Groups
The ND Room
This group is part of the A.C.C.E.P.T. Program™
suite of groups for neurodivergent youth and adults that promotes understanding, connection and critical consciousness.
Ideal for individuals in grades 7 to 12 who:
identify as neurodivergent or have traits associated with AD(H)D, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tic disorders and/or other form(s) of neurodivergence (formal diagnosis not required)
Seeking to:
Express and communicate experiences, thoughts, feelings and ideas through art creation
Make connections with other neurodivergent tweens and teens
Explore their own identity and interests in-depth
Receive and/or offer peer support within a safe and respectful group setting
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The ND Room is a weekly, 8-session, virtual peer support, art and discussions group for neurodivergent-identifying youth of all genders, in grades 7 to 12. Sessions are 120 minutes per week. The group will be exploring and discussing weekly topics surrounding identity and self-acceptance through the creation of artwork that will be made into a group zine by the final week. Weekly topics of discussion include gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, masking, relationships, self-advocacy and more.
Group Co-Facilitators:
“My hope for this group is for members to learn about themselves, and to build community through art. I am a registered social worker who has over 7 years experience facilitating groups with children, youth and adults. As a social worker, I provide neurodiverse and gender affirming care that focuses on the individual’s strengths. In addition to volunteering with The ND Room, I work as an Accessibility Advisor at the University of Toronto.”
Nicky Lord (she/her)
MSW, RSW, MPEd
Group Facilitator
“My wish is that neurodivergent-identifying individuals, like myself, have access to more safe spaces where they feel their identity is affirmed, gain access to support without a formal diagnosis and further develop self-understanding. I am an experienced group facilitator and peer mentor who works primarily to support and advocate for the neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQ+ community with a background in providing individual, interpersonal and employment-related support. Aside from being in the process of completing my BSW, I hold a degree in Illustration. I use every opportunity to integrate art into my practice to promote different modes of self-expression and communication.”
Sarah Smith (she/her)
BSW Placement Student, York University
Peer Support Worker and Group Facilitator
Weekly Themes
Week 1: IDENTITY What is neurodiversity to you? Who are you right now? What are the labels and language you identify with?
Week 2: SELF-EXPRESSION How do you express your gender? How do you see yourself? what is a unique aspect of who you are? What are your interests?
Week 3: UNDERSTANDING What is your sexuality and how do you identify? What are your needs and boundaries within your personal relationships? What makes you comfortable and uncomfortable in social situations?
Week 4: SOCIAL PERCEPTION How do others see you? What is masking to you? How does masking affect you?
Week 5: COMMUNITY What are your experiences in your daily life (at school, with family and friends, etc)? Who do you relate to? How do you see yourself represented in the world and in media?
Week 6: SELF-ADVOCACY + SUPPORT How do you advocate for yourself? How could you better advocate for yourself? Who or what supports you? How do you self-regulate? (poll for the following week)
Week 7: Open Topic
Week 8: CONNECT Share and discuss your artwork and reflections on the group, touching upon each topic. Then the facilitators will receive group feedback.
Weekly Structure
1. Check-in
2. Discussion (30 mins)
3. Break (10 mins)
4. Group art-making and break-out rooms (65 mins)
5. Final thoughts and checkout (15 mins)
How to Join
Four spots left!
Register by November 1
Format: Virtual via Zoom
Weekly on Thursdays 4:30 – 6:30 pm EST
Dates: November 3 – December 22, 2022
Costs: $25/session for 8 sessions [Receive 10% off if paid in full by October 21st]
Materials are not included in the cost as participants are expected to bring their own art supplies
Four spots left!
Register by November 11
Format: Virtual via Zoom
Weekly on Thursdays 4:30 – 6:30 pm EST
Dates: November 3 – December 22, 2022
Costs: $25/session for 8 sessions [Receive 10% off if paid in full by October 21st]
Materials are not included in the cost as participants are expected to bring their own art supplies
Other A.C.C.E.P.T. Program™ groups
A.C.C.E.P.T. Group for Neurodivergent Adults over 30
A virtual support group ideal for those who want to explore their Neurodivergent Operating System, build skills, and share experiences.
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A.C.C.E.P.T. Group for Couples
A virtual support group for ND/NT and ND/ND couples who want to explore and understand how neurodivergence impacts your relationship.
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