Services in Ottawa for Neurodivergent Individuals and Their Families

Neurodivergent Affirming Services

Our team at Anchor is committed to providing neurodivergent-affirming care, and to assisting individuals and families in identifying and understanding neurodivergence. When working with neurodivergent individuals, our aim is to build on their strengths and help them thrive as they are in a neurotypical world.

Assessments for Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities

At Anchor Psychological Services, having a psychologist complete every component of the psychoeducational assessment makes us unique. Psychologists are specially trained to notice subtle behaviors, adapt assessments in real time, and integrate cognitive and emotional data. Our assessments stand out for being thorough and personalized. From the initial testing to interpretation and report writing, this continuity ensures clinical precision, meaningful insights, and a deeper understanding of your child’s learning and emotional profile.

Learning and Mental Health Consultation

Julie McIsaac PhD, our Learning and Mental Health Consultant, uses a whole-person, strengths- based approach to understand behavior, and to help clients understand themselves. She works with individuals from early childhood to young adulthood who have a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, or who otherwise identify as neurodivergent. She helps clients develop better emotion regulation skills to strengthen relationships and mental health, and targets executive functioning skills to build learning strategies and identify accommodation needs. Julie provides parent support to help caregivers of loved ones of all ages understand and attune to their child’s neurodivergent brain.

Therapy

When neurodivergent individuals are struggling with their mental health and burnout, they require interventions that meet their unique needs. Therapy for neurodivergent individuals and their families at Anchor combines evidence-based care with the flexibility to adapt to different brains and ways of being in the world. Families are assisted to support their loved ones in a variety of ways, including participation in treatment sessions and caregiver workshops.

Groups

Facilitated by Julie McIsaac PhD, our range of groups for neurodivergent children, youth, and young adults offer opportunities for connections with peers and skill building. Infused with fun and interest-based activities, these groups promote a strong sense of identity and self-acceptance, while providing tools that enhance resilience. Group offerings vary across the year.

Children decorating masks with sequins.

(ages 9-12 years)

Kids’ Social Clubs

These clubs emphasize play, conversation, and self-reflection. They are centered around different themes and activities, such as crafts and games. Kids will socialize with peers in an accepting, semi-structured environment that allows for connection and learning. Through guided discussions, children explore emotions, practice communication skills, and learn strategies for cooperation and problem-solving. 

Group of friends in a park.

(ages 12-16 years)

Teen Social Club

This neuro-affirming group for youth provides opportunities for participants to connect, relate, and learn with peers. Activities are determined by group interest and may include outings in the community or in nature. Teens explore topics like friendships, boundaries, and self-expression in a safe, inclusive environment. The group promotes leadership, emotional awareness, and teamwork through creative projects that build confidence and resilience.

Group of friends posing together.

(ages 17-23 years)

Young Adult Social Club

This social club focuses on engaging neurodivergent young adults in outings with their peers, offering opportunities for developing new interests, skills and relationships. This group is designed to be a space for individuals to be themselves and have shared experiences with others. Outings differ depending on time of year, but can include nature walks, and trips to museums, movies, or neighborhoods in the city.

Group of children outdoors, smiling.

(grades 7-12)

Back to School Executive Skills Coaching Workshop

This multi-day workshop is aimed at helping neurodivergent youth reduce the stress of school by finding systems to manage their schoolwork. Using activities, self-reflection, and play, this workshop will teach executive skills such as planning, organizing, scheduling, and managing attention and focus.
Group studying around a table.

(ages 11-16 years)

Homework Hacks

This group meets weekly to put study skills into practice. Bringing their homework or assignments from school, participants will develop their executive skills by planning, organizing, managing time, and creating personal goals. Sessions include collaborative problem-solving, study strategies, and reflection activities to help participants build confidence.

See Current Offerings

Discover our current lineup of groups, workshops, and social clubs for children, teens, and young adults. Each program is designed to foster connection, confidence, and growth in a supportive environment. Click below to explore what’s running this season and find the right fit for you or your family.

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Julie McIsaac's Newsletter

For Clinicians & Organizations

Julie McIsaac's Newsletter

For Clients & Participants