224 Building Trust in Neurodivergent Settings: Overcoming Group Apprehension

Building Trust in Neurodivergent Settings: Overcoming Group Apprehension Ellie and Patricia highlight the importance of creating inclusive spaces that foster trust, comfort, and collaboration for neurodivergent folks. They discuss the benefits of tailoring curriculum to individual and group needs. This episode also touches on the depth and organic nature of group conversations, and the role of personalized attention within a structured framework. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of creating supportive and inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals.   GUEST Ellie   HIGHLIGHTS Summary   This conversation explores the experiences and dynamics of the Online HSP Course and how it fits with being autistic or identifying as neurodivergent. The episode covers topics such as trust and comfort in the group, creating a safe and supportive environment, addressing social issues, embracing whole identities, gaining different perspectives, and forming connections and friendships. The conversation highlights the importance of personalized attention, optional participation, and creating a neurodivergent-friendly space. It also emphasizes the value of feeling seen, heard, and honored in the group. The participants discuss the unexpected benefits and the lasting connections that were formed through the course.   Takeaways   Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for a group focused on highly sensitive people and neurodivergent individuals. Embracing whole identities and recognizing marginalized parts of ourselves can lead to a sense of belonging and understanding in the group. Optional participation and personalized attention allow individuals to engage in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to them. Forming connections and friendships within the group can provide validation, support, and a sense of community. The dynamics of a smaller group can lead to deeper conversations and a stronger sense of cohesion.   Some topics covered in this episode: 1. Neurodivergence and its representation in the course 2. Personal perspectives and interactions with course material 3. Overcoming apprehensions about joining a group 4. The dynamics of group participation and introversion 5. Creating a supportive and inclusive group environment 6. Addressing potential group members' concerns 7. Establishing core values and expectations for group participation 8. Discussions on social issues and human rights 9. Tailoring the curriculum to individual and group needs 10. Group size and its impact on interactions 11. Depth and organic nature of group conversations 12. Personalized attention within a structured framework 13. Flexibility and guidance in group discussions 14. Trust and comfort in participating in the course 15. Impact of discussions on autism and neurodivergence within the HSP group   Chapters (please add time to account for introduction   00:00 Introduction and Spontaneous Recording 00:46 Initial Thoughts about the Group 01:45 Trust and Comfort in the Group 02:09 Discussion about Autism in the Group 03:08 Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment 04:27 Addressing Social Issues in the Group 05:29 Intersectionality and Embracing Whole Identities 06:15 Recognizing Marginalized Parts of Ourselves 07:02 Expectations and Insight in the Group 08:17 Gaining Different Perspectives in the Group 09:24 Learning and Sharing Experiences in the Group 10:40 Creating a Cohesive Group 11:19 Building Trust and Connection in the Group 12:02 Different Perspectives on Group Cohesion 13:03 Feeling Safe and Comfortable in the Group 14:03 Optional Participation and Individual Needs 15:47 Forming Connections and Friendships in the Group 17:40 Validation and Understanding in the Group 19:37 Feeling Seen, Heard, and Honored in the Group 20:23 Personalized Attention and Tailored Discussions 23:14 Flexibility and Personalized Approach in the Group 24:46 Creating a Safe and Neurodivergent-Friendly Space 26:12 Feeling Safe and Understood in the Group 28:18 Addressing the Lack of Mention of Neurodivergence in the Course 30:17 Recommendations for Joining the Course 32:57 Continuing Connections and Friendships after the Course 36:31 Smaller Group Dynamics and Cohesion 39:25 Acknowledging Different Group Experiences 40:07 Gratitude and Positive Feedback   GUEST BIO Ellie is a corporate professional in a senior manager position. Through experiencing significant burnout, she was identified as autistic earlier this year. Her formal diagnosis followed. Leading up to her diagnosis and through today, she has been searching for information to help her understand her autism and for strategies for managing the seemingly endless effort it takes to be her in a world that expects her not to be autistic.   LINKS   HSP Online Course--https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/hsp-online-groups/   Receive the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the podcast-- https://www.subscribepage.com/e6z6e6   Sign up for the Newsletter-- https://www.subscribepage.com/y0l7d4   To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “listen on Apple Podcasts” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”   Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv e-mail-- [email protected] Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com