Assertive Communication (NVC + DBT DEARMAN)

Saying what you actually need, without melting down or shutting down, is hard. For a lot of neurodivergent folks it is even harder: rejection sensitivity, masking, and a lifetime of being told we are "too much" or "too blunt" can leave us stuck between bottling things up and exploding. This month we are getting practical. We will work through two well-tested toolkits for asking for what you want and setting boundaries that stick: **NVC (Nonviolent Communication)**: a simple structure of observation, feeling, need, and request that helps you say the hard thing without blame or apology. **DBT DEARMAN**: a step-by-step script (Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, stay Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate) for getting a request across and holding your ground. Expect plenty of real examples, low-pressure practice, and a chance to workshop a tricky conversation you have been avoiding. No prior knowledge needed. Come as you are, stim freely, step out whenever you need to. This is a relaxed, judgement-free space for neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autistic, AuDHD, and the still-figuring-it-out crowd all welcome). Allies and partners welcome too. Bring yourself, bring a situation, and we will figure out the words together.