Social & Support Group Events
At Kaboose, we offer events with our resident mentors to build individual skills and confidence for specific situations.
Social Anxiety Hacks
Date
Monday 3rd February
Time
Location
Mentor
Karla Pretorius & Michelle Ridsdale
Feeling anxious about social interactions? You’re not alone, and we get it.
Kaboose’s online meetups offer a welcoming, low-pressure space for neurodivergent individuals to connect, share, and grow. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, find your people, or better understand your social anxiety, this is a space where you’ll always feel supported and never judged.
Our resident psychologist, Karla Pretorius along with our Founder, Michelle Ridsdale will lead this support group.
What you’ll gain from this session:
- Practical tools to feel more at confident in social settings.
- Genuine connections with like-minded individuals – people who “get it”.
- A better understanding of your unique social needs.
- A safe, inclusive community where you truly belong and can share ideas.
Our resident psychologist, Karla Pretorius along with our Founder, Michelle Ridsdale will lead this support group.
Masking
Do you feel like you’re hiding who you really are to fit in?
Do you often mask your true self to get through the day? You’re not alone. Kaboose’s social and support groups are here for you—a safe, welcoming space where you can let your guard down, connect with others who understand, and rediscover your authentic self. It’s time to embrace the real you and feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
What you’ll get out of this session:
- Discover tools and strategies to let go of masking and be yourself
- Rediscover your authentic self
- Feel seen and celebrated within a safe community
- Benefit from professional facilitation from a counselling psychologist with lived experience and deep insight into the challenges of masking
This support group is facilitated by Dr Naomi Malone, Counselling Psychologist
Rejection Sensitivity
Does rejection hit harder than it should?
Struggling with feelings of rejection in your social or workplace interactions? You’re not alone. Our supportive group sessions provide a safe space to explore Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), share experiences, and learn strategies to manage these emotions. Let’s work together to turn rejection into resilience.
This support group is facilitated by Yenn Perkins, Autistic and non-binary Author, Advocate, Blogger, TEDx speaker and cat lover.
What you’ll get out of this session:
- Gain a deeper understanding of RSD, what it is and how it affects our emotions, and its impact on daily life
- Learn practical strategies to manage emotional responses
- Develop tools & techniques to build emotional resilience
- Share and connect in a safe, supportive space
- Empower yourself in social and workplace interactions
This support group is facilitated by Yenn Perkins, Autistic and non-binary Author, Advocate, Blogger, TEDx speaker and cat lover.
Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA)
Feeling trapped or overwhelmed by life demands?
Do you find it hard to meet expectations or feel overwhelmed by everyday demands? Join us for an engaging session on Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) to explore what it is, how it affects autonomy, and strategies to work with it. Learn practical tools to better understand yourself or support someone with PDA, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling life.
What you’ll get out of this session:
- Understanding what PDA is, how it manifests, and the impact on daily life
- Explore the challenges related to autonomy
- Develop practical strategies to manage life demands while honouring your need for autonomy
- A safe and supportive environment to support yourself and others in our group
- Create balance and fulfillment with a roadmap for navigating your needs
This session with be facilitated by Karla Pretorius, our resident psychologist, Karla Pretorius
Do you struggle to communicate your needs and feel heard?
Are you finding it hard to express your needs or communicate in a way that feels true to you? Kaboose’s social and support groups provide a supportive space to explore self-advocacy, understand your communication style, and discover ways to confidently share your preferences. Together, we’ll help you find your voice and build connections that honor who you are.
What you’ll get out of this session:
- Understanding the importance of self-advocacy and developing a deeper understanding of how advocacy can enhance your sense of belonging and wellbeing.
- Learn practical strategies to communicate your needs effectively and authentically.
- Gain confidence in expressing your preferences in personal, social, and professional settings.
- Build relationships with others who understand and share similar experiences.
- Benefit from the insights and lived experience of Yenn Purkis, a respected Autistic and non-binary advocate, author, and TEDx speaker.
This support group is facilitated by Yenn Perkins, Autistic and non-binary Author, Advocate, Blogger, TEDx speaker and cat lover.
