As a certified PEERS provider, I offer socially oriented support for neurodivergent teenage girls in a small group setting.

Group work focuses on building confidence in navigating the changing social terrain of adolescence and young adulthood. As a specialist in working with neurodivergent teens and young adults, I offer a nurturing space where girls and young women to build their confidence in ways that resonate with their experience.

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While many teens benefit from reflecting on the social skills needed to navigate today's complex social landscape, this support is particularly valuable for neurodivergent teens who may face additional challenges in this area.

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​​​Why Focus on Neurodivergent Teenage Girls?

Neurodivergent teenage girls often face specific social challenges, such as interpreting social cues, building confidence in friendships, and navigating the complexities of peer relationships. Research shows that neurodivergent girls experience social interactions differently, facing unique pressures and expectations that can intensify during adolescence. By focusing this program specifically on neurodivergent girls, I aim to offer tailored support that allows each participant to build social connections with greater ease, resilience, and self-assurance.

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Feeling empowered by understanding The Double Empathy Problem:

The double empathy problem is the idea that communication breakdown between neurodivergent and neurotypical people arise from differences in perspective in both people, rather than a lack of empathy on behalf of the neurodivergent person alone. Understanding this concept helps neurodivergent teens see that these challenges are not personal flaws in them but natural mismatches in communication styles on both sides. This realisation can empower them to embrace their unique perspectives, build self-confidence, and encourage them to advocate for mutual understanding in their relationships..

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One of the primary goals of this group is to help neurodivergent girls feel confident in who they are, empowering them to embrace their most authentic selves without feeling the need to “mask” or “camouflage”. In this supportive space, girls are encouraged to explore ways to express themselves genuinely, finding confidence in their own unique strengths and perspectives.

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Working specifically with neurodivergent teenage girls allows me to address:

• Social Pressure: Neurodivergent girls may feel increased sensitivity to social comparison and peer pressure, impacting self-esteem and social behaviours.

• Social Understanding: Neurodivergent girls may face unique communication challenges, such as understanding indirect communication, maintaining friendships, and setting boundaries.

• Building Self-Confidence and Supporting Authenticity: In a supportive, judgment-free environment, girls can practice social skills at their own pace, developing self-confidence while being encouraged to be authentic, rather than feeling the need to conform.

• Healthy Friendships Including Conflict Resolution: I help neurodivergent girls develop the skills to manage conflicts and form positive, supportive friendships, fostering stronger, more fulfilling connections.​

• Parental Understanding: Parents will be invited to sessions to review sessions to review what is being covered and discuss how to reinfoce these concepts at home.

 

Through this adapted approach to the PEERS, my goal is to support each participant in building effective social skills, forming positive relationships, and feeling empowered to be her true self in every social interaction.