About us
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 Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Oswald at katie@FullSpectrumAutisticAdults.org.
Upcoming events
86
Asynchronous Companion Care/Body Doubling Saturday
·OnlineOnlineLet's do body doubling together asynchronously! Many of us neurospicy folks have difficulty with starting and completing tasks, especially when energy levels are not ideal, or we're not in flow state or hyperfocus. We all have different schedules for work, school, and life and might benefit from asynchronous-style body doubling over synchronous in-person or virtual body doubling sessions. We might need accountability at different timelines than what might be offered for synchronous body doubling. Or in-person or virtual body doubling sessions may be stressful to get productive and get tasks completed.
There are no Zoom or virtual meetings or in-person meetings for this type of body doubling because this is body doubling on your own time!
Asynchronous body doubling is a productivity technique where individuals gain accountability by sharing task progress, intentions, or "co-working" vibes with others without being live or in the same space simultaneously. It involves recording start/end videos, sending "I'm starting" texts, or using pre-recorded focus videos to boost motivation.
We all go about our day and when we are able, in the mood, disciplined/motivated, or focused and energized, we can complete a specific task or tasks and check in with each other via Meetup or on our Full Spectrum Virtual Village. We all "start" at the time, i.e. the set time of the event, and take different "paths" and timelines to getting tasks done by the end time of the event.
Feel free to use YouTube body double videos, music, or apps such as Dubbii for productivity, different time-based techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, Flowtime Technique, Timeblocking or 10-Minute Hack, task-focused techniques such as Eat that Frog, Personal Kanban, or the 1-3-5 Rule, and prioritization techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix, Rapid Planning Method or the 3/3/3 Method to get tasks done, or do whatever works for you!
Here are some key tips and tricks on how to do Asynchronous Body Doubling and tips for success!:
Key Ways to Do Asynchronous Body Doubling:
- Video Accountability Partner: Record a short video stating your intention (e.g., "I'm going to clean my desk for 15 minutes") and send it to a friend. Send a follow-up video when done.
- "Study With Me" Videos: Watch recorded, long-form co-working videos on YouTube. These often use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes work/5 minutes break) to keep you on track.
- Delayed Check-ins: Use apps or text messages to log your tasks, then check in with a partner hours later to share what you accomplished.
- Co-working Platforms: Use platforms like Focusmate or Flown that offer on-demand, scheduled, or recorded sessions, which sometimes act as a form of asynchronous support.
Tips for Success:
- Name Your Task: Vocalize or write down what
you are about to do to help your brain commit to it. - Set the Scene: Create a comfortable, "cozy" environment to help you focus.
- Keep it Flexible: If a live session is too high-pressure, asynchronous methods provide the same benefit of companionship without the immediate social obligation.
State in the chat and/or post pictures on Meetup or on the Full Spectrum Virtual Village your intentions with the group or privately with a partner and also state and/or post pictures when you are finished for accountability on both ends. Something to show the start and finish of a task. Or you may create a short video for the group or privately with someone and state your intentions and a short video on when you are finished!
If a task did not go as planned for you, perhaps state in the chat what you might do differently next time!
Happy Focusing! 😊
2 attendeesAsynchronous Companion Care/Body Doubling Sunday
·OnlineOnlineLet's do body doubling together asynchronously! Many of us neurospicy folks have difficulty with starting and completing tasks, especially when energy levels are not ideal, or we're not in flow state or hyperfocus. We all have different schedules for work, school, and life and might benefit from asynchronous-style body doubling over synchronous in-person or virtual body doubling sessions. We might need accountability at different timelines than what might be offered for synchronous body doubling. Or in-person or virtual body doubling sessions may be stressful to get productive and get tasks completed.
There are no Zoom or virtual meetings or in-person meetings for this type of body doubling because this is body doubling on your own time!
Asynchronous body doubling is a productivity technique where individuals gain accountability by sharing task progress, intentions, or "co-working" vibes with others without being live or in the same space simultaneously. It involves recording start/end videos, sending "I'm starting" texts, or using pre-recorded focus videos to boost motivation.We all go about our day and when we are able, in the mood, disciplined/motivated, or focused and energized, we can complete a specific task or tasks and check in with each other via Meetup or on our Full Spectrum Virtual Village. We all "start" at the time, i.e. the set time of the event, and take different "paths" and timelines to getting tasks done by the end time of the event.
Feel free to use YouTube body double videos, music, or apps such as Dubbii for productivity, different time-based techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, Flowtime Technique, Timeblocking or 10-Minute Hack, task-focused techniques such as Eat that Frog, Personal Kanban, or the 1-3-5 Rule, and prioritization techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix, Rapid Planning Method or the 3/3/3 Method to get tasks done, or do whatever works for you!
Here are some key tips and tricks on how to do Asynchronous Body Doubling and tips for success!:
Key Ways to Do Asynchronous Body Doubling:- Video Accountability Partner: Record a short video stating your intention (e.g., "I'm going to clean my desk for 15 minutes") and send it to a friend. Send a follow-up video when done.
- "Study With Me" Videos: Watch recorded, long-form co-working videos on YouTube. These often use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes work/5 minutes break) to keep you on track.
- Delayed Check-ins: Use apps or text messages to log your tasks, then check in with a partner hours later to share what you accomplished.
- Co-working Platforms: Use platforms like Lofi.Town, Focusmate, or Flown that offer on-demand, scheduled, or recorded sessions, which sometimes act as a form of asynchronous support.
Tips for Success:
- Name Your Task: Vocalize or write down what
you are about to do to help your brain commit to it. - Set the Scene: Create a comfortable, "cozy" environment to help you focus.
- Keep it Flexible: If a live session is too high-pressure, asynchronous methods provide the same benefit of companionship without the immediate social obligation.
State in the chat and/or post pictures on Meetup or on the Full Spectrum Virtual Village your intentions with the group or privately with a partner and also state and/or post pictures when you are finished for accountability on both ends. Something to show the start and finish of a task. Or you may create a short video for the group or privately with someone and state your intentions and a short video on when you are finished!
If a task did not go as planned for you, perhaps state in the chat what you might do differently next time!
Happy Focusing! 😊
1 attendeeAsynchronous Companion Care/Body Doubling Monday
·OnlineOnlineLet's do body doubling together asynchronously! Many of us neurospicy folks have difficulty with starting and completing tasks, especially when energy levels are not ideal, or we're not in flow state or hyperfocus. We all have different schedules for work, school, and life and might benefit from asynchronous-style body doubling over synchronous in-person or virtual body doubling sessions. We might need accountability at different timelines than what might be offered for synchronous body doubling. Or in-person or virtual body doubling sessions may be stressful to get productive and get tasks completed.
There are no Zoom or virtual meetings or in-person meetings for this type of body doubling because this is body doubling on your own time!
Asynchronous body doubling is a productivity technique where individuals gain accountability by sharing task progress, intentions, or "co-working" vibes with others without being live or in the same space simultaneously. It involves recording start/end videos, sending "I'm starting" texts, or using pre-recorded focus videos to boost motivation.We all go about our day and when we are able, in the mood, disciplined/motivated, or focused and energized, we can complete a specific task or tasks and check in with each other via Meetup or on our Full Spectrum Virtual Village. We all "start" at the time, i.e. the set time of the event, and take different "paths" and timelines to getting tasks done by the end time of the event.
Feel free to use YouTube body double videos, music, or apps such as Dubbii for productivity, different time-based techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, Flowtime Technique, Timeblocking or 10-Minute Hack, task-focused techniques such as Eat that Frog, Personal Kanban, or the 1-3-5 Rule, and prioritization techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix, Rapid Planning Method or the 3/3/3 Method to get tasks done, or do whatever works for you!
Here are some key tips and tricks on how to do Asynchronous Body Doubling and tips for success!:
Key Ways to Do Asynchronous Body Doubling:- Video Accountability Partner: Record a short video stating your intention (e.g., "I'm going to clean my desk for 15 minutes") and send it to a friend. Send a follow-up video when done.
- "Study With Me" Videos: Watch recorded, long-form co-working videos on YouTube. These often use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes work/5 minutes break) to keep you on track.
- Delayed Check-ins: Use apps or text messages to log your tasks, then check in with a partner hours later to share what you accomplished.
- Co-working Platforms: Use platforms like Lofi.Town, Focusmate, or Flown that offer on-demand, scheduled, or recorded sessions, which sometimes act as a form of asynchronous support.
Tips for Success:
- Name Your Task: Vocalize or write down what
you are about to do to help your brain commit to it. - Set the Scene: Create a comfortable, "cozy" environment to help you focus.
- Keep it Flexible: If a live session is too high-pressure, asynchronous methods provide the same benefit of companionship without the immediate social obligation.
State in the chat and/or post pictures on Meetup or on the Full Spectrum Virtual Village your intentions with the group or privately with a partner and also state and/or post pictures when you are finished for accountability on both ends. Something to show the start and finish of a task. Or you may create a short video for the group or privately with someone and state your intentions and a short video on when you are finished!
If a task did not go as planned for you, perhaps state in the chat what you might do differently next time!
Happy Focusing! 😊
1 attendee
Adult Autism + Chronic Conditions Peer Support Group
·OnlineOnlineThis group is for adults 18+ who identify as autistic 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 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, 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.12 attendees
Past events
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