Workshop 2: Thriving Together - Masking, Conformity, and Identity

Workshop 2: Masking, Conformity, and Identity

Explore how neurodivergent teens adapt to social expectations and the impact this can have on their wellbeing, self-esteem, and sense of identity. Parents will learn to recognize masking, understand its underlying purpose, and support authenticity while navigating the realities of social environments.

Topics:

• Masking vs. conformity: what’s the difference?

• Why teens mask and the social costs of masking

• Internalized ableism: absorbing negative messages about being neurodivergent

• Helping teens build an authentic sense of self

Workshop Topics:

1. Thursday, October 15th: Understanding the Neurodivergent Teen Experience
2. Thursday, November 19th: Masking, Conformity, and Identity
3. Thursday, December 17th: Neurodivergent Teens’ Emotional World - Rejection Sensitivity and Invalidation
4. Thursday, January 21st: Neurodivergent Burnout
5. Thursday, February 18th: Relationships and Boundaries
6. Thursday, March 11th: Transitioning to University and Greater Independence
7. Thursday, April 15th: Caregiver Support and Sustainable Parenting

Workshop Structure:

• 7:00-8:30 pm - 90 minute presentation and questions
• 8:30-9:30 pm - OPTIONAL parent led discussion

Workshop Benefits:

• A unique approach that blends clinical knowledge with real-world autistic parenting experience

• Learn from a social worker specializing in neurodivergent adolescents and an autistic parent of autistic teens

• Gain practical, neuro-affirming strategies you can use right away

• Explore real-life challenges through guided parent discussions

• Connect to a supportive parent community.

• Summary notes & recommended resources provided after each workshop

Workshop pricing:

• All 7 workshops: $378 (a 10% savings)
• Single workshop: $60