Empowering YOUth Program
Resources from our Empowering YOUth Program for young people who are neurodivergent. This includes those who may be on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or who have experienced a challenge that affects their wellbeing.
This is a fun, interactive and creative program run by peers who are adults that are also neurodivergent. It’s a great opportunity for young people to meet other neurodivergent youth, build their confidence and celebrate the strengths of being neurodivergent.
For more information or to register your interest in this program, please go to our Empowering YOUth Program page (under Programs & Workshops).
Program Overview & Session Slide Presentations
See below for PDFs of the PowerPoint slide presentations delivered in this program.
Session 1: Coming together & celebrating our diversity
During this session we will focus on getting to know each other and explore our ways of working together to make the program safe, fun and enjoyable for all. We will celebrate the differences and similarities within our group as a starting point to explore the concept of ‘diversity’ and why it makes our world a better place to live in. We will find out what it means to be a ‘peer’ and how accessing ‘peer support’ by connecting with others who also have diverse abilities is both strengthening and empowering. The program will end with some creative activities which explore who we are and what makes up our identity.
Session 2: Creating our own planet
This session is an imaginative and creative exploration of everything that is important to us through the creation of our very own planet. If there were no limits and you had infinite abilities, what kind of planet would you create to live on? The ‘create your own planet’ activity is designed to creatively explore: our likes/dislikes; what’s meaningful and important to us; what we do to enjoy ourselves; what we do to cope when we have had a bad day; and the people and places that are important to us.
Session 3: Feeling good & living well
During this session we will learn about mental health and wellbeing. This will include: ways of thinking that are helpful (and unhelpful); what we can do to improve wellbeing; how to know if we are not coping; and who to go to for support. We will also learn about our rights, how to speak up for ourselves and find support when we need it to make sure our rights are upheld.
Session 4: Celebrating our achievements
In the final session, we will reflect on our time together, what we have learned about each other and the benefits of being part of a diverse community. This session will be a celebration of our strengths and everything we have achieved.
Understanding and Supporting Young People who are Neurodivergent
Resources from our free 3-hour workshop for people who work with youth, parents and caregivers, and any interested members of the community.
This workshop builds the knowledge and skills of adults to support young people who have ‘diverse’ abilities and different experiences of the world (e.g. autism, ADHD, trauma, mental ill-health, sensory processing needs, FASD). It includes evidence-based information and strengths-based practices presented from the lived experience perspective.Video recording of online presentation | 11 June 2024
Slide Show Presentation
See below for a PDF of the PowerPoint slide presentation used in the video.
External Resources
I especially want to draw your attention to the following resources which are described toward the back of the attachment:
Understanding the Disability Standards in Education including resource kits for families/carer givers and young people to self-advocate for appropriate adjustments:
What did you think of our presentation?
Whether you joined the workshop on the day, or watched the above recording since, we would love your feedback. We will use the survey results to improve the workshop and also report back to our funding provider. We would be very grateful if you are able to complete it (should only take 5-7 minutes).
Register for a future session
You can also register to attend this workshop in future, below.
