Support Group for Families of Autistic Adults
This group meets one Sunday a month and is for parents, family members, and friends of Autistic individuals. Guest speakers are hosted every other month.
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This group meets one Sunday a month and is for parents, family members, and friends of Autistic individuals. Guest speakers are hosted every other month.
This group is for those who identify as female. Discussions will focus on what it means to be an independent adult, sexuality, safety, mother/daughter relationships, managing anxiety and sensory issues associated with autism, work challenges and successes, being a woman on the autism spectrum, friendships and relationships.
Join us monthly for an support group that offers Autistic women, age 50+ an opportunity to come together to explore issues such as:
Receiving a diagnosis later in life
Masking and Camouflaging
Finding Support; Building and Maintaining Relationships
Challenges Post Menopause; Decline of Executive Functioning
Mid-Life Identity
Managing Stress and Coping Strategies
Self-Care
Join us for this 90-minute workshop on masking crafted for and by Autistic adults. We’ll unpack the pressures and motivations behind masking, explore its emotional impact, and touch on the nuanced gender differences. Learn more about the implications of consistently concealing Autistic traits and the quest for spaces where Autistic individuals can be their authentic selves. Connect with a community that understands the intricacies of living neurodivergent lives.
This 90-minute presentation discusses the when, how, and why of talking about Autism with your Autistic child or teen. Come learn concrete strategies for starting and continuing the conversation. We’ll cover how to use affirming language to support your child in their lifelong journey of understanding what Autism means for them. Topics include talking about a new diagnosis, identifying strengths and accommodation needs, encouraging self-advocacy, and the importance of Autistic and Neurodivergent representation.
ALIVE is a two part online workshop for LGBTQIA+ Autistic adults. One part is an 8 week curriculum based workshop and the other is an 8 week support group experience. There is a three month break between the parts. Registration includes both parts (16 weeks.)
ALIVE is rooted in a neurodiversity embracing perspective and is facilitated by an autistic adult and a non-autistic adult who work together. The curriculum provides education about the science of LGBTQIA+ mental health, community building, and more. Topics of discussion will include:
-Creating Goals
-Science of minority stress
-Countering shame and guilt
-Meaning and purpose
-Building self-compassion
-Positive coping in today’s world
-Science of pride and affirmation
-Holistic self-care
-Managing rejection expectations
-Healthy relationships and boundaries
-Building a future worth living for
ALIVE offers a safe and affirming envirnoment for Autistic adults to talk with like minded people, share issues and concerns and celebrate successes It also provides opportunities for participants to build ongoing connections with a small LGBTQIA+ community’
Dates
September 30
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
November 11
November 18
February 17
February 24
March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
March 31
April 7
AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration through the Jody Acford Memorial Fund. As long as space remains, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to events@aane.org.
Join other parents of Autistic children of any age to share experiences, support one another, and build your toolbox to parent more confidently. We will be having a good conversation over Zoom. This group is facilitated by Bruce Sabian, who facilitated AANE’s Support Group for Fathers.
This 8-meeting support group is for Autistic adults (18+) who are post k-12. Through this group, members can build an ongoing connection with a small community. AANE support groups give members an opportunity to celebrate successes and support each other through difficulties. Common topics of discussion are:
Masking/camouflaging
Sensory sensitivities/overloads
Relationships
Self-care
Disclosure
Work/jobs
Intersectionality
Dates
September 30
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
November 11
November 18
AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration through the Jody Acford Memorial Fund. As long as space remains, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to events@aane.org.
Open Arms Support Group – Parents, caretakers and special educators. Our next meeting is 9/30 at 8 PM EST. Topic: Would you like to advocate like a pro? Iris Nova(licensed special education teacher of over 26 years) Open arms, support groups/family coaching Fee: $25 per session. Register by 9/29 @8:00 PM EST Let’s grow our supportive community together! If the name or email is different on the payment form make note of that.
This multi-session support group is designed for parents/family members of Autistic adults and teens with who are transgender or who are exploring or questioning their gender identity.
Gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation or preference. Gender identity is one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither–how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. Autistic individuals may be more likely to identify with a gender/s that is different than the sex assigned at birth. The intersection of these two identities is common, but not often talked about in the same space. When an adult child questions their gender identity parents are often initially overwhelmed by questions and concerns, and more questions may surface as their child continues on their journey. This is not a therapeutic support group.
The group offers a combination of facilitated peer support and information for parents who are starting or continuing on this journey with their child. These groups are ideal for parents who want to go beyond sharing their stories with newcomers each time at open support group meetings. Other adult family members, such as siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, or even close family friends can also join these groups. These support groups also let parents give voice to their concerns and frustrations and celebrate their victories.
Dates
October 1
October 15
October 29
November 12
November 19
December 3
December 17
This group always meets on the first Thursday of the month and is for post-high school Autistic adults who are interested in discussing and exploring their gender in a supportive setting. Most people who attend identify as transgender, nonbinary, and/or genderfluid, and some are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. Join us to share stories and perspectives, and to get support. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender identity is required to attend. This is a safe place to explore intersecting identities.
Spectrum has partnered with Emory School of Nursing in starting a Women Only Group for women ages 18 and up with HFA/Asperger's, focusing on sharing challenges and successes of transition, supporting one another, and building friendships for success. This group meets twice monthly via Zoom, first and 3rd Fridays. Contact Dr. Susan Brasher to be added to the email notification list and for an invitation to join the private FaceBook page (Emory PCORI Young Women on the Autism Spectrum Group) susan.n.brasher@emory.edu
RSVP for the Women Only monthly virtual meeting. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 5-6 pm.
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