I’m trying to put together a supportive community with other autistic adults. I personally prefer weekly meetings, but I’m open to this taking shape based on what other folks are looking for. Over time, I’m sure the group will develop its own structure and preferences, but I’m just tryin’ to get the conversation started.
A book I’m reading that is providing some inspiration is Community: The Structure of Belonging by Peter Block [outline and visual summary]. Yes, I know this guy is probably a cis straight neurotypical white dude, but his ideas really resonate with me. See what you think.
I’d like this group to welcome folks whether they are self-identified or formally diagnosed, and whether they identified early, late, or just on time. I’d like this to be a queer- and trans-affirming, anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-oppressive community.
The Deets
(if a weekly thing is what we decide to do…)
- weekly meetings on Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm
- with a late summer break
- in SE Portland, Oregon
- for adults 18+
- 6-10 members (or more if that’s how it goes, but we’ll try to keep meetings manageable)
What will we talk about?
So many possibilities! Here are some ideas:
- building neurodivergent community
- together, imagining our individual and collective possibilities
- your gifts and how to bring them into the world and into our community
- strategies for accommodation, pleasure, and resistance
- grief, joy, delight, frustration… all the feels!
- resource sharing
- self-discovery
- enjoying life
- etc.
About the Organizer
I’m Sasha Strong (they/them). Since self-identifying as autistic a few years ago, I have longed for more intentional community to discuss autism. So I’m inviting folks to come make good company together.
For fun, I like to write songs, sing, play piano, and make art. I also like walking, hiking, and talking about feelings. My past and present special interests include mindfulness, psychotherapy, transpersonal psychology, group work, qualitative and action research, and French.
How to Join/For More Info
If you’re interested in joining, please fill in the interest form. I will schedule individual meetings with potential new members so we get a read for each other and see if this is what you’re looking for. If you want more info first, feel free to drop me a line.
Fee
No fee for this community group.
FAQ
In anticipation of the kinds of questions autistic people are likely to ask… hypothetically… 😉
Can you offer this group online/at another day or time? If this day and time or format don’t work for you, please fill in the interest form and provide more details about your preferences at the end of the form.
What are the social rules for this group? I’m not sure yet— it depends on who comes, what feels right to them, and what we agree upon. Speaking for myself, I think ‘don’t be mean,’ ‘seek to understand yourself and others,’ and ‘share the talking time’ are guidelines I try to bring into most groups.
What should I expect? Hopefully, other people who want to connect and build neuroaffirming community.
What is the built environment like? If we decide to meet in my office (which can accommodate a group of up to 12 people): My office is on the third floor of a building close to Laurelhurst Park. There is a bus line nearby, bike staples out front, and there is usually ample parking in the neighborhood. The building has an elevator and my office is wheelchair accessible. (If you want to know more about accessibility, let’s talk about it. 😉) The group might also decide to meet elsewhere; in that case, we’ll figure it out as we go.