Neurodivergent and Chronic Conditions Student Support Group

This is a support group for neurodivergent students and students living with chronic conditions who are seeking support to navigate alternative learning methods and develop confidence and communication skills to help navigate interpersonal relationships, including interactions with professors & teaching/academic aides.  Neurodivergent students include, for instance, those who believe they have attention deficits, hyperactivity, hyperfocus, learning disabilities, or feel they are on the autism spectrum. This group is also open to neurodivergent students who experience associated physical symptoms and/or have chronic conditions (for instance gastrointestinal conditions, seizures). Participants of this group will have the opportunity to share mutual experiences, challenges, and tips on navigating academic and personal wellness at McGill. A diagnosis and/or referral is not required to participate in this group.

*Please note that we will NOT be offering assessments or diagnoses for ADHD/ADD/ASD/LDs or any other condition.

GROUP FORMAT:

Participants will meet weekly for 10 weeks.  Group size is limited to 8 participants. If the group is full, additional students will be placed on a waitlist in case space opens prior to the group starting.

Each 60-minute session (11:00AM to 12:00PM) will begin with a check-in, then move on to a discussion around the theme of the day and will finish with time for questions and identifying key takeaways from the session which will eventually be used to create a wellness plan at the end of the semester.  Breaks can be taken as needed.

Schedule:

January 13^th: Introductions, norms, expectations, goals, the meaning of neurodivergence to each, and sharing stories about neurodivergence and chronic conditions

January 20^th: Navigating academic life, the educational system, residence, and Montreal

January 27^th: Navigating academic life, the educational system, residence, and Montreal continued

February 3^rd: "Adulting" and transitions

February 10^th: Friendships, connection, relationships, sexuality

February 17^th: Friendships, connection, relationships, sexuality continued

February 24^th: Mental health, stress and lifestyle management, resources

March 3^rd: Reading Week Break (no group session)

March 10^th: Chronic conditions, physical symptoms, medication management, energy conservation, and sensory overload

March 17^th: Glimmers versus Triggers; strengths and creativity

March 24^th: Wrap up and feedback; individualized wellness plan

Please register at least 24 hours prior the start time of the workshop.

Sessions will take place in the Flex Space (Room 3101) of the Healthy Living Annex, which is located on the 3^rd floor of the Brown Student Services Building, Suite #3100.