Background

When Angel found out their youngest was not fitting into the neurotypical patterns, they struggled to find resources.  At the time, living in a rural, northern community, there were little to no supports; what supports were available operated on the assumption that neurodivergent youth needed to be trained to be ''normal''.  

Never one to follow an unhealthy social script just for the sake of complying, Angel began to research neurodivergent youth, child development, and autism in particular.  Angel modified the existing tools (social skills, social stories, and behavior modification techniques), instead focusing on providing information about the what and why of neurotypical behavior, supporting the connection between one's own behavior and social consequences, and supporting the development of a strengths-based, self-advocacy focused framework for supporting youth on the spectrum.

After a couple of years of working with their own son and a few other parents and youth, Angel and their partner Mark sought and received funding from Shell Canada to host a summer camp project for ND Youth.  This camp focused on supporting the youth in the community interactions they were interested in learning (opening a bank account, interviewing a baker, meeting the RCMP and learning what to do if stopped or approached, getting their social insurance card, planning and preparing a meal, learning how to get a drivers permit, etc).  The summer camp was a resounding success!  Angel took the feedback and continued to build the social mentoring program that they still use today.

This program changed and flexed to support Angel's child as his needs changed due to his own development, and eventually, Angel launched a social skills program for dating and flirting that was met with enthusiasm by ND adults in the greater Edmonton area.  This program was offered through ASPECC.CA, as part of their accessible, shame-free sex education and wellness programming.

At one of these meets, Angel and Deana met and began to engage in the advocacy required to see a more robust program offered for those youth and young adults who often do not fit the standard supports (folk who are often twice exceptional and/or lack the intellectual disabilities that most programming is geared towards).  After four years of networking, researching, and pilot testing various program delivery models, ND EMPOWER! was born.  While Angel developed and implemented the programs, Deana was key to getting the word out, collecting and measuring the feedback, and ensuring that the needs of each student were being prioritized in the delivery.  

ND EMPOWER! uses small groupings (4-10 individuals) and builds self-esteem, interpersonal relationship skills, and self-advocacy skills through weekly support meets in which these skills are used by all members to support one another.  Angel provides timely educational interventions as needed, using both shared experiences and visual handouts.  Once a month there is skill measuring and testing in the way of trivia games and contests.

Angel excels at providing nonjudgemental positive regard to the members, supporting their own choices by sharing resources or matching them to the needed supports, while also creating a safe space for members to practice their blooming interpersonal skills within the group and eventually on their own. 

Questions are welcome! angel@ndempower.ca