RelateTO

03/01/2022

Are you a parent/caregiver of an adult neurodiverse individual? Are romantic relationships something you may help them navigate? If yes, you can share your experiences in an anonymous survey for a chance to win a gift card for Tim Hortons, Starbucks, or Indigo. Survey responses will be used to develop future programs and resources for caregivers like you.

There is also an option to register for a virtual focus group!

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWo4ulhaJrRvgrFbfcMqzPhZw7EPHNPeOM9ZvQnVRU85kwLQ/viewform

Note: Those who participate must self-identify as parents, family members, or caregivers that have been actively involved in the life of a neurodiverse person who is aged 16 or older. This can include parents, family members, or caregivers of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, and other developmental disabilities. Please note, the eligible conditions are not limited to the ones listed.

For more information, email the research team at [email protected]

12/14/2021

***REGISTRATION NOW OPEN***

Can’t wait for our next Mix and Match virtual speed dating event! Spark romantic connection and make new friends at our event on February 10th, and join us for our three lead up workshops to help prepare!

1️⃣ Jan 20, 2022: What am I Looking For?
2️⃣ Jan 27, 2022: What do I Talk About?
3️⃣ Feb 3, 2022: Dating Dos and Don’ts

Register here: https://mixandmatch2.eventbrite.com

10/27/2021

08/07/2021

We cannot wait for this exciting event with Corbrook!!! Register now to secure your spot in this virtual speed dating and workshop opportunity!

07/15/2021

Relationships and human connection is complex as it is diverse! These are just some of the elements in our lives that work together to influence the relationships we have with others.

06/15/2021

We can’t wait for our summer groups!!! Email us for more information and to register ‼️

IMPROV FOR RELATIONSHIPS
🔅 Wednesdays, July 7 - August 25, 5-6:30pm
🔅 An exciting and play-filled 8-week improv group led by a trained drama therapist and occupational therapist. Participants will develop and practice communication skills such as initiating conversations, listening and responding spontaneously.


EMPATHY IN MIND
🔅 Thursdays, July 22 - August 12, 5-6:30pm
🔅 A fun, innovative and interactive 4-week group, where participants explore topics related to empathy, emotions, and communication. We use an engaging comic-strip theme to put concepts into action!

05/13/2021

‼️DID YOU KNOW that communication is 93% non-verbal? ‼️

Although most people think of communication as being spoken words 🗣 , communication is actually mostly understood through body language and tone of voice! 🤦🏻‍♀️💁🏾‍♀️🤦🏽‍♂️🤷

02/24/2021

February 24th is a day to celebrate kindness, inclusion and anti-bullying. Let’s spread love, and commit to speaking up today and everyday.

02/24/2021

💭 Learn about the multiple dimensions of empathy through a unique comic strip theme! 🗯 Participants will learn about empathy, emotions, non-verbal communication, understanding perspectives and compassionate empathy. The group will also use lessons, video clips, role playing and group discussions.

02/19/2021

Come join our exciting and play-filled improv group! Participants will learn how to develop important communication skills such as initiating conversations, listening and responding spontaneously. A trained drama therapist uses fun activities and games to build and develop these skills.

02/16/2021

Assertiveness is one of the most important skills to promote healthy relationships. In this online group. we explore assertiveness through a pop culture/movie lens! We will learn to be more assertive in communication by learning and practicing strategies and techniques. Check out our website or contact us for details!

01/27/2021

Does it ever feel like you are speaking a different language than your partner, friend or family⁉️

This is quite common, but can be especially prominent for neurodiverse relationships. Communication is directly affected by our brain wiring, and the way we perceive language, body expression, humour and more. But differences in perception can lead to increased miscommunication, misunderstanding and conflict.

We use a person-centred approach to help clients recognize these differences, and how it impacts their relationships with others!

01/14/2021

We just love this image! 😂😂😂

Often, people don’t realize how differently they each are seeing things. This can lead to conflict, misunderstanding, and frustration. It can be challenging to take someone else’s perspective, but let’s try to see both the “6” and the “9” in our next conflict!

01/09/2021

Occupational therapy is a health care profession that promotes well-being by helping people engage in things that are important to them. For many, the ability to connect and relate with others is fundamental to their sense of self and community.
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As occupational therapists, we have a unique and person-centred lens, that allows us to understand relationships holistically. Our goal is to help people develop and maintain meaningful relationships in their lives.

01/05/2021

Neurology cannot be separated from a person... it affects personality, strengths, talents and challenges — as well as the way a person thinks, speaks, behaves and feels. When looking at a neurodiverse relationship, it is important to look at communication and other possible challenges through a neurological lens. This helps us reframe issues and understand dynamics differently!

01/04/2021

We, Danielle and Megan, are Toronto-based Occupational Therapists, with a passion for accessibility, inclusivity and helping others. We graduated from the same Master’s program at U of T where our history of collaborating, problem-solving and working together began.

As the concepts of neurodiversity, accessibility and inclusivity expand, we knew we needed to create relateTO to fill the gap in available programs and services for this population. We are so excited to be here!

01/04/2021

Dating and relationships can be challenging for everyone, BUT can present unique challenges for neurodiverse individuals or couples where one or both partners identify as neurodiverse.

Some common challenges include:
❇️ creating and maintaining conversations 💬
❇️ finding common interests 💡
❇️ handling conflict 😤
❇️ dealing with intimacy ❤️
❇️ understanding sensory needs 👂 👁 👉
❇️ building connection 🫂

Reach out to us if you identify with any of these challenges. We can discuss if our services would be helpful for you.

01/04/2021

What is 🧠 🧠 🧠

Neurodiversity is a term coined by sociologist Judy Singer in 1998. It is the viewpoint that variations in brain wiring are simply that – variations!
🔴🟧🔹🟨🔲🟣🟦⚪️🔘

So conditions like ASD and ADHD aren’t “abnormal” – they are rather variations in brain function. The resulting traits and behaviours aren’t “deficits”, they are differences.

There are infinite variations of human brains and minds, and each variation presents its own unique strength! 💪

01/04/2021

Welcome to our page!!! relateTO is a -based community organization led by two registered Occupational Therapists. We offer innovative, inclusive and accessible programming to support neurodiverse individuals in creating and maintaining meaningful personal relationships. Our services include:

❇️ individual relationship coaching 👤
❇️ neurodiverse couples coaching (where one or both partners identify as neurodiverse)👥
❇️ relationship skills groups 🧍‍♀️🧍🏼‍♂️🧍🏽🧍🏾‍♀️
❇️ events and workshops 🗓

Check out our website and contact us to learn more! We hope to hear from you soon!