Comprehensive Support for Neurodivergent Youth
in North Vancouver
Programs tailored for teens and young adults to develop essential self-regulation skills in a safe, inclusive environment.
Sheila Threndyle
At Threndy Talk, we provide specialized support to neurodivergent youth in North Vancouver. Our programs are designed to empower teens and young adults by building essential skills in self-regulation, communication, and social engagement, all within a nurturing and inclusive environment. We focus on helping individuals navigate the unique challenges they face in social, academic, and personal settings, fostering confidence and independence.
Why Threndy Talk?
A Holistic and Evidence-Based Approach to Empowering Neurodivergent Youth
At Threndy Talk, our mission is to support neurodivergent youth in their journey toward self-discovery, independence, and success. With an evidence-based approach, we focus on creating tailored programs that address individual needs and challenges. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging and confidence, helping youth develop skills that will enable them to thrive in all aspects of life. From improving self-regulation to enhancing social communication, we are committed to guiding each individual toward their full potential.
Tailored Support for Real-World Challenges
Programs Designed to Address Core Needs
Our Programs for Neurodivergent Youth
Threndy Talk offers a range of specialized programs that focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent youth. Our programs are designed to be flexible and adaptive, providing individualized and group support that meets the specific needs of each participant.
Group Programs
Social Skills and Executive Function Development
Our group programs, including our most popular offering, Chill and Chat, focus on helping youth build critical social skills and develop executive function abilities. Through interactive group sessions, participants learn how to communicate effectively, work as part of a team, and manage emotions in social settings. These programs provide a supportive environment where youth can practice and refine their skills while connecting with peers who share similar experiences.
Individual Interventions
Personalized Support for Specific Challenges.
For those who require more personalized attention, our individual interventions offer one-on-one support. We work closely with each participant to address specific challenges such as impulse control, self-regulation, and stress management. Our tailored interventions help youth develop practical strategies that they can apply in their daily lives, ensuring long-term success and personal growth.
Community-Based Learning
Real-World Practice in Naturalistic Settings
Our summer camps provide youth with the opportunity to apply the skills they've developed in real-world settings. Whether it's navigating social interactions in a public space or managing emotions during unexpected events, these programs help participants build confidence and resilience in practical, everyday situations.
Key Areas of Focus
At Threndy Talk, we focus on developing a wide range of skills that empower neurodivergent youth to succeed in various aspects of their lives.
Skills We Develop in Our Programs
Self-Regulation and Emotional Control
Mastering Self-Regulation for Everyday Success
Self-regulation is a key component of success for neurodivergent youth. Our programs teach participants how to manage their emotions, control impulses, and respond to challenging situations with confidence. Through structured strategies and guided practice, youth learn to navigate the ups and downs of daily life with greater ease.
Executive Function Skills
Building Foundations for Independence
Executive function skills are essential for managing everyday tasks and achieving long-term goals. We help youth develop skills such as time management, task initiation, flexible thinking, planning, prioritization, working memory, and goal-directed persistence. These skills provide the foundation for greater independence and success in school, work, and personal life.
Social Communication and Interaction
Connecting with Confidence
Social interactions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent youth. Our programs focus on improving social communication skills, helping participants build confidence in their interactions with peers and adults. We teach strategies for effective communication, understanding social cues, and managing conversations in a variety of settings.
Meet the Team
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Oiliva
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Laurence Bracken-Furneaux.
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Jason Berzins is a student at the University of British Columbia who began working as a peer conversation coach at Chill and Chat in 2022. He is passionate about mentorship, psychology, sociology, business, volunteering and traveling. Working with Chill and Chat attendees has been an enlightening and enriching experience, as he continues to witness their growth and personal progress. As a peer coach, he strives to create a supportive and judgement-free environment where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. He believes that Chill and Chat is a place to start fresh, connect deeply and grow at your own pace. He hopes every participant leaves each session feeling heard, valued and inspired, whether through an “a-ha” moment or simply the comfort of being understood. Jason reminds participants that there is no linear path to success at Chill and Chat; it is a personal journey and some days you may feel off and that is perfectly okay. The most important thing is to show up as yourself, ready to learn, connect and have fun!
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Lauren Rafter is a graduate from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and she plans to continue her studies in Occupational Therapy. As a peer coach, she loves watching the relationships and conversations that foster within Chill & Chat. Her interests include hiking and spending time with animals.
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Sheila Threndyle is a registered and certified speech-language pathologist with over 40 years experience supporting individuals with communication delays and disorders, including social language and executive skills. Having ADHD herself, she empathizes with the challenges associated with being neurodiverse. Her passion is lifting up other neurodivergent learners to harness their executive skills and become socially connected and strong self-advocates.
Image created by Grace B.
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Sofija Ivanovic began as a participant back in 2017 and has been a regular with the group ever since. Sofija is now peer coach. She is very active and dependable as a mentor and a friend. Her interests outside of C&C include Arts & Crafts, media, literature and roaming the many numerous areas of the GVA.
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Diana Martens received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and is currently studying linguistics. She hopes to further her studies in order to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Diana enjoys working with children and youth. As a peer coach, Diana loves seeing the participants of Chill and Chat gain confidence in social settings and develop their executive functioning skills in a fun and safe environment. Her interests including reading, biking and travelling!
FAQs
To help you better understand our programs and how they can benefit your child, we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions.
What is neurodivergent youth support?
Neurodivergent youth support refers to tailored programs that help young people with neurodivergent conditions (like ADHD, autism, dyslexia) build skills in areas such as self-regulation, social communication, and executive functioning.
How does your program help with social skills?
Our program provides structured group sessions and one-on-one interventions where youth practice communication, teamwork, and social interactions in a supportive environment, helping them build confidence in social settings.
What age range do you serve?
We typically serve teens and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24, but we tailor programs based on individual needs.
Are the sessions one-on-one or in groups?
We offer both. Group sessions help with social interactions, while one-on-one interventions focus on individual challenges.
How long does each program last?
The length of our programs varies depending on the specific needs of the participant, but most programs run between 8 to 12 weeks, with options for ongoing support.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, we can offer virtual sessions for those who prefer remote support or are unable to attend in person.
Can family members be involved in the sessions?
Family members are welcome to be involved in the process, particularly in the initial consultation and progress reviews, but individual sessions are focused on the youth. Participants and parents receive detailed post-session notes containing suggestions which they can share with their school or mental health teams.
What qualifications do the team members have?
Our team consists of experienced professionals, including a certified and registered speech-language pathologist, peer coaches, and specialists in neurodivergent youth support. Several members of our team are also neuro-divergent.
What are executive function skills?
Executive function skills are mental processes that help with planning, time management, organization, problem-solving, and controlling impulses. We focus on developing these skills to help youth succeed in daily tasks.
Do you provide support for specific challenges like ADHD or anxiety?
Yes, our programs are tailored to support youth with ADHD, anxiety, and other related challenges, offering strategies and tools to help them manage their symptoms and thrive.
Ready to Empower Your Journey?
If you're ready to take the next step in supporting your child's growth and development, we're here to help. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent youth, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.