Overview
A monthly support group for Neurodivergent parents and carers, either diagnosed or self-identified.
A supportive, non-judgmental space offering connection and shared understanding of navigating family life, balancing our own unique strengths and challenges.
Through shared experiences and discussions, we will explore a variety of topics and prioritize well-being.
Whether you’re looking for new perspectives, practical tips, or simply a community that understands your journey, you’ll find connection and support here.
We are very grateful to Reading Borough Council for supporting this group. It is facilitated by specialist Parenting, Sleep, and Neurodivergent Children and Young People Practitioner Mary van der Merwe.
If you would like to attend but live outside of Reading Borough please email Mary (mary.vdmerwe@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk) as we would look to expand the group subject to interest and funding.
Event outline
The group provides:
- Emotional and moral support
- A listening ear
- Information and advice
- A regular meeting place
Facilitators
Mary van der Merwe
Parenting, Sleep & Neurodivergent CYP Practitioner
Mary van der Merwe is a dedicated neurodiversity advocate with experience in supporting and training individuals and professionals on Autism and trauma. Within PSC, she leads the A-Team, a group for autistic and ADHD primary and secondary aged girls, providing a space where they can meet other neurodivergent girls and be their authentic selves. As well as this, Mary delivers specialized training programs that emphasize the neurodiversity paradigm, and co-ordinates and delivers specialist 1:1 support. Mary is also a trainer on the National Autism Trainer Programme training CAMHS and the NHS to help improve outcomes for Autistic individuals.
Coming from a neurodivergent family herself, Mary’s personal insights and professional expertise drive her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Attending details
The group will meet on a monthly basis either online or face-to-face.
For online sessions you need a Zoom account. You can sign up for free here: https://zoom.us/freesignup/
On booking you will receive an ‘Order’ email, followed by a ‘Ticket Details’ email containing the Zoom information.
Please check your junk folder, add the event to your calendar, and keep the email safe for use on the day of the event.
Zoom will ask you to sign in, and to register for the event, so please allow time for this before the event starts. You can do this at any point before the event starts. We advise doing this as soon as possible so we can help if you have any difficulties.
We will use the Chat function to allow you to ask questions during the sessions. The events are best viewed on a PC or laptop. Please have the latest version of Zoom installed. You can download the software here: https://zoom.us/download
Please note that you may not record the sessions or take screenshots. This is to maintain confidentiality and privacy for attendees.
Many of our events have waiting lists. If you are no longer able to attend please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else.
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