Neurodiversity training for autistic teenagers which aims to to promote identity, self-esteem & mental health

A 5-week psychoeducational in-person group based on neurodiversity theory for autistic teenagers. The neurodiversity group will be run by clinicians across the four St Michael’s House Children's Disability Network Teams (Coastal, Ballymun, Coolock & Kilbarrack) including Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists. Each group session will be 1 hour 15 minutes in duration and will be held in the local Children's Disability Network Team clinic. The 5-week group will focus on the following topics: 1. Understanding neurodiversity 2. Autism – strengths and differences 3. Self-advocacy 4. Masking 5. Sensory experiences & regulation Each topic will be presented through a powerpoint presentation with both text and visual images . Relevant videos from autistic content creators or advocates will also be used to support understanding and prompt discussion on the different topics. Questions will be posed by the facilitators on the content presented to support self-reflection in the attendees. Parents will be offered a parent information session prior to the 5-week group outlining the neurodiversity movement, changes in clinical practice and structure of the group. Group attendance will be monitored to assess adherence.