This post-diagnostic circle offers a gentle, structured space for a maximum of 8 neurodivergent women to pause, reflect and connect with others on similar journeys. It is not a therapy group, nor a series of educational workshops, but a facilitated community space designed to nurture understanding, belonging, and self-compassion after a diagnosis.
The autism/ADHD assessment process with us at Autistic Women can feel like a deep and often emotional journey of understanding. Upon completion, it can feel like stepping into a transitional space which can be disorienting as you navigate the grief, relief and everything else your diagnosis has brought up for you.
We have found that some women need a bridge across this void that is built on shared experiences with others.
So, we have developed Autistic Women Circles for you. A place to come and be as you are, as you settle into your identity as an autistic / ADHD woman.
Emerging from our Bridge to Self 6 week circle, we hope you’ll discover solid ground within yourself to step forward in your life with a deeper understanding, self-compassion, and a new sense of belonging as a neurodivergent woman.
What exactly happens in the Circle?
The circle moves through a six-week arc, beginning with arrival, and then moving into exploring the themes of identity, communication, relationships, thinking and processing styles and closing with reflections, next steps and focus on self compassion moving forwards.
This Circle will be facilitated by, one of our team clinicians. They will facilitate and hold the circle so you can share your experiences (if you’d like) and hear how others are doing after assessment; how others manage situations, how they talk to others about their diagnosis/es, how they’re experiencing life with their newly evolving identity.
Here are our Circle values to give you a sense of how they might feel for you:
- Neurodiversity-Affirming - Celebrate difference, honour identity, and use affirming language.
- Inclusive & Intersectional - Each person’s experience is shaped by multiple factors — gender, culture, class, language, race, and family structure. All identities are respected and valued.
- Compassionate - The circle centres compassion: for self and for others. Participants are invited to move away from guilt or comparison and toward gentle acceptance of where they are in their journey.
- Accessible - Sessions are paced slowly, with clear structure and flexible participation (speaking, writing, or simply listening). Sensory comfort and clear communication are prioritised.
- Trauma-Informed - The circle honours that many women may carry experiences of trauma from feeling misunderstood, unsupported, or invalidated in systems such as education or healthcare. Facilitation is grounded in principles of safety, choice, trust, collaboration, and empowerment, ensuring that every participant feels respected, emotionally contained, and free to engage at their own pace.
What else is included?
We are delighted to also offer a private online community for you to support each other in between sessions during your Circle, at no extra cost.
It will be the hub for us sharing information and resources with you as well as receiving support from each other.
How much does it cost?
The price for the Bridge to self post diagnostic support circle is £350, this includes;
- 6 weekly 1.5 hour sessions
- Access to our online community to gain additional support and stay in contact with other members of the group
When is it?
- The next group starts on 7th October at 7pm.
Who is this for?
- Women, non binary and trans people, who have being diagnosed Autistic or AuDHD by our service.
- Anyone who wants support after assessment to help ‘unmask’ and create a more easeful life.
- Those who find comfort in hearing others’ experiences that are similar to theirs.
- Women who feel lonely and a bit lost after the ending of their assessment.
- Anyone who feels some ‘imposter syndrome’ and wants to connect with other autistic women.
Who is this not for?
- Anyone who would prefer educational information/workshops rather than sharing experiences with others.
- Those who don’t currently have the capacity to join online for 1.5 hours a week.
- Women diagnosed with ADHD and not autism (the circles have a strong focus on autism).
- Anyone who finds groups too draining and difficult to manage.
Frequently asked questions