoses, learning difficulties, or simply social challenges.

With over 19 publications and 4 randomised controlled trials, SAS is one of the world’s most evidence-based social skills programs for children.

Program Structure

Duration

9 weeks

Format

Weekly 90 minute Child Sessions, followed by weekly 30 minute Parent Sessions

Activities

Engaging resources including digital games, board games, role-plays, and gadgets. Practice missions and earn rewards to transfer learning into the real world

Parent/Carer Involvement

Parents/Social Coaches to attend weekly 30 minute sessions to support ongoing success

The Secret Agent Society -
Small Group Program (SAS-SG)

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL SKILLS | ages 8-12

Building Skills Through Spy-Themed Gamified Learning

Secret Agent Society (SAS) is an award-winning, evidence-based social and emotional skills program developed by the Social Skills Training Institute, designed for children aged 8–12 years. In this structured small-group program, children become “Junior Detectives,” engaging in interactive, gamified learning to develop emotional regulation, social understanding, and friendship skills.

Through a combination of guided sessions, a digital “Headquarters,” real-life practice missions, and a structured reward system, children are supported to learn practical strategies for recognising and managing emotions, building confidence, and navigating social situations. Skills are reinforced across home and school environments, supporting the application of learning in everyday situations.

Children engaging in a group activity
parent & teacher involvement
ENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE
structured skill practice
social-emotional skills

Why This Program Matters

Many children experience challenges with friendships, emotional regulation, or navigating social situations, which can impact confidence, school engagement, and overall wellbeing.

Secret Agent Society (SAS) provides a safe, structured, and engaging environment where children don’t just learn about social skills—they actively practise them. By developing emotional understanding alongside social skills, children are supported to build a foundation for confidence, resilience, and positive peer relationships.

Parent Involvement

Parents are an essential part of the SAS program and attend each session. You will be supported with guidance, practical strategies, and resources to help your child practise and apply new skills in everyday life, supporting consistency across home, school, and social environments. No prior knowledge is required - our team will guide you through each step.

Practical Information

  • Age Range 8–12 years
  • Eligibility Suitable for children with social and emotional challenges, including Autism, ADHD, and anxiety
  • Funding Options NDIS (Self and Plan-Managed), Medicare and private options available
  • Schedule Saturdays 9:00-11:00am (during school terms)
  • get started Contact our team to learn more, discuss suitability, and secure a place in the next group

Is This the Right Fit?

This program may be a good fit if your child:

  • Finds it difficult to make or maintain friendships
  • Experiences anxiety, frustration, or emotional outbursts
  • Struggles to understand social cues or group dynamics
  • Has difficulty coping with losing, mistakes, or change
  • Would benefit from building confidence in social situations
  • Enjoys interactive, game-based learning experiences

Program Structure

  • DURATION 9-week ptogram
  • FORMAT 90-minute child session and a 30-minute parent support component
  • approach Structured, interactive learning incorporating games, role-play, and guided practice
  • Parent and teacher involvement Parents attend each session, while teachers support practice at school using the same strategies and reward system, creating consistency across home and school.
  • Practice Between Sessions Weekly “missions” and interactive games completed through digital "headquarters" to support the application of skills in everyday settings

Skills Developed

Participants develop practical, real-world skills across key areas:

Emotional Awareness and Regulation

  • Recognising and understanding emotions
  • Managing anxiety, anger, and frustration
  • Expressing feelings in appropriate ways

Social Understanding and Communication

  • Reading social cues and body language
  • Understanding jokes, accidents, and intent
  • Navigating conversations and peer interactions

Friendship and Social Problem-Solving

  • Building and maintaining friendships
  • Resolving conflict and repairing misunderstandings
  • Managing teasing and bullying

Resilience and Confidence

  • Coping with mistakes and transitions
  • Developing self-awareness and personal goals
  • Building confidence in social situations

What Makes This Program Different

  • Evidence-based program with strong clinical research foundations
  • Engaging and interactive mission-based learning that supports participation
  • Focus on emotional regulation as a foundation for social skill development
  • Step-by-step strategies that can be applied to everyday situations
  • Neuroaffirming approach that builds on individual strengths
  • Involvement of parents and teachers to support consistency across settings
  • Structured system to support practice across home and school environments

What You Can Expect

This program is designed to support children to:

  • Build confidence in social situations
  • Strengthen emotional regulation and coping skills
  • Develop communication and friendship skills
  • Reduce anxiety and frustration in everyday situations
  • Build independence and resilience

Delivery Options

This program is available through flexible delivery options:

  • FACE-TO-FACE (Mascot Clinic) Structured, engaging sessions within a supportive in-person environment
  • ONLINE (Telehealth) Accessible and flexible delivery while maintaining engagement and outcomes
  • SCHOOL-BASED DELIVERY Delivered within school settings to support skill development in real-world environments and collaboration with educators

Finding the Right Support

We understand that supporting your child with emotions, friendships, and everyday challenges can feel important. Our team is here to guide you through the process, helping you understand your child’s needs and determine whether Secret Agent Society (SAS) is the right fit, or recommend the most appropriate support option.

Ready to support your child’s confidence, emotional wellbeing, and social skills?

Contact our team to learn more or secure a place in the next Secret Agent Society group.