Stories in Motion is lead by Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Deepika Birdi.

Group Overview

This in-person digital art therapy group is designed for autistic adolescents ages 12–18 and uses stop-motion animation as a primary therapeutic modality. The group leverages youths’ strengths in visual thinking, technology use, and focused engagement while supporting emotional expression, social connection, executive functioning, and self-regulation.

The intervention integrates phenomenological, trauma-informed, and strengths-based neuroaffirming art therapy approaches within a structured and predictable group format.

• Saturday's from 1:00pm - 2:30pm
• Weekly group: April 25th, May 2nd, May 9th, May 23rd, May 30th (No group on Victoria Day weekend)
• 5 sessions
• 90 mins each
• In-person location: 284 Bloor Street West (Bloor & St. George)

Group Goals

• Support emotional expression through visual and narrative-based artmaking
• Foster peer connection and collaboration in a low-pressure social context
• Strengthen executive functioning skills (planning, sequencing, turn-taking)
• Promote self-regulation through repetitive, rhythmic, and predictable creative processes
• Validate neurodivergent communication styles and creative strengths

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This group is facilitated by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)- this means that you should be able to submit the cost to any OAP benefits or private insurance plans.

Note: Payment is required to hold your spot in the group.

Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration up to 48 hours before the third meeting for a prorated refund minus a $25 administration fee.

Stories In Motion is:

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Phenomenological Art Therapy
Emphasizes participants’ lived experience and personal meaning-making through digital media, without imposed interpretation.

Trauma-Informed Practice
Prioritizes predictability, choice, sensory awareness, and emotional safety, recognizing heightened exposure to trauma among autistic youth.

Strengths-Based and Neuroaffirming Lens
Centers visual thinking, attention to detail, focused interests, and alternative communication styles as therapeutic assets rather than deficits.

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