Special interest groups for neurodivergent kids
Finally… a space where your kid just gets to be their neurodivergent self. No agenda, no “goals,” no skill-building… just a safe space for neurodivergent kids to hyperfocus on the thing they love with other kids who are just as passionate as they are about their beloved special interest.
Perhaps your kid makes a new friend. Perhaps they build social navigation skills. It may happen naturally. But this is intended to be a no-pressure space. If your child wants to sit alone and “parallel play” next to other kids on their screen, they can. If they want to initiate conversations with other kids, they can.
The vision for the special interest social group is to create an opportunity for neurodivergent kids to meet other kids who they can relate to, who get them, who they can unmask with.
December 7th details:
Where: The Real Work: 4775 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005
When: Sunday, December 7th, 3:00-4:00PM
Who: Ages 5-12, Kids of all abilities (please email gabi@realworkwellness.com if you need ADA access, so we can accommodate)
Payment/Space: 30.00 to get a spot, group is capped at 5 participants. Fee is not refundable, although if you cancel due to illness we will issue you a credit to use at a future group.
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Our special interest groups are hosted once/month. Generally, they will take place on Sunday afternoons from 3-4 pm.
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In person at our office in downtown Beaverton!
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At this time, the group is open for neurodivergent kids ages 5-12.
“Neurodivergent kids” includes children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders, but no diagnosis is required to participate in this group. You/your child may decide for yourselves if they identify as “neurodivergent” (aka, their brain/nervous system diverges from the “norm.”)
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There will be a facilitator present (Gabi) as well as 1-2 volunteers associated with the Real Work. Group gatherings will be one hour in length. There will be some materials provided related to the monthly topic, and your child is encouraged to bring their own items to show and tell too! Parents and/or caregivers will be asked to stay present for the duration of the group.
Learn more about the group facilitator, Gabi, on her bio here!
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Every 3-6 months we will offer a different “series” for our special interest groups (for example, science, video games, vehicles, etc.) Within each series, there will be a “subtopic” each gathering with the hope that kids with very niche special interests know where to find each other. However, your child is welcome to join any/all of the gatherings they would like to!
PS, you can fill out the form at the bottom of this webpage to let us know what your child’s special interest is. We use your feedback to decide which topics to offer!
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At this time, we are able to host 5 families per group meet up. We will cap registration after the first 5 families register. Upon registering, you will pay a fee of $30 and sign a consent form. (Please email Gabi at gabi@realworkwellness.com if you would like to attend but finances are a barrier).
Please note that this is our first time launching these groups, and some of the specifics around the format, group size, frequency, etc. may change as we learn more about what works best and meets the needs of our community. Your feedback is appreciated!
Upon registering for the group, you will receive more information from Gabi, the facilitator.
Please email any feedback or questions you may have to Gabi at gabi@realworkwellness.com, and she will try to get back to you as soon as possible!
