A Webinar Series: A Focus on Autistic Girls and Teens
The focus of this four-part webinar series is on conversations related to healthy development of autistic girls and teenage girls. Both parents and young autistic people will benefit from topics related to independence, privacy, menstruation and dating and friendship relationships.
Part Three for Autistic Girls: Healthy Friendships and Relationships
This webinar is geared towards autistic girls. Topics related to friendships and relationships will be discussed. A focus will be on managing emotions in friendships and relationships, signs of healthy and unhealthy friendships and relationships, and healthy boundaries.
Additional sessions in this series:
Session One: Parents/Caregivers of girls 10 and younger
Session Two: Parents/Caregivers of girls 10 and older
Session Four for Autistic Girls: Puberty and Menstruation
Speakers: Stephanie Moeser
Stephanie Moeser is a social worker living and working in Peterborough, ON. As a part time faculty at Fleming College, she teaches in the Mental Health and Addictions, Social Service Worker and Developmental Service Worker programs. Originally from Toronto, a focus of Stephanie’s clinical work has been in supporting people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. In her private practice Stephanie provides mental health supports addressing areas of relationships, wellness, and issues related to managing mental health challenges such as anxiety and mood disorders. She has a specialization in supporting autistic students attending post-secondary education, and girls, women and trans and non-binary people on the spectrum.
Over the years Stephanie has presented on the topic of wellness and selfcare to parents/caregivers, people living with disabilities, mental health professionals and allied health professionals. This past month she has provided a series of webinars on this topic for Autism Ontario. She is passionate about the need to talk about feelings and to integrate active compassion into one own’s life, especially during this difficult time.
Lauren Portengen
Lauren Portengen is a mental health advocate, working for a multidisciplinary mental health agency in Waterloo Region. In her current role, Lauren provides system navigation and intake support to families engaging in mental health programs. Lauren brings a participant-centred and trauma-informed approach to her work and specializes in child and youth mental health. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder herself, Lauren is a strong advocate in her community and knows firsthand the complexities of neurodiverse experiences within the mental health system. Lauren attended Trent University and Conestoga College and is married to her neurotypical (debatable) husband who is an Engineer. Lauren and her husband enjoy adventuring in Northern Ontario and spending time with family. As a self professed “old lady” Lauren also enjoys needle point, rug hooking, a good book, and a strong cup of tea.
Disclaimer: Opinions reflected in this webinar are those of the speaker(s) and presenter(s), and do not necessarily reflect Autism Ontario’s views. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information. Autism Ontario strongly believes that it is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions.