Peer-Led Autism Group

Peer-Led Autism Group: this space is led by Autistic adults for Autistic adults. We are currently meeting virtually every 1st + 3rd Thursday of every month from 6:30PM - 8PM (EST)

Registering for tickets isn't necessary, but please email Quince at icrockett678@gmail.com for the zoom link to join and for any questions related to the space.

We welcome Autistic, Neurodivergent folks (18+) to join us in building new friendships, expanding social skills, and growing support systems with similar experienced individuals. Self-diagnosis is honored in this group and it is okay if you are questioning - this space welcomes all.

Condensed Community Agreement:

• What is said here, stays here
• You are encouraged to take a break, or do whatever you need to meet your needs, when needed (stepping away, muting audio, asking to go to the waiting room, etc.)
• We believe in collective liberation and that overcoming oppression aids everyone, so we oppose any bigotry that may occur in this space
• Our safe word is “Red”; please say this when you feel triggered or need the group to pause as you meet your needs. You can also use any red shape emoji, (besides hearts) or ask us to pause directly.
• Adding an asterisk (*) by your name lets us know not to call on you during quiet moments
• This is everyone's group, feedback is welcomed

We keep this space safer and accessible for all by:

• Self-advocating as we feel comfortable
• Working together to balance individual and group needs
• Respecting each other
• Not making assumptions
• Waiting 5 seconds to address folks joining, in case they’d like to change their name
• Offering a content warning followed by a 10 second pause when using triggering language or discussing potentially upsetting topics (abuse, sex, drug use, surgery, ABA & quiet rooms, etc.)
• Offering our contact info if we want to connect outside the space, instead of asking others for theirs directly
• Calling each other in when we breach the agreement, and owning our impact when we cause harm (Calling someone in functions like calling them back into their values, in this case being the points in this agreement. It acts as a reminder for when we mess up)

When sharing and giving responses we:

• Try to limit the length of time we are speaking to under 6 minutes
• Ask if a response is wanted, and what kind of response is comfortable (words of support, personal anecdotes, solutions or resources, etc.) before offering one
• Center the person who shared in our responses

Please avoid:

• Using functional labels on others
• Using slurs (including the r-slur) in any context
• The outdated terms "@spergers" or "PDD"
• Discussing vaccines in relation to autism
• Treating the space as a dating service, or asking others for their contact info directly
• Sharing carceral resources here, (hotlines that may call police or forcibly commit folks, etc.) as this is an anti-carceral space. (i.e. we oppose policing, forced interventions, coercion, etc.) If you do, or aren’t sure, please offer a disclaimer!
• Sanist/ableist language (insane, stupid, dumb, etc. or using terms like narcissistic, psychotic, etc. to mean abusive)

This Community Agreement is a living document of group guidelines that have been collectively built over the years based on feedback from both participants and facilitators. The full version contains much of the same information, but with more detailed wording and explanations. If reading it would be helpful, it can be viewed below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/144_X49qffdKJP32S6G1Eg4D2545WEJYdRodQWHDsCYo/edit?usp=sharing