Neurodivergent Teens Art & Social Skills: Parallel Play Drawing Group

Creativity & Connection: A Social Exploration Group for Neurodivergent Teens 

About Our Group: 

This is a welcoming, strength-based social group designed for neurodivergent teens who enjoy creative activities like drawing, coloring, and building. We celebrate each participant's unique way of playing and creating, with no pressure to conform to "typical" social expectations.

Our Approach: 
- Learner-Directed: You choose your own project and pace
- Small Group Size: Intimate setting to support individual comfort
- Parallel Play Model: Create side-by-side, with opportunities to share or simply enjoy your own space
- Neuroaffirming: We meet you exactly where you are

What to Expect:
- Whiteboard demonstrations of drawing techniques and shared space drawing
- Relaxed environment for exploring creativity
- Opportunities to chat, share work, or enjoy quiet creation
- Experienced instructors skilled in supporting diverse learning styles

Group Goals: 
- Build social comfort at your own pace
- Explore creative expression
- Connect with peers who appreciate your unique style
- Create a safe, supportive space for interaction

Accessibility: We are committed to meeting individual needs. Please communicate any accommodations or support requirements, and we'll work together to ensure a positive experience.

We support developing language by: 
*Modeling language without requiring immediate repetition
*Narrating, commenting, and using declarative language
*Allowing for silence, which often results in spontaneous language
*Accepting multi-modal communication (gestures, AAC, body language, scripting)
*Following the child’s lead in interactions

Privacy: Unless there is a safety concern, no video recordings will be shared for learner privacy.