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Autism Support Group

Autism Support Group

A safe space for autistic individuals to connect, develop self-advocacy, and learn strategies to manage sensory and social challenges while fostering personal growth and acceptance.

Starts 4th February, 2025

4 Zoom sessions | Every Tuesday at 8:00 PM IST | 75 minutes

Confidential | Small group, 6-8 people

Group Type: Support Group

Includes 3 Free Peer Calls*

Led by Therapist Soumini Menon

Program Fee - INR 3000 (India) | USD 80 (Outside India) | Get 30% off if you buy for two

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Goals of the group

The goal of this support group is to create a safe and supportive space for autistic individuals where they can share their experiences, explore challenges, develop self-advocacy skills, and build coping strategies for managing daily life. The group aims to foster a sense of community, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote self-understanding and acceptance.

Who is the Group For?

This group is designed for autistic individuals who:

• Are seeking a space to express themselves openly without fear of judgment.
• Want to develop better social and communication strategies.
• Are interested in learning self-regulation techniques to manage sensory or emotional challenges.
• Are looking to connect with others who share similar experiences and can offer peer support.

Glimpse of the regime

Session 1: Introduction and Building Trust

• Welcome and icebreaker: "Two Truths and a Strength."
• Participants share experiences with autism and goals for the group.
• Overview of neurodiversity and self-acceptance.
• Establish group norms, confidentiality, and trust.
• Homework: Reflect on personal strengths and challenges.

Session 2: Understanding and Managing Sensory and Emotional Challenges

• Check-in and icebreaker: "Sensory Snapshots."
• Discuss common sensory sensitivities and emotional triggers.
• Share personal experiences with sensory overload.
• Learn and practice self-regulation techniques (e.g., grounding, mindfulness).
• Homework: Practice one self-regulation technique.

Session 3: Navigating Social Interactions

• Check-in and icebreaker: "Social Strengths and Challenges."
• Discuss challenges in social communication (e.g., small talk, nonverbal cues).
• Role-play social scenarios (e.g., initiating conversations, setting boundaries).
• Explore self-advocacy and boundary-setting in social situations.
• Homework: Try a social strategy and reflect on the experience.

Session 4: Building Long-Term Resilience

• Check-in and icebreaker: "Biggest Takeaway."
• Reflect on personal growth and insights gained from the group.
• Create a personalized self-care and coping strategy plan.
• Celebrate accomplishments and write a "Letter to My Future Self."
• Homework: Continue using strategies and set long-term goals.

Learn from us & from each other

  • Finally, a place where I can connect with others who truly get what I'm going through.

    Jeevan

    True Connection

  • I've learned valuable self-regulation strategies that made a real difference.

    Pritiviraj

    Practical Tools

  • This group helped me feel understood and more confident in managing my daily challenges.

    Sukumar

    Feeling Seen

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Meet your Facilitator

Soumini Menon

Soumini Menon is a Developmental and Counselling Psychologist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to supporting children, individuals, and families in navigating life's challenges and achieving optimal mental well-being. With a deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and the complexities of the mind, Soumini combines her extensive training in counselling psychology, developmental psychopathology, narrative practices, trauma-informed therapies, and expressive arts to create tailored therapeutic approaches for each client.

She believes in fostering a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where clients can openly express themselves through words, play, and artistic mediums. Soumini employs evidence-based techniques to address a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, neurodiversity, parental distress, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem, career challenges, and personal growth.

Soumini works collaboratively with clients to uncover underlying factors contributing to their distress, empowering them to develop effective coping strategies and achieve their therapeutic goals. With her expertise, dedication, and genuine compassion, she strives to provide a safe space for healing and growth, helping individuals and families discover their own paths to resilience and happiness.

FAQs

What are SoulUp Groups?

At SoulUp, you'll meet people who get what you're going through and might be living some of the same realities. People looking for extraordinary conversations, just like you.

✔️ Small group, 6-8 people

✔️ Every meeting led by a world-class facilitator

✔️ Weekly 75-minute online video sessions

How is confidentiality maintained in Groups?

Confidentiality in Support Groups is maintained using secure meeting links and enabling waiting rooms to control participant access. Participants are bound by mutual confidentiality clause within the group. and sessions are not recorded without explicit consent.

Are Group sessions done on video?

Yes, all group sessions are conducted on video via Zoom.

While participants are allowed to use pseudonyms - they need to be on video to make the most of the session.

What is SoulUp's refund policy on Groups?

1. After you have registered for the group and you'd like to opt out:
- Full refund if you cancel 30 days before the group start date.
- 50% refund if you cancel 16-30 days before the group start date.
- No refund if you cancel 0-15 days before the group start date.

2. If SoulUp cancels a group, we will refund the entire signup fee.

3. If SoulUp reschedules a group by more than 2 weeks, we will inform you and give you an option to opt out and get a full refund.

4. SoulUp reserves the right to remove participants from a group if found unsuitable to the group. In such cases participants are given the option of claiming the pro-rata amount left as a refund or using it for another service on SoulUp.

Can I use multiple discounts while signing up for a group?

You can use only 1 type discount while signing up for a group. Cash backs cannot be coupled with discounts either.

* Are FREE Peer calls available to everyone who signs-up for this group?

You can book 3 Peer calls for FREE as part of signing up for this group.

Please note: This is only available to first-time participants of a SoulUp group (those trying a SoulUp group for the first time).

How long has SoulUp been around?

SoulUp was founded in 2022 by Punita Mittal and Mahak Maheshwari - a team of IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay with more than 20 years of combined healthcare experience. SoulUp is redefining mental health through groups that are not only effective but also fun, social, and challenging.

Find multiple groups relevant? Bundle up & save!

Save on 2 Groups

What you get:

  1. Sign up for ANY 2 SoulUp groups (except for those priced INR 4000 or more)
  2. For users in India, price of 2 group pack is INR 5500 (instead of INR 7000)
  3. For users outside India, price of 2 group pack is INR 8000 (instead of INR 10,000)
  4. Valid for 6 months: Book slots in any 2 groups within 6 months once you purchase the pack.
Get for 20% off  

Save on 3 Groups

What you get:

  1. Sign up for ANY 3 SoulUp groups (except for those priced INR 4000 or more)
  2. For users in India, price of 3 group pack is INR 7500 (instead of INR 10,500)
  3. For users outside India, price of 3 group pack is INR 11,500 (instead of INR 15,000)
  4. Valid for 12 months: Book slots in any 3 groups within 12 months once you purchase the pack.
Get for 30% off  

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More about Support Groups & Therapy Groups:

1. What is an online therapy or support group?

Online therapy groups or support groups are structured, therapist-led sessions where participants gather virtually to discuss and work on specific mental health or personal growth topics.

These groups offer a supportive environment and help members learn coping strategies and relevant techniques from the therapist. Participants offer each other encouragement, share advice, and provide emotional support, helping one another feel less isolated.

2. What benefits can I expect from joining an online therapy group or support group?

Participants in online therapy groups often experience improved mental health, a greater sense of connection, and enhanced coping skills. Group therapy provides structured guidance from a therapist, which can lead to valuable insights and personal growth.

3. How does online group therapy compare to one-on-one therapy?

One-on-one therapy is personalized, focusing solely on your needs, which can be ideal for in-depth, private work with a therapist.

Online group therapy, however, offers a sense of community and shared experience. In addition to learning from the therapist, members get to connect with others facing similar challenges. Group settings provide diverse perspectives and reduce isolation, which participants find valuable.

4. Are online groups effective?

Yes, studies show that online groups can be as effective as in-person groups. The online format provides convenience and accessibility while offering the same structured therapeutic benefits, especially for those who prefer the comfort of their home environment.

5. Will I have to share my personal journey in the group?

Sharing is encouraged but never forced. Participants are free to share only what they feel comfortable with, and many find that opening up gradually is natural and helpful for their own growth.

6. How do online therapy groups or support groups handle difficult emotions that arise?

The therapist leading the group is trained to manage challenging emotions. They provide tools and strategies for coping, helping participants process feelings safely.

7. Can I attend online therapy groups if I’m already in individual therapy?

Yes, many people find that group therapy superbly complements individual therapy, providing additional insights and social support, thus accelerating their healing. Also, users often join group therapy for a topic that they are not focusing on in their individual therapy sessions. Often, therapists themselves recommend their clients to group therapy for a specific area of their life.

8. How do I know if a support group is right for me?

If you’re looking for shared experiences and emotional support rather than structured therapeutic guidance, a support group may be ideal. Otherwise, consider a therapy group for a more structured approach.

You can also join more than one group if you feel it will benefit you, especially if each group focuses on a different aspect of your mental health journey.