Life happens, and appointments or other groups may run over, so sometimes it starts late. Don't panic if you have to wait a bit! Email me if you are concerned or have waited longer than 10 minutes.
It can feel a little awkward at first, because you’re meeting new people, but remember that you all have at least one thing in common: you’re all autistic. You likely have lots more in common than you know (yet).
We may pick a topic ahead of time (it makes things run smoother), but we may get off topic, or if someone brings up something really interesting, we may decide to go with that idea instead.
Group is a place to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from other autistic adults who often understand your perspective without needing lengthy explanations. It can be reassuring—and often fun—to discover you're not the only one who does "that thing," hears the hum of electronics, or has strong opinions about the best earplugs or fidgets.
Conversations also go far beyond everyday experiences. We regularly explore topics such as relationships, work, identity, gender, sexuality, grief, chronic illness, and the many ways autism intersects with each of these. There are very few subjects that are off limits, and group is a place where curiosity, honesty, and thoughtful discussion are encouraged.
Group works best when everyone is both a learner and a contributor. It's not a place to expect other members to educate you while you remain a passive observer, nor is it a place for one person's concerns to consistently take over the conversation.
Unless you're home alone or in a private space, please use headphones or earbuds during group. This helps protect the privacy and confidentiality of other group members while also improving sound quality, making it easier for everyone to hear and be heard.
Please participate from a location where you can speak freely and where interruptions are minimized whenever possible.
Remember that everyone in the group is autistic. Conversations may occasionally include interruptions, tangents, processing pauses, sensory distractions, or moments when someone becomes overwhelmed. Please extend one another patience, respect, and kindness.
