Support Groups for Autistic Adults
(formal diagnosis not required, groups adhd-inclusive)
SUPPORT GROUP CONTEXT-
Autism is a lifelong condition, representing one of many neurotypes that exist within the natural variation of human biology. Autism awareness is on the rise, which is important and positive movement. However, the truth of Autism is that some Autistic people require far more external supports than others. Grassroots Life Coaching, LLC affirms the individual experiences of all Autistic people. Our support groups are geared toward those who have the ability to arrive on their own, and verbally engage to some extent. If you or someone you are supporting does not fit this profile, you may contact the Autism Society of Oregon for further resources.
It is known that regular attendance in a group setting can provide the excellent support to participants. And, so does flexibility and understanding, because, let’s face it, sometimes it’s just hard to be social! To that end, our Support Groups do not require regular attendance, just a willingness to show up when you can.
Support Groups:
Queer Autistic Adults
Late Diagnosed Autistic Adults of any identity
Global Majority Autistic Adults
Queer Global Majority Autistic Adults
These groups are not to be confused with group therapy. As mentioned many times in this website, I am not a licensed mental health provider, but a formally trained IFS Practitioner. I do not diagnose Autism, but I believe in the inner wisdom of individuals to self-diagnose. Formal diagnosis not required to participate in these support groups, and these groups are ADHD inclusive.
For context into the mindset we hold in offering these support groups, few offer the following, relevant definitions to guide you in understanding our views:
Ableism is the cultural, structural, and societal oppression against disabled humans. It shows up as prejudice, criticism, comparison, stereotyping, devaluating, invalidation, and more.
Internalized Ableism can be described as a burden of complex, unconscious, and habitual self-reproach that stems from longstanding and repeated negative messaging received from family, community, and the larger culture.
Impact of Ableism is vast, pervasive, and often overwhelming. The impact can be seen and felt on the level of self-image, personal aspiration, belief structures, habitual behaviors, and more. It can result in extreme anxiety, CPTSD, acute situational distress, a lack of motivation, futility, etc.
MEETING INFORMATION-
Purpose: to provide a safe social experience in a supported environment for Autistic adults to connect, explore needs, celebrate gifts, be seen for their experience of Abelism, share important resources, engage in activities for emotional healing, and utilize the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model for deep inner transformation. Please keep in mind that these are support groups, not to be confused with group therapy, and that I am not a licensed mental health provider. My goal as a peer-facilitator is to support you on your path to healing the impact of internalized ableism. My hope is that you will thrive in life with new tools and a feeling of community connection.
Ongoing Support Groups:
Queer Autistic Adults Group
Late-life-diagnosed Autistic Adults Group
Autistic People of Color Group
Queer, Autistic, People of Color Group
Format: please plan to arrive 5 mins early to get settled
Welcome, introductions, check-in: 10 minutes
Topic discussion/activity: 60 minutes
Wrap-up and resource sharing: 15 minutes
Confidentiality: to support a safe space, all stories, personally identifying information, and contact information is to be kept confidential
Meeting topics: (list not fully comprehensive)
IFS basics/working with individual inner parts
Ableism and its impact
Stigma and internalized oppression
Power Differentials
Cultural barriers
Needs and accommodations
Systems of oppression
Boundaries
FEE for support groups
Advantage Tier: $20 per 90-min session
Social Support Tier: $15 per 90-min session
Repair Tier: $10 per 90-min session
