SIS- Social Groups for Neurodivergent Students: A neurodiversity-affirming approach to support social participation

Round table discussion with Kimberly O'Donnell and Emily Mahoney:

Social Groups for Neurodivergent Students: A neurodiversity-affirming approach to support social participation 

Description:

As we listen to Autistic people and move toward neurodiversity-affirming practices, we need to rethink "social skills training" for neurodivergent children. Instead of social skills training, we can facilitate social groups where we bring children together who share similar interests. Social groups provide a safe space for meaningful and authentic social connection and participation. In this natural context, we support perspective taking, problem solving, understanding, and acceptance while honoring social communication authenticity. 

Damian Milton, an autistic researcher, describes the Double Empathy Problem. Autistic people and neurotypical people socialize differently. Autistic people’s attempts at connection are often misunderstood by neurotypical people. Not making eye contact, sharing deeply about special interests, and wanting structure and routine in relationships are all autistic ways of connecting that may be misunderstood by neurotypical people.  Autistic people do well socializing and communicating with autistic people and neurotypical people do well with neurotypical people. Miscommunication and breakdowns often occur between the two groups. The burden should not be on one group to change. Instead, we can promote understanding and acceptance by educating both groups about social and communication differences. Instead of social skills training for Autistic children, we can support social participation by facilitating social groups. 

Kimberly's bio:

Kimberly O’Donnell is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of ROOTS Therapeutic Services. She has an extensive background in childhood development that drives her passion to teach in the ECE department at NHTI and provide training with ACROSS NH. Kimberly has experience providing occupational therapy services in early intervention, school, and outpatient settings prior to establishing ROOTS Therapeutic Services. The unique clinic setting is held on Kimberly’s property in Canterbury, NH offering a beautiful nature-based setting on over 11 acres. Social groups have been developed to take place 100% outdoors. Kimberly continues to foster a neuroaffirming approach, focusing on building relationships first.