“I’m so thankful for this community... Like multiple people mentioned, figuring out I am autistic made a lot of things from when I was growing up make sense...I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed today and how I’m looking forward to the rest of them.”
“Isolation in the Pandemic, coupled with trying to unravel and assimilate (for lack of a better word!) this new way of understanding myself, has led to so much social awkwardness for me– I feel more unsure than ever! I haven’t had people I could talk to. It was just so amazing to share and listen to people I could relate to.”
“Thank you so freaking much!! This was wonderful. While terrifying to put myself out there in such a tumultuous time, I am so glad I participated and didn’t skip. Hearing everyone’s perspectives is comforting and validating and safe.”
“Being able to find these community groups and connect with other autistic adults has helped me in so many ways such as knowing that it’s okay to feel comfortable being who I am, and just knowing that there are all kinds of autistic and unique people with unique minds out there and that we are not alone. ”
“I just wanted to tell you how helpful your Autism Community Groups have been for me. I’ve been processing so much information this past day! I’ve learned new things about myself from this process, so I’m super happy...The more I learn about Autism, I see how it can really be a super power. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, struggles and all”
Connect with people like you.
Autistic Community Groups
Autistic Community Groups are a safe and guided way for you to connect to others like you. ACGs meet a couple of times a month and each session focuses on a different topic pertaining to life on the spectrum. There are two types of groups: Support Groups and Learn & Discuss Groups. All groups are currently led by Taylor Heaton.
Support Groups are solely discussion-based and center around a particular topic (parenting, relationships, etc.).
Teach & Discuss Groups are centered around a topical slideshow with interspersed discussion points.
Sessions vary in length and focus, and run through Google Meet. You are welcome to participate as little or as much as you feel comfortable. The session structure can be found by clicking on a session type below.
Examples of modified ways to participate include: turning off video and only using your microphone, or engaging only via text with the chat feature.
For an example of what to expect based on a previous group, click here.