Provincial - New Diagnosis Adult Group

This group is for individuals who have received a diagnosis of Autism in adulthood.  

This six-week support group is facilitated by Registered Psychotherapist, Heather Sansom, PhD. Heather was diagnosed on the spectrum in her late 40’s. As a psychotherapist, she works with autistic clients in both ‘office’ and creative/nature/animal assisted approaches. She identifies positively with neurodiversity, describing her approach as strengths-based. Many late-diagnosed autistic people have experienced a difficult journey, sometimes including misdiagnosis, anxiety, depression and other responses to sensory overload, not knowing they were atypical in a neurotypical (NT) world. The process of realization, seeking assessment, and diagnosis is often experienced as both world-shaking, and relieving. Autistic people need coping skills for navigating an NT world, managing and reducing meltdowns/shutdowns, and growing confidence. These sessions will include helpful information and opportunity to share your experience with other atypical peers. Once registration is complete, participants will remain a closed group for the duration of the series to ensure comfort and privacy.  A short survey and a confidential form will be sent to each participate and need to be return by the date provided.Once these are complete, your spot will be confirmed. 

This group will run from Wednesday April 17, 2024 until May 22nd,  2024 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

This group is not for individuals in a mental health crisis.  

BIO: Heather Sansom, PhD. Heather was diagnosed on the spectrum in her late 40’s. She has run a sports group for autistic and children with disabilities in her former work as a recreation therapist. As a psychotherapist, she works with autistic clients in both ‘office’ and creative/nature/animal assisted approaches. She identifies positively with neurodiversity, describing her approach to psychotherapy as strengths-based.

A Zoom link for the activity will be sent closer to the activity date.