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.

Program Structure

Weekly small group sessions (Junior Detectives)
Concurrent parent sessions for coaching and support
Integration with teachers to strengthen school outcomes
Engaging resources including digital games, board games, role-plays, and gadgets
Practice missions and rewards to transfer learning outside the clinic

Participation Requirements

To join SAS, Junior Detectives must:

Be aged 8–12 years
Have basic emotional recognition and management skills
Want to learn strategies for teamwork, friendship, and managing change
Experience challenges socialising or expressing emotions appropriately
Hold a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or Anxiety (diagnosis not essential)
Commit to all sessions with parent/carer support at home
Be safe, cooperative, and ready to have fun

Skills Covered

Junior Detectives practise how to:

Recognise and express emotions appropriately
Manage anxiety, anger, mistakes, and change
Communicate and cooperate with others
Build, maintain, and repair friendships
Work as a team and solve problems
Understand jokes, accidents, and bullying
Prevent teasing and manage conflict
Develop self-awareness, strengths, and personal goals

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 (The Research)

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.

👉 Learn more at the Social Skills Training Institute.

How Can I Apply to Participate?

We’d love to welcome your child into the Secret Agent Society program in Mascot, Sydney.

📞 Call us on (02) 8054 4790
📧 Email: admin@thesocialspace.net.au

Book an initial consultation to confirm whether SAS is the right fit for your child and family.