What we’re about
This group is for anyone on the autism spectrum who is looking for an accepting and inclusive community of friends for socializing and peer support. Whether you are diagnosed autistic, self-identify, or are questioning whether you might be on the spectrum, you are welcome to join us. Our group welcomes everyone, regardless of diagnostic status or support needs. Nonverbal members are welcome. If you need a friend or caretaker to accompany you to meetups to help you communicate and interact with the group, you are welcome to do so. Members are welcome to sit in and listen to the conversation without sharing. We will offer you an opportunity to share, and you always have the right to pass.
We meet 2-3 times per month for social skills practice, peer support, and fun activities like museum trips, games, movies, etc. Please note, we are currently meeting on the Zoom platform. To learn more about using Zoom, please consult this guide: https://www.goucher.edu/learn/graduate-programs/distance-learning-resources/documents/student_documents/HowtoParticipateInAZoomMeeting.pdf.
We also welcome you to join our other Meetup groups: Full Spectrum Agency - Massachusetts Chapter (Virtual and In-person events, open to all autistic adults everywhere! Full Spectrum Agency - Massachusetts Chapter | Meetup), and our Full Spectrum Agency Friends and Family Group (Our autistic-allistic alliance group, open to all neurotypes! Full Spectrum Agency Friends and Family Group | Meetup). Our group is led by autistic adults, for autistic adults, and we hope you will join us! To learn more about Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults, visit https://fullspectrumasd.org. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Oswald at katie@FullSpectrumASD.org.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Adult Autism + Chronic Conditions Peer Support GroupLink visible for attendees
This group is for adults 18+ who identify as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are managing life with a chronic condition(s) and/or illness(es).
The Adult Autism + Chronic Conditions Peer Support Group is a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment for adults living with autism spectrum disorder and chronic conditions and/or illnesses to reflect on and share our challenges and successes, learn from one another, gain insights about managing our chronic conditions and autism, develop new strategies and skills, as well as discuss resources.
Navigating the intersection of living with autism and chronic illness presents its share of challenges (an example is the chronic constellation, read about it here at Stimpunks: Chronic Constellation - Stimpunks Foundation), but it's also a journey marked by resilience and growth. Despite the complexities, we find strength in our ability to adapt and overcome. The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, such as challenges with social and emotional reciprocity, unique issues with interoception, proprioception, and managing sensory differences and difficulties can make navigating not only society, but a medical or behavioral healthcare system challenging; a system not designed with you in mind or at least a system that is filled with inadequacies and other issues. Fluctuating symptoms of chronic illnesses and conditions further disrupts our daily routines and can make our autism symptoms more pronounced and acute and potentially vice versa with our chronic conditions.
However, by acknowledging these unique challenges and embracing a spirit of resilience, we can cultivate innovative strategies for managing our health. Through self-compassion and support from our peers, we can learn to navigate the ups and downs with grace and determination, offering hope for a future filled with the possibility of living better despite our autism and our chronic conditions.
In a world where it is spoken, unspoken, or implied what is expected of an adult that may "appear normal", let us help each other with dealing with any shame, guilt, stigma, ableism, and internalized ableism that usually comes with having multiple conditions and illnesses and maybe living on disability partially or totally and understanding your personal "adequate level of functioning" and personal best each day, short term, and long term compared to what is typical or expected.
Our time together will begin five minutes after the beginning of group and will consist of any important announcements, short orientation to the group, short introductions (you may pass if you want to), collection of topics for discussion or if anyone wants to do a check-in instead, the main discussion based on topics collected and any check-ins mentioned, finally any "wins" since the last meeting, discussion of any activities that have brought or are bringing positivity to your life, or anything positive you will do after the meeting and before the next one.
After any “wins” or plans discussed we may have a free-form discussion (open format or a format based on themes discussed from earlier in the meeting to unpack further) if there is time remaining.
Or, we may also have time for reading and discussing one of several wellness, mindfulness, or neurodivergent card decks.
Come with your experiences, questions or information to share, or just your presence. - Peer Support MeetupLink visible for attendees
Join us for a supportive and welcoming peer group meeting for autistic adults to share experiences, provide mutual support, and connect with others who understand. Whether you're looking to discuss challenges, celebrate accomplishments, or simply find community, this group offers a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about the unique aspects of being autistic in a neurotypical world.
Topics vary and can include sensory sensitivities, navigating social situations, self-advocacy, mental health, and personal growth. No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome to join the conversation and learn from the lived experiences of others.
Our peer support meetup is an open discussion group. We sometimes get 30 or more attendees, so we can’t guarantee everyone will have a chance to share or that you will get to say everything you want to say if you do get to share.
This is an opportunity to build connections, share strategies, and find comfort in knowing you're not alone. All autistic adults are welcome, regardless of diagnostic status or support needs. Come as you are!
If you need a caregiver to attend with you, that is always allowed, but that person is not allowed to engage in the discussion. They are there to support you, not as a participant. If you are nonspeaking or minimally verbal, you are welcome to participate using whatever AAC device you use to communicate. If you need any accommodations to participate, please either let us know in the event chat or email info@FullSpectrumASD.org.
Peer Support Group Agreements
- All autistic people are welcome and accepted in this group.
- What is discussed in the group will be kept in the group.
- People within this group have different worldviews and beliefs. Participants commit to being kind, respectful, and constructive in my comments.
- This group is not intended to help people find someone to date.
- We are not licensed therapists or counselors. Thus, we cannot offer professional advice to your situation. If your situation requires you to get psychological help, we will help by guiding you in the right direction with those who might be able to help.
- Remember to mute your microphone when you are not speaking. Computer mics are really sensitive and pick up a lot of background noise that can be distracting for others.
- Please stay on topic in the chat. We want to have the chat available for those who prefer that to verbal discussion, but it can be a distraction if the topic is different than what is being discussed verbally.
- No soliciting. Please refrain from trying to sell goods to our members or ask for money. We encourage all members to not give or borrow money to other members.
