Skills Groups are best suited for Autistic or neurodivergent individuals who…

• Are 15 years of age and older.
• Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being Autistic or neurodivergent
• Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
• Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
• Can communicate verbally.
• Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
• Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
• Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
• Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program
• OR
• For skills groups presented via video conferencing, have access to the following technology: computer, latest version of the Zoom application downloaded, microphone, speaker, and webcam. A cell phone will not be sufficient.

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

Do you:

• Struggle with unexpected changes?
• Have trouble getting started, or maybe have trouble stopping things you like to do when it’s time to do something you don’t like to do?
• Have you ever avoided an experience or a person because of your anxiety?
• How about when you have a great idea, but have trouble creating and acting on a plan to get it done.

If so, learning more about Executive Functioning (EF) may be for you. Research has shown us that the skills underlying Executive Functioning can be taught, practiced and improved on. When EF Skills are working, we tend to be happier and more productive.

We are excited to invite self-advocates and individuals who identify as Autistic to attend this six part workshop on Executive Functioning (EF). We will discuss and practice skills including: Cognitive Flexibility, Getting Started, Staying Present, Bringing your Anxiety along for the Ride, and Organization/Planning.

Participants will learn about the importance of EF and how to improve EF skills through specific practice within a safe and supportive environment.

Do you ever act on “autopilot,” lost in your thoughts and not noticing the world around you?

Do you ever feel like your difficult thoughts and feelings (such as sadness or anxiety) are in control of you, and getting in your way?

Do you find that the things that matter to you in your life don’t get done as much as you’d like?

Do you struggle with motivation?

The skills we teach in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) can help.

ACT is an evidence-based approach that increases:

• your capacity to be present in the moment,
• your ability to accept and work with difficult thoughts and feelings, and
• helps you prioritize what matters to you.

ACT teaches you how to manage unwanted experiences. When our thoughts and emotions are all over the place, ACT teaches us to anchor so that we can weather the storm. It can help you lead a richer and more fulfilling life.

ACT teaches six core skills to help you:

• Contact With the Present Moment: this focuses on being present and aware of your current internal and external world; it encourages being flexible in how you pay attention
• Acceptance and Willingness: this is making room for unwanted or unpleasant feelings, or thoughts without trying to change them
• Unhooking (defusion): this involves stepping back from and observing your thoughts and feelings without being caught up in them; that is, noticing your thoughts and feelings and deciding if you should pay attention to them, or just let them be
• The Observing Self: This involves becoming more aware of and in contact with a part of you that is always there; the observing self helps us to notice and watch our thoughts
• Values: knowing your values helps to clarify what matters to you, like the person you want to be and the things you want to do
• Committed Action: Life is in the doing; this involves committing to yourself to ACT in the direction of your value-driven goals

ACT is an attention-training program where you will learn to strengthen your attention “muscles” and flexibly direct your attention where you want it to go.

Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people (including Autistic people, teachers, caregivers and support workers) and with a variety of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse, and psychosis).

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is eight sessions, once per week on the same day and time. Each session is approximately 90 minutes long.

You will have the opportunity to learn and share in a safe and supportive environment.