Who Are We
About the Just For Us™ Community
Just For Us™ is a program offered through the nonprofit I&O Wellness Center. It is a structured community designed to support neurodivergent adults in building independence, strengthening communication, and developing meaningful connections. Participants engage through guided learning experiences, with opportunities for both virtual participation and in-person connection. Participation in in-person gatherings is optional. Within this supportive environment, participants are introduced to one another and guided by the Just For Us team using a positive behavior support and person-centered approach.
Participation is flexible and accessible. Members may participate using a laptop or mobile phone and can log in at times that work best for them. While many activities are accessible on either device, live sessions with Coach Julie and some community learning experiences are encouraged to be completed on a laptop to provide a fuller and more interactive experience. Each week, the community typically offers 1–3 live scheduled sessions led by Coach Julie or members of the Just For Us team to further enhance opportunities for discussion and connection.
Who We Serve
Just For Us is a structured community designed to support neurodivergent adults who are seeking opportunites to build independence, strengthen communication, and develop meaningful connections. Partcipants are supported through guided learning experiences, with opportunities for both virtual participation and in-person connection.
Some participants may receive services through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or similar programs in other states, while others may participate through private pay. During enrollment, participants will be asked to provide standard documentation consistent with requirements established by state governing bodies for approved service providers. This helps confirm eligibility and ensures a consistent and supportive community experience for all participants.
Just For Us does not conduct clinical evaluations or diagnoses. Documentation is reviewed in accordance with established protocols to confirm eligibility and support appropriate placement within the community.
Maintaining this focus helps preserve a private and respectful community where participants can learn and interact and grow comfortably without fear of stigma or misunderstanding.
Support coordinators and care partners are welcome to assist participants during the intake process to help ensure a smooth and supportive onboarding experience.
Within the community, members have opportunities to practice everyday life skills such as organization, communication, interaction, and engagement through discussions, activities, and games.
Foundational wellness tools—including breathing practices, mindful movement, and healthy lifestyle habits—are woven throughout the experience to support overall well-being. The programs and learning experiences within the community are research-informed and thoughtfully designed by our founder, Coach Julie.
The goal is to create a supportive space where members can build confidence while developing practical skills that support independence and everyday success.
Within the community, members have opportunities to strengthen important life skills such as:
- Communication and positive social interaction
- Organization and planning
- Time management and task completion
- Executive functioning skills, including focus, problem-solving, and follow-through
- Participation in group discussions and shared activities
These experiences are designed to support learning, connection, and personal growth at a pace that respects each participant's individual strengths and learning style.
Our Mission, Our Approach
Our Mission
The mission of the Just For Us™ community is to provide a positive, neurodiversity-affirming space where adults with developmental experiences—such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual or developmental disabilities—can connect, grow, and belong.
Our Approach
The community utilizes a structured, person-centered approach rooted in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) principles.
This means our programs and interactions are designed to:
- Respect each individual's uniqueness and dignity
- Focus on building confidence and practical life skills
- Encourage self-advocacy and effective communication
- Celebrate progress and personal growth, rather than focusing solely on limitations
Just For Us™ is a structured community experience designed to support growth through guided learning and connection, with virtual participation and optional in-person opportunities based on client interest and location.
Join Us
Just For Us™ is a structured community designed to support growth through guided learning, connection and shared experience. We are committed to creating an environment where each individual is supported with intention, consistency, and respect.
Within the community, members participate in smaller groups organized around shared interests and similar life stages. This helps create comfortable spaces where participants can connect with others who are navigating similar experiences and goals.
Participation begins with a strucured intake process designed to ensure alignment between each client's needs and the support provided within the community. This process allows us to determine how we can best support each person's experience. We invite you to begin the Community Intake Process when ready. It is a short process that also helps determine whether the community may be a good fit for your interests and goals.
The community is open to neurodivergent adults who complete the screening process, demonstrate readiness and alignment with the program, confirm that services are within their budget, meet with the team and choose to move forward with enrollment. This approach helps ensure a consistent, and meaningful experience, supporting the journey for all clients.
Community Intake Process
Joining the Just For Us community begins with a few simple steps:
Step 1 — Share Basic Contact Information
Complete a short form with your name, email, and emergency contact or care partner information. This step usually takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete.
Step 2 — Receive Access to the Community Readiness Questions
After submitting the form, it will be reviewed by the team. Then you will receive an email containing a secure link containing an access code to begin the Community Readiness Screening Tool™ (CRST). This is a new program with higher than anticipated response so we are currently averaging a 24 hour turnaround to review responses and move to the next phase of the screening. Your patience is appreciated as we acclimate to this new program and review our staffing needs.
Step 3 — Complete the Community Readiness Questions to See If This Is a Good Fit for You
The CRST includes approximately 20 short questions designed to help you determine whether the community aligns with your current goals. Most participants complete the questions in about 10–20 minutes.
Step 4 — Results and Next Steps
After the screening tool is submitted, the system calculates the results and sends a follow-up email. If the results indicate potential alignment with your goals, the email will provide an opportunity to schedule a short interview to learn more about the program design, costs, and support coordinator information, where appropriate.
If permission is granted, a care partner or emergency contact may also receive copies of the screening link and results.
Begin the Community Intake Process
If you would like to explore whether the Just For Us community may be a good fit for your interests and goals, click the button below to begin.
(You will first complete a short contact form before receiving access to the community readiness questions.)
Start the Community IntakeWe appreciate your time to consider whether the Just For Us community may be a good fit for your needs.
The first step of the intake process usually takes about 3–5 minutes to complete.
Other Resources
Designed to empower and support neurodiverse adults in the digital age.
Confident Clicking: A Digital Guide for Neurodiverse Adults
Practical Steps to Reduce Risk and Build Online Awareness.
Confident Clicking is a practical, supportive guide designed specifically to help neurodiverse adults navigate the digital world with greater awareness, safety, and confidence.
- Understanding your digital footprint
- Recognizing online "red flags"
- Privacy settings and healthy boundaries
Interactive
Course Overview
Confident Clicking Interactive Mini-Course
Learn digital safety through interactive modules.
This mini-course complements the book with practical, hands-on exercises designed to build your confidence in a safe, controlled environment.
- Video Walkthroughs
- Interactive Exercises
- Progress Tracking
What People Are Saying
"I am a nurse and I shared this book with my co-worker who facilitates hiring of individuals that require accomodations. It is great resource"
"Quick read! Easy to understand"
"The short video at the beginning of each course section helps learners know what to expect. The mini quiz at the end reinforces learning."
About Our Founder
Julie Maria is a Positive Behavior Support coach and New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) vendor. A cancer survivor, she understands the importance of resilience, encouragement, and supportive community. Her vision for Just For Us™ is rooted in both personal experience and professional commitment to helping people grow and thrive.
Julie is the founder of Just For Us™, a supportive community initiative developed through the I&O Wellness Center to encourage connection, personal growth, and belonging among neurodivergent adults.
She holds a Master's degree in Behavioral Science and brings experience in human resources, information systems, healthcare, and education. She also holds professional certifications in functional breathing, movement coaching, and nutrition, reflecting her belief that small lifestyle habits can significantly improve overall well-being.
Through Just For Us™, Julie works directly with individuals in the developmentally disabled community, helping participants build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop practical life skills in a structured and supportive environment. She also volunteers and provides educational talks within the neurodiverse community, at senior centers, and within churches.
In her current graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Julie focuses on person-centered and related counseling theories that emphasize dignity, empathy, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for growth.
Upcoming Events
This page will be updated with upcoming information sessions, gatherings, and special events.
There are no events currently scheduled.
Please check back soon for future announcements.