Support Groups for Autistic Adults

(formal diagnosis not required, groups adhd-inclusive)


SUPPORT GROUP CONTEXT-

Autism is a lifelong condition, representing one of many neurotypes that exist within the natural variation of human biology. There are many ways Autism manifests- diverse experiences that are most commonly placed on a “spectrum”. However, given the vast diversity of neurobiological composition, Autistic characteristics are better presented as a 3-dimensional matrix rather than a linear spectrum.

Ableism is the cultural, structural, and societal oppression against disabled humans. It shows up as prejudice, criticism, comparison, stereotyping, devaluating, invalidation, and more.

Internalized Ableism can be described as a burden of complex, unconscious, and habitual self-reproach that stems from longstanding and repeated negative messaging received from family, community, and the larger culture.

Impact of Ableism is vast, pervasive, and often overwhelming. The impact can be seen and felt on the level of self-image, personal aspiration, belief structures, habitual behaviors, and more. It can result in extreme anxiety, CPTSD, acute situational distress, a lack of motivation, futility, etc.

MEETING INFORMATION-

Purpose: to provide a safe social experience in a supported environment for Autistic adults to connect, explore needs, celebrate gifts, be seen for their experience of Abelism, share important resources, engage in activities for healing, and utilize the IFS therapeutic model for deep inner transformation. These support groups help you to recover and heal from internalized ableism, to connect with others who understand, and to thrive in life with new tools.

Ongoing Support Groups:

  • Queer Autistic Adults Group

  • Late-life-diagnosed Autistic Adults Group

  • Autistic People of Color Group

  • Queer, Autistic, People of Color Group

Format: please plan to arrive 5 mins early to get settled

  • Welcome, introductions, check-in: 10 minutes

  • Topic discussion/activity: 60 minutes

  • Wrap-up and resource sharing: 15 minutes

Confidentiality: to support a safe space, all stories, personally identifying information, and contact information is to be kept confidential

Meeting topics: (list not fully comprehensive)

  • IFS basics/working with individual inner parts

  • Ableism and its impact

  • Stigma and internalized oppression

  • Power Differentials

  • Cultural barriers

  • Needs and accommodations

  • Systems of oppression

  • Boundaries

FEE for support groups

Advantage Tier: $20 per 90-min session

Social Support Tier: $15 per 90-min session

Repair Tier: $10 per 90-min session