GUIDED PLAY Groups at NeuroQuest
Welcome to GUIDED Play Groups – Where Connection Meets Fun!
NeuroQuest offers guided play groups on Mondays. These groups, inclusive of all abilities, will allow our guests to make connections, build community and explore their passions.
What Are Guided Play Groups?
Our Guided Play Groups are inclusive, small-group experiences designed for children who benefit from supportive, neurodiversity-affirming environments. Each session provides hands-on, engaging opportunities that promote social interaction, communication, creativity, and confidence through meaningful play.
Children participate in real-world activities connected to their interests — such as music, movement, Pokémon, art, or favorite games — while building friendships and practicing collaboration in a positive, community-based setting.
These groups focus on developmental growth, peer connection, and joyful participation rather than formal therapy.
Mondays (6 weeks): Nov 3 – December 15, 2025.
Cost: $80/2 hour session, $480 for the semester (10% discount if paid upfront in full ($432).
Sign up below!
San Diego Regional Center Funds Accepted under Code 331 – Community Integrations Support
Who Can Join?
Our groups are perfect for:
- Children who struggle with making friends
- Children who struggle with social anxiety
- Any child who could benefit from guided social interaction in a judgment-free zone
We offer tailored playgroups for various age ranges, so every child has the opportunity to engage with peers at their developmental level.
What to Expect in a Session:
Structured Activities:
Collaborative games, art projects, and movement-based activities that promote teamwork and communication.
Free Play Time:
Opportunities for kids to explore their interests while practicing social reciprocity with gentle guidance.
Skill Building:
Strategies to navigate emotions, share ideas, and make friends—all in a way that respects their unique needs and strengths.
Sensory-Inclusive:
From tactile art supplies to calming spaces, we ensure every activity supports sensory preferences.
Our Philosophy
At NeuroQuest, we believe that every child deserves a place to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. We take a strengths-based approach, focusing on what your child can do while supporting areas where they need a little extra help.
Parent Collaboration
Parents can mingle in our lobby or attend classes with their child. We keep you in the loop with progress updates and provide tips to support your child’s social skills at home. We’re here to work with you every step of the way!
Our Facilitators
True Colors Speech Therapy
- Facilitator: Johanna Hoffman
- Bio: Johanna is the owner and sole Speech language pathologist of True Colors Speech Therapy. Johanna brings many years of experience helping children discover the power of their voice through various modalities including verbal mouth speech, Augmentative and Alternative Communication and use of signs. She takes a child-led an play based, neurodiversity affirming approach that empowers the child and their family.
NeuroQuest Staff
- Facilitator: Sharon Duncan
- Bio: Sharon Duncan, an experienced California credentialed educator in special education for over a decade, has thrived in public school settings. With a Master's in Sociology from SDSU and teaching credentials in General and Special Education from PLNU, she prioritizes personalized, strengths-based learning using multi-modal approaches in safe, trauma-informed environments. Her diverse background includes recent substitute teaching across all levels and personal insights from raising her neurodivergent son.
Join Us for the
Next Guided Play Group!
Ready to help your child thrive in a fun, inclusive environment? Spaces in our Guided Play Groups are limited to maintain a low child-to-facilitator ratio, so sign up today to secure your
spot! Our next session runs from November 3 – December 15, 2025.
- NeuroQuest Enrichment Center, Encinitas, CA
- Contact us at info@neuroquest.io or call 858-351-4233
Testimonials:
Lily R.
"NeuroQuest has been a true gem for us. My child, who suffered at school and became triggered by a typical classroom is finally in a place where he can be himself, learn at his own pace, with activities adapted to his interests, without pressure!"
Chloe S.
"Our son absolutely loves coming to NeuroQuest. He is coming out of his shell, making new friends, and learning so many skills and concepts. He asks everyday if he's going to NQ, and we are truly thankful a place like this exists for him.We highly recommend it."
Eli A
"For a long time, we were struggling to find a safe space for my 8 year old son. Finally, we've found a place where my son feels accepted and so happy. Last class I picked him up and he said, "Momma, I found my place," and those words melted my heart."
Kendra C.
"My daughter loves going here. She loves the sensory room, the cooking classses, and freedom to move around the room. She has made friends, learning a lot and feels safe."
