Autism Expressed 🗣️ Victoria Park

Join us in a safe, structured place to share a bit about your experience with autism, or just listen to how others have navigated autism.

This event aims to set a space for us to talk about our experiences on the spectrum, there will be 2 topics which we will all have the opportunity to share about. This is a timed share event and to give everyone the chance to express without competition we reframe from interruptions and cross talk while others are sharing.

We will take a 10 minute break after the second topic.

There is no obligation to share and you are welcome to just listen. When the formal part of the event is over we will chat openly, ask questions, and maybe play a game or two to lighten to mood.

There is free parking on surrounding streets, such as Merton St. Tuan St. Hubert St. and also at the recreation center.

-=Timeline=-

1815 Doors open, make a cuppa if you wish, get comfortable.

1830 Event begins, you will have 2 opportunities to share.

2000 Once everyone has shared the informal part of the event begins. Ask questions, chat and hang out, leave when you’re ready.

2030 leave and lock up.

-=Topics=-

PROMPT PAGE 2

1: What’s going on for you right now?
Is your life manageable? Do you have enough time and space to process everything that is happening for you right now? How is your mental health? Do you feel effective? Is anxiety or depression a problem? Are you stressed, about what? Do you have enough support and friendship? What issues are bothering you?
2: Insecurities
Is there something bothering you? Do you have any irrational fears? What insecurities do you have about yourself? Is your perceived level of safety high or low? How do you feel about your current situation? What would you like to change? What stresses you out? Do you feel confident? Are you relaxed socially? What are you worried about?
3: Diagnosis
Do you think diagnosis can help you? Do you feel you understand what is autism and what isn’t? Is diagnosis important to you? When did you first suspect you were on the spectrum? Have you had denial of your autism? When did you know for sure you were or weren’t autistic? Are you co-morbid?
4: Addictions and Compulsions
Have you had an addiction? How badly has addiction impacted your life? How is your will power? Do you keep your disciplines well? How has addiction and compulsion negatively affected your life? Are you happy with your current status? What do you do when you are craving? Have you found it hard to give up an addiction?
5: Living in Acceptance
What are you in denial about? What are you minimizing? Is accepting autism hard for you? What has been hard to come to terms with? Are you at peace with your past actions? Do you forgive yourself and others? What does it mean to be autistic to you? How do you feel about things that challenge you? Are you content?
6: Boundaries and Assertiveness
How well do you care for yourself? Do you feel like you protect yourself well? Are you good at setting boundaries or does it feel unnatural? Do you trust yourself to set healthy boundaries? Can you say what you want? Do you feel in control of your situation? What can make you reluctant to set boundaries and self-advocate? Do you worry about upsetting people by setting boundaries?
7: Confidence and Self Belief
Is your confidence solid or low? What things cause you doubt? Do you believe in your ability to adapt and grow? In what ways has your confidence grown? In what ways have you become less confident? Do you trust yourself to handle life’s complexities? What do you struggle to do? Have you ever doubted yourself but found yourself capable?
8: Imposter Syndrome
Do you fit in? Are you comfortable in your own skin? Do you ever doubt your ability to work with others? How do you feel if you are misunderstood? Do you expect others to read your mind? Are your expectations realistic? Do you understand your own needs? Do you communicate effectively? Is it others, or do you keep yourself separate?
9: Trauma and Autism
Have you experienced trauma? Do you think autism has affected how a traumatic situation was for you? Can you tell what behaviors and beliefs originated from autism and which ones come from trauma? How do these things affect your anxiety? Has autism helped you compartmentalize trauma? How is your healing journey going?
10: Playing it Safe and Over Protection
Are you appropriately cautious or overly cautious? Have you taken your cards off the table? Have you pushed yourself too hard and paid the price? Are you too cautious? Do you feel safe to take risks? Have you ever caught yourself playing victim mentality? Do you enjoy pushing your limits? Are you adventurous? Do you get out of your comfort zone enough?

Hope to see you there 🙂
Thanks
Chris

-== About SAGE ==-

SAGE is a social group for people who identify as being on the autistic spectrum. You do not need a formal diagnosis to come along to events and support people are welcome.
Our core values are respect, acceptance, and community, and by holding to these values we aim to create a friendly and safe place for members to relate to others and have some fun.
New members are always welcome and we understand that it can take courage to attend events if you don’t get out often. Feel free to message event hosts for details or assurance. We want to meet you. We want all our events be psychological safe spaces and do not tolerate aggressive or inappropriate behavior.

SAGE is entirely volunteer operated and was established in February 2020. If you would like to support SAGE donations are welcome at:

https://gofund.me/187847a2