• Parenting in the In-Between with Sarah

    A Support & Skills Group for Parents of Neurodivergent Late Adolescents and Young Adults

    Hosted by Julia Ryan Psychology


    When the path you imagined for your child changes, you may find yourself having to rethink almost everything.

    Parenting a neurodivergent young person—particularly following a later diagnosis or when they don't fit neatly into expected developmental timelines or available systems—can leave caregivers constantly wondering what comes next.

    You may understand your young person differently now, but still be asking:

    What does this mean for how I parent?
    How do I support them without taking over?
    Where is the line between supporting them and burning myself out?
    How do I let go of the future I expected while still feeling hopeful about the future ahead?

    This group is a space to work through those questions—together.

    Led by Sarah Philbrick-Djerfi, Master's Level Registered Social Worker, this closed parent cohort offers an affirming, PDA-aware and nervous-system-informed space for caregivers navigating the “in-between.”

    Together, we will explore regulation, autonomy, communication, boundaries, caregiver wellbeing, and the transition toward adulthood—while making space for the exhaustion, uncertainty, grief, isolation, and hope that can accompany an unexpected parenting journey.

    You are not failing at parenting. Sometimes the approach needs to change because the needs, circumstances, and developmental stage have changed.

    What we'll explore
    Topics will be shaped by the needs and experiences of the group, but may include:

    • Regulation & distress: Understanding nervous-system responses, meltdowns, shutdowns, and how to respond without escalating.
    • PDA & autonomy: Exploring demand sensitivity, autonomy, and PDA-aware approaches that reduce unnecessary pressure while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
    • Communication & connection: Using flexible, collaborative approaches to support communication, reduce power struggles, and repair relationships.
    • Masking, burnout & caregiver wellbeing: Understanding burnout in neurodivergent youth and caregivers, and considering what sustainable support can look like.
    • Adulthood & changing expectations: Moving beyond conventional timelines to consider meaningful independence, success, and adulthood for your young person.

    This group may be a good fit if you...

    • Are parenting a neurodivergent late adolescent or young adult and feel like you're navigating unfamiliar territory.
    • Are coming to understand your young person's needs differently following a later diagnosis or increased understanding of their neurodivergence.
    • Are navigating demand sensitivity, avoidance, a strong need for autonomy, or significant emotional regulation challenges.
    • Find yourself caught between supporting independence and knowing when your young person needs more support.
    • Are carrying grief, uncertainty, guilt, or questions about what adulthood will look like—and would benefit from connecting with other parents who understand.
    • A space for shared learning and support

    This is not about finding the “perfect” parenting strategy. The group provides opportunities to learn, reflect, ask questions, and share experiences with other parents who are navigating similar challenges. Sarah will provide information, guidance, and practical strategies while supporting parents to consider what may work differently in their own families.

    By the end of the group, you may have...

    • A deeper understanding of your young person's regulation, autonomy, and developmental needs.
    • Practical approaches for communication, distress, and challenging moments.
      Greater confidence navigating boundaries, independence, and relationship repair.
    • A clearer understanding of your own limits and caregiver sustainability.
    • Connection with other parents navigating similar questions and a more compassionate framework for your parenting journey.

    Details

    • Facilitator: Sarah Philbrick-Djerfi, Master's Level Registered Social Worker
    • Registration: OCSWSSW #825854
    • Format: Virtual
    • Day: Monday evenings
    • Time: 7:30–8:30 PM
    • Frequency: Biweekly
    • Number of sessions: 7
    • Dates: September 28, October 12, October 26, November 9, November 23, December 7, December 21, 2026.
    • Cost: $50 per 60-minute session [total $350]

    The group is intentionally closed, allowing participants to build familiarity, trust, and connection with the same group of parents throughout the eight sessions.

    Insurance Coverage
    This session may be eligible for insurance reimbursement. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider whether the facilitator's credentials, noted above, are eligible for coverage under your plan. You will receive confirmation of payment after submitting this form. A formal attendance receipt for insurance purposes will be issued after your attendance.

    Contact Us
    For questions, please contact julia@drjuliaryan.ca.

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    Service Information

    You are registering for a closed parent support and skills group. The group is intended to provide psychoeducation, practical strategies, facilitated discussion, and peer support related to parenting and supporting neurodivergent youth and young adults.

    The facilitator's role is to provide information, facilitate group discussion, and support appropriate participation within the group. The group is not intended to provide individual or family psychotherapy, psychological assessment, diagnosis, or individualized treatment.

    Services will be provided in accordance with applicable professional, ethical, and regulatory standards.

    Risks and Benefits

    Potential benefits of participation may include increased understanding of neurodivergence and related parenting challenges, learning practical strategies, gaining perspective and insight, and receiving support and shared learning from other group members.

    As with any group-based service, participation may involve potential risks, including:

    • Experiencing uncomfortable emotions or distress in response to topics discussed.
    • Hearing about the experiences or challenges of other group members.
    • Differences of opinion, interpersonal tension, or conflict between group members.
    • The possibility that information shared within the group may be disclosed by another participant despite expectations of confidentiality (see Section 3).
    • Group discussion may not address individual circumstances or needs in the same way that individual services would.

      Participation is voluntary. You may withdraw from the group at any time by informing the facilitator. Withdrawal from the group will not affect your ability to seek other services. 

    Confidentiality

    As a regulated health professional, your facilitator must protect the confidentiality of your personal health information. For this group to be a safe space, all members must agree to maintain the confidentiality of all other members.

    By signing this form, you agree to keep the identity of other group members and the personal information they share within the group strictly confidential. You agree not to discuss any information shared by group members with anyone outside of the group, including family, friends, or on social media.

    There are specific, limited situations where the law requires a facilitator to break confidentiality, with or without your consent. These include:

    • Reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is in need of protection due to abuse or neglect.
    • Disclosure of information that indicates a clear and imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else.
    • Report of sexual abuse by a regulated health professional.
    • For the purpose of an investigation or quality assurance review by a regulatory body (e.g., CRPO, OCSWSSW).

    Please be aware that while your facilitator is legally bound to confidentiality, group members are not. Your facilitator cannot guarantee that other members will protect your privacy. While we create a strong agreement and culture of trust, you must be mindful of what you choose to share, knowing that absolute confidentiality from other members cannot be assured.

    Group Participation and Expectations

    To create a safe and effective environment, all members agree to the following:

    • Treat all members with respect, even when you disagree. Listen actively and avoid judgment.
    • Speak from your own experience using "I" statements (e.g., "I feel..." instead of "You made me feel...").
    • Share what is comfortable for you. You have the right to "pass" or choose not to speak on any topic.
    • Do not give unsolicited advice. Share your own experiences when they are relevant.
    • Please arrive on time.

    Virtual Group Participation

    Please participate from a private, secure space where others cannot see or hear the session to protect the privacy of all members. Recording of sessions is strictly prohibited. Your facilitator will choose a virtual platform that maximizes privacy and confidentiality, ease of joining and navigating group dynamics, and convenience.

    Record Keeping

    A brief record of your attendance and the topics discussed in the group will be maintained with Julia Ryan Psychology. In a group setting, notes are generalized to protect the privacy of all members.

    Refunds and Cancellations

    There will be no refunds for any cancellations after September 12th, 2026.

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