We live in an age of unprecedented uncertainty.  While global fears about COVID, climate change and divisive politics affect all of us, neurodiverse adolescents and emerging adults are simultaneously coping with the pressures of academic performance, peer relationships, career choices, and connected independence.  For these high functioning young people, dealing with such intense stressors can be overwhelming.  With their unique cognitive and emotional profiles, these teens and young adults are more vulnerable to stress, frustration, anxiety, panic attacks, depression and risky behaviors.  This six week workshop will arm your kids with the tools and insight they need to manage anxiety and thrive in their journey to self-reliant adulthood.  Each session will include lessons, interactive discussions, break-outs and coping strategies to equip folks for living with more confidence and success.

Weekly Session Topics Include:

Week One:  An Introduction to Neurodiversity

In this session we will:

• Learn the definition of neurodiversity
• Explore how the brain grows, develops differently and why it is wired for anxiety
• Create our own definitions of neurodiversity and examine how it affects everybody in different ways
• Begin to build a personalized plan for tackling our fears- your OASIS: Overcome Anxiety Successfully in Stages (this will be on-going throughout the workshop)

Week Two:  The Link Between Anxiety and the Brain

In this session we will:

• Define and discuss what anxiety is and how it affects the body
• Understand the roles of sensory integration, the limbic system and executive functioning skills in anxiety and fear
• Talk about why reassurance from others fails to reduce anxiety and how curiosity is more effective
• Develop better awareness about the effects of our anxiety on others
• Introduce and practice body scan and mindfulness exercises
• Work on your OASIS plan

Week Three: Different types of Anxiety

In this session we will:

• Examine different types of anxiety, key symptoms and diagnostic clarifications 
• Identify tools to improve motivation and productivity
• Practice exercises designed to improve coping strategies for these challenges 
• Work on your OASIS plan

Week Four:  Tackling Social Anxiety

In this session we will:

• Discuss social anxiety and describe its effect on participants
• Break down issues caused by peer pressure, dating, bullying, presentations, parental communications, and crowds
• Redefine what social success means for neurodiverse individuals and how to live with it without judgment
• Examine effective responses to awkward social situations and interpersonal insecurities
• Work on your OASIS plan

Week Five:  Resilience and Rebuilding 

In this session we will:

• Discuss definitions of positive self-image 
• Identify personal strengths and talents
• Reduce negative thinking about individual challenges with learning, attention and anxiety
• Design more positive, affirming self-talk about living with anxiety and the ability to reduce stress and frustration
• Explore what resilience looks like and how to nurture it
• Work on your OASIS plan

Week Six:  Wrap-up/Questions/Take-Aways

In this session we will:

• Summarize lessons from previous sessions and discuss any ongoing questions
• Review coping mechanisms, calming techniques and positive self-talk for responding to and managing anxiety
• Finish your OASIS plans and share ideas