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Teen Groups

Other ways teens can connect with me.
Five people laying in a circle on a wooden floor, all holding thumbs up.

Who this is for:

Autistic and ND teens who want the lower stakes of a group setting, lower costs to parents, and the fun of trying something with ND peers.

What it’ll do:

Social time with other autistic teens, knowing your not the only one, interaction with an Autistic adult, and the chance to ask questions around a variety of topics.

I offer these groups and classes through an education platform called Outschool. The links below will take you to that site.

Sign up through any of these links to get $20 USD credit towards your first Outschool class.

The word "OUTSCHOOL" is written in white, with a transparent background.

Current and Upcoming Classes

Anti-Anxiety Practices for Neurodivergent Teens

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but what if it weren’t taking over all the time? Learn ways to reduce anxiety in everyday situations. For neurowonderful teens (Autism, ADHD, OCD, dyslexic, etc) who prefer an asynchronous class.

Asynchronous
Class is open for 4 weeks
No live meetings
Teacher support available throughout
$54

See Current Schedule
A book cover, with the title "Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede". Behind that is a girl with wavy hair sitting on the tail of a big green and yellow dragon.

Neurodiversity Book Club (June) — "Dealing with Dragons"

A book group for tweens and teens on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette, OCD, anxiety, and other neurowonderful ways of being in the world, and our allies. This is for the book “Dealing with Dragons.”

Princess Cimorene can’t stand being a princess and decides to try something else, anything else, many other things in fact…and has to deal with a lot of problems along the way, from dragons to wizards to a court conspiracy.

Meets Online, once
60 minutes
3-8 learners
$16

See Current Schedule
A review with 5 stars at the top, and the date "May 2, 2023". The review writes "Our thirteen-year-old daughter did the flex class. She has been struggling a lot with anxiety and really learned some good strategies from this class. The flex format was effective for her because she would have felt very anxious about attending a class on anxiety (does that paradox sound familiar?). We watched the videos together, and Heather was in touch frequently to check in and support. Our daughter learned some strategies and vocabulary from this class, developing a better understanding of what anxiety is, and we have been slowly working to implement some of the strategies. Perhaps more importantly than the strategies, she also learned that she is not alone, and that many people have anxiety. I am hugely grateful to Heather for this course!" It is signed "Emily A."
A review with 5 stars at the top, and the date "January 19, 2023". The review writes "My daughter loved this class. We now have several new techniques for her to work on. We will be using those techniques with the whole family." It is signed "Elizabeth L."
A review with 5 stars at the top, and the date "November 30, 2023". The review writes "I have a teen who is very hesitant to try new things and join new groups. This instructor helped him feel safe and he wanted to come to class every week because she was skilled in making sure all were welcome. I appreciate that quality in a teacher above all else. The lessons stuck with him because his nervous system was able to relax and learn." It is signed "Emily B."
A review with 5 stars at the top, and the date "March 16, 2023". The review writes "Ms. Heather packed a ton into this three-class course, and the strategies she offered are fantastic. My son always enjoys her classes, and we highly recommend her as a teacher." It is signed "Lisa D."
A review with 5 stars at the top, and the date "January 20, 2023". The review writes "The techniques that my daughter learned in Ms. Cook's class with the anti-anxiety practices are very helpful to her with her OCD and extreme anxiety. She really enjoyed the class and seemed to get a lot out of it. Good information packed into three weeks." It is signed "Leyla D."
A review with 5 stars at the top, and the date "September 17, 2022". The review writes "Very helpful class for anxious teens. Heather's classes offer a unique perspective to other classes as she is able to share the knowledge from her own lived experiences with others to help them develop a greater understanding of their anxiety and offer strategies to reduce their anxiety." It is signed "Samantha B."
A review with 5 stars at the top, and the date "July 28, 2023". The review writes "My son was able to practice working through some of the things that make him anxious in a low pressure, low stress environment. I especially appreciated how responsive the teacher was and how she reached out asking for feedback about what was going well and what suggestions we had. My son came away with practical tools and a sense of not being alone in his experience. We are already signed up for another of Heather's classes." It is signed "Corey"
A review with 5 stars at the top, and the date "December 18, 2022". The review writes "A really useful class with a wonderful teacher. My daughter really loves Heather's classes and always feels very comfortable with her. My daughter really appreciated the written recaps of the lessons and the info that she got to take away, especially as she sometimes struggles to focus when she needs to. Definite 5 star class, thank you!" It is signed "Astrid S."

Social Groups

Five people laying in a circle on a wooden floor, all holding thumbs up.

Autistic Social Time for Girls and Nonbinary Teens

Autistic teen girls and enbys get to socialize with other Autistic girls and enbys, talk about things we like, and ask an Autistic woman about social situations, life with autism, and more.

Meets Online
Once per week, ongoing
60 minutes per meeting
3-8 learners per meeting
$15 per week

See Current Schedule
Two people talking to each other, with nearby sandwiches and apples. One person is showing the other their phone.

Autistic Social Time for Teens

Autistic teens get to socialize with other Autistic teens, talk about things we like, and ask an Autistic woman about social situations, life with autism, sensory needs, and more.

Meets Online
Once per week, ongoing
60 minutes per meeting
3-8 learners per meeting
$15 per week

See Current Schedule
A review. At the top, there's the words "Laurie K. on Apr 21 about Autistic Social Support for Teens -- Ask Me Anything", with 5 stars underneath. Beneath both writes "I am very grateful that Heather offers this class. My child has been gradually opening up a little more each week in class and they are slowly feeling more comfortable. My child is extremely anxious and having this place where they can feel safe and accepted is a huge support for them."
A message. At the top, there's the words "Anna H. on Aug 16 about Autistic Social Support for Kids--Ask Me Anything", with 5 stars underneath. Beneath both writes "Heather is really good at trying to get kids engaged in conversation even with my daughter, who doesn't really like to talk as much but it's nice that she can just listen to the social conversations that goes on in a session. I like that the conversations vary from week to week depending on the mix of kids and that is nice for my daughter to see and engage in different types of conversations, not just what she is used to. Heather would ask the kids questions and try to engage the kids if they want to be engaged. Would recommend for the social experience and conversations. =)".
A review. At the top, there's the words "An Outschool parent on May 30 about Autistic Social Support for Kids -- Ask Me Anything", with 5 stars underneath. Beneath both writes "I love that the kids really feel comfortable being themselves with this teacher."
A review. At the top, there's the words "Sarah E. on Apr 13 about Autistic Social Support for Kids -- Ask Me Anything", with 5 stars underneath. Beneath both writes "Heather is a wonderful facilitator for Autism Social skills class. She asks questions about how students are feeling when certain challenges arise for and redirects when necessary. She helps the students engage in back and forth conversations. Best of all, Heather understands the experiences of Autism and there's never a need to apologies when your child is having a hard time. Heather creates a judgement free, safe place for the students. My son loves her social skills class and we will sign up for more of Heathers classes in the future."

Neurodiversity Book Clubs

A book cover. Green background with the words "New York Times Bestseller, Lynda Mullaly Hunt" at the top and in the middle it writes "Fish In A Tree", with a drawing of a fish in a tree above it.

Fish in a Tree

A book club for tweens and teens on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette, OCD, anxiety, and other neurowonderful ways of being in the world, and the neurotypicals who support us. This is for the book “Fish in a Tree.”

Fish in a Tree is about a girl who hides her inability to read, and some of the difficult, awkward, and frustrating situations that creates. Everything changes when she gets a new teacher and opens up to two potential friends.

Meets Online
Meets once
60 minutes
3-8 learners
$16

See Current Schedule
A book cover. A child with long hair in a ponytail is standing on grass holding their hand up to a big planet in the sky, with the words "Planet Earth Is Blue" in it. There are stars in the background.

Planet Earth is Blue

A book group for tweens and teens on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette, OCD, anxiety, and other neurowonderful ways of being in the world, and our allies. This is for the book “Planet Earth is Blue.”

It’s about a non-speaking autistic girl named Nova who loves space and loves her sister, but they’ve lived in foster homes for years and were just split up. Nova is with a new family now, and they seem nice, but is there room for her sister there too? And will they find each other in time for the launch of the space shuttle Challenger?

Meets Online
Meets once
60 minutes
3-8 learners
$16

See Current Schedule
A message. At the top, there's the words "Margaret C. on Aug 16 about Neurodiversity Book Club (August) -- Fish in a Tree", with 5 stars underneath. Beneath both writes "My children love this book club. It's nice to feel free to be themselves and to read books that reflect some of their experiences. We're reading as a family and now they have Grandma enjoying the books too! Thank you so much."
A review. At the top, there's the words "Michelle M. on Jul 5 about Neurodiversity Book Club (July) -- Real", with 5 stars underneath. Beneath both writes "The book was excellent and my student really enjoyed the discussion. This was the second book club they participated in and looking forward to the next one!"
A review with 5 stars at the top, the date "Feb 8, 2022" underneath the stars and the words "This is a wonderful book club experience for neurowonderful kids! My children have enjoyed every class and benefit from the experience of relatable characters in the books. Having the opportunity to discuss this with people who understand them makes it even more meaningful. Representation in literature is essential. Thank you for providing this opportunity." beneath both. It is signed "Margaret C." and has the words "Neurodiversity Book Club (February) -- The Easy Part of Impossible" at the bottom.

Sensory Differences

Drawing of a silhouette of a person holding their hand to their chin. There is an outline of a brain within the silhouette, and the background is shades of cyan.

Explore Your Sensory Differences in Action

Our sensory experiences impact our mood, focus, and comfort, but how do you know which sensory input is hurting and which is helping? Explore how daily experiences affect you. For teens with sensory differences, autism, HSPs, SPD, and more.

Meets Online
Once per week, for 9 weeks
45 minutes per class
5-8 learners per class
$160

See Current Schedule
Drawing of a silhouette of a person holding their hand to their chin. There is an outline of a brain within the silhouette, and the background is shades of blue.

What Are Sensory Differences?

A brief intro to sensory processing differences, what that means, what our many senses do for us (there’s more than just the top five), a bit about how our senses work, and tips to explain sensory differences to others.

Meets Online
Meets once
45 minutes
3-8 learners
$18

See Current Schedule
A message with 5 stars at the top, the date "Aug 14, 2022" underneath the stars and the words "Excellence class, very comprehensive in exploring sensory and how to apply to ones own understanding of personal sensory differences. Highly recommend." beneath both. It is signed "Michelle M."
A message with 5 stars at the top, the date "May 6, 2022" underneath the stars and the words "Heather Cook really cares about her students and it's a serious plus that she is neurodivergent. For us, it was the right course at the wrong time. We had to miss several classes. I hope to more thoroughly go through the questionnaires for each sense over time. It helps us to understand our son better and, hopefully, will help him be a more effective self-advocate. In addition, Heather is great at problem-solving solutions and workarounds for sensory issues. I would like to repeat the course." beneath both. It is signed "Jen G."

Other Classes

Stack of rocks with flowers and plants on on it. It's centered in the middle of water, and there's a bright forest around it.

Mindfulness for Autistic Teens

Short mindfulness and body awareness activities for teens on the autism spectrum and led by an autistic woman.

Meets Online
Once per week, ongoing
30 minutes per meeting
3-8 learners per meeting
$10 per week

See Current Schedule
Multi-colour outline of a head, with a few big and colourful dots in it.

Anti-Anxiety Practices for Neurodivergent Teens

Anxiety can feel like a big bad bully, but what if it weren’t so bossy all the time? Learn ways to reduce anxiety in everyday situations. For Autistic (ASD), ADHD, OCD, Highly Sensitive (HSP), Sensory (SPD), and other neurowonderful teens.

Meets Online
Once per week, for 3 weeks
55 minutes per class
3-8 learners per class
$54

See Current Schedule
A message. At the top, there's the words "Astrid S. on Sep 13 about Mindfulness for Autistic Teens", with 5 stars underneath. Beneath both writes "My daughter really enjoys the safe space that this class offers; and the kind, caring teacher. I don't have to remind my teenager about this class, which says a lot! Thank you so much!".
A message. At the top, there's the words "Ms. M. on Aug 12 about Mindfulness for Autistic Teens", with 5 stars underneath. Beneath both writes "My son loves this class he said it was lots of fun".
A message with 5 stars at the top, the date "May 4, 2022" underneath the stars and the words "My fifteen-year-old loved this class. He had an incredibly inclusive and validating experience and learned so much about himself. I would highly recommend this course, and we will be looking for other courses by Heather" beneath both. It is signed "Lisa D."
A message with 5 stars at the top, the date "Jul 28, 2022" underneath the stars and the words "My son was able to practice working through some of the things that make him anxious in a low pressure, low stress, environment. I especially appreciated how responsive the teacher was and how she reached out asking for feedback about what was going well and what suggestions we had. My son came away with practical tools and a sense of not being alone in his experience. We are already signed up for another of Heather's classes." beneath both. It is signed "Corey"

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