Virtual Support Group for Autistic Women
Diagnosed (or Self-Diagnosed) in Adulthood
Autistic girls (assigned female at birth) have often been over looked and don’t receive a diagnosis and support because their symptoms present differently than boys. And at a young age, girls are often better at masking (hiding) their autistic traits. They learn to imitate social behaviors, even though many don’t understand the meaning of them.
Maintaining this masking for the external self is often exhausting and stressful, and it leads to poor self-esteem. It is often experienced as trauma, because there is no self-understanding or understanding from others. This often leads to additional mental health issues including anxiety and depression.
Support groups can be an amazing and healing way to improve your mental health. Our support groups are therapist led and are a safe place to share your struggles with others who understand what you are going through. We select topic based on the interests of the group members. Topics covered may include:
Topics covered may include:
Results have been that participants develop a sense of belonging and connection. That you’re not alone and even make new friends. That you feel less stigmatized and that you’re okay just the way you are. And feeling less depressed, stressed and anxious overall.
Here’s what support group participants had to say
“I feel validated and understood which has helped my mental health”
“Absolutely would recommend, it’s truly valuable!”
“My whole life has changed. I understand myself better. I feel like I can be myself and I know there are people that will accept me just as I am.”
“Jen is an incredible therapist, and you will feel heard, understood and improvements to oneself.”
“This group helped me understand why I think and act in certain ways and how those ways differ from neurotypical people. I find that the more I can love and accept the way I am, the more comfortable I am in the world.”
“This was a special group to be a part of.”
“I’ve never felt so accepted by a group of people.”
“I was nervous about starting the group. I like the way it was structured, and it felt like a safe place.”
“Jen led the group with confidence, empathy, compassion and really truly cares.”
“I would recommend this group to others. Every week I looked forward to having this safe place to return to where I could share my truth and not worry about being misunderstood or judged.”
“Safe place to be myself and not hide.”
“I like the structure of the group and how Jen led it with love and compassion.”
“I made several new friends from being in the group, it’s not easy to make friends That truly understand the neurodivergent experience.”
“I can just speak without censoring myself.”
“Jen brings important open discussions that we can truly identify with, and we bounced off each other as a group.”
“I looked forward to the group meetings
“I felt comfortable in this group with like-minded peers. As I understand myself better, I can try to explain my thought and feeling to my family and others close to me.”
“I loved this group for lots of reasons, but mostly because I got to be MYSELF!”
“…here, I got to be accepted as I felt I wanted to be: quiet, sad, crying, rebellious, or withdrawn. Thank you, Jen.”
“I know video groups can be intimidating but this group is structured so you can participate at your comfort level. The group is a safe space that allows you to be yourself. That might feel scary at first because you are not use to doing that, but it is worth it.”
The groups meet weekly for 90 minutes for 3 to 4 months. This particular group is open to late diagnosed or self-diagnosed autistic adults assigned female at birth. Please contact us to find out more, and/or if you’re interested in joining us.
