12-Week Adult Autism Skills Class!
At Namasté Center For Healing
Autism Skills Class For Men and Women!
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m. MDT
Cost: $40 per class; paid per month
Format: Web Based (link is sent morning of first class call)
Facilitated by: Candice Christiansen, LCMHC, CSAT-S, Autism Expert, Founder of NCH/TGPP
RSVP: 801-272-3500, office@namasteadvice.com
Have questions? Email Candice at candice@namasteadvice.com
Note: We also have an on-going Monday web class; however this class is by invitation only. This class is an advanced class for individuals who have already taken the 12-week class.
Note: During these 12 weeks, Candice will provide foundational information about autism spectrum traits during the first 6 classes to help individuals understand how their autism spectrum traits impact communication, connection and intimacy.
Change, Sensory Issues, Textures, Communication... Oh My!
Those of us who are on the autism spectrum struggle to recognize social and sexual cues as well as non-verbal communication. Many of us experience sensory seeking behavior to cope with our daily sensory overload, along with Theory of Mind deficits (struggling to see others' perspectives, being honest to a fault, coming across as rude, struggling with confrontation). At times, our rigidity can get the best of us and can cause friction in our most intimate relationships, at work, and among friends.
Many individuals on the spectrum desire relationships, connection, and intimacy but often don't know how to connect or verbalize our feelings. Most adults on the autism spectrum have learned to socially camouflage our behavior and mimic typical individuals to fit in, which can feel exhausting. Sex is also often confusing due to not recognizing the subtle nuances that are part of sexual intimacy. Some autistic adults tend to hyper-focus on the internet including viewing pornography (or video games) as a means of visual sensory seeking behavior to manage their sensory overload, emotional dysregulation as well as get their needs met. Most adults on the autism spectrum want to learn how to have healthy, intimate relationships with their partner or if they are single, with a future partner.
As an autistic female, I have designed a state of the art curriculum to help autistic men and women learn tools for having healthy, fun, and fulfilling relationships and friendships.
Topics addressed...
- The difference between how autistic men and women express our traits and why it matters
- Communication and connection including how to manage staring, recognize non-verbal communication, practice reciprocity, and more!
- Identifying Sensory Sensitivities and learning about health stems and adaptive sensory seeking behavior
- Autistic Burnout and the importance of developing self care rituals to function optimally
- Theory of Mind (e.g., Cognitive Empathy): What It Is, How It Impacts One's Social Interactions and Perceptions
- Alexithymia: Emotions Identification and Regulation
- Sex & intimacy 101; where did autistic individuals learn about their genitals and sex; did they experience shame stories?
- Walls vs. boundaries; what and when are each appropriate
- Autistic strengths; this is a theme throughout
We encourage individuals in our classes to share what they are learning with their partners (if applicable) to support cooperative learning and increase connection.