Autism Expressed 🗣️ Victoria Park

Welcome to the autism expressed. This is a safe and structured space where you will be able to share with the group without interruption.

There will be several chances to share with the group but there is no pressure to do so, and you are welcome to just listen. There will also be opportunities to ask for opinions or advice but this is at your desecration.

There is free parking on nearby streets such as Merton, Hubert, and Tuam, the rec centre is also a good spot to park. There are several buses that pass by on Albany Hwy.

There is no charge to attend and tea and coffee are provided.

Hope to see you there
Chris

-= TIMELINE =-

1115 doors open.
1130 event begins.
1330 formal phase ends, casual chat, tidy room.
1400 leave venue.

-== TOPICS ==-

11: How Do You Feel About Being Autistic?

There is great diversity within the autistic community, our strengths, weaknesses, and sensitivities are an individual and unique blend. Autism may give us a perspective that aids us, or social limitations that frustrate us. We may have sensory issues that are inconvenient, or deeply restrictive. We may have wonderful attention to detail, a talent for compartmentalising, social anxiety, and massive fatigue from masking or just trying to fit in and keep up. We are complex and all different.

What does it mean to you to be autistic?
What do you love about it?
What would you like to change?
Do you ever compartmentalise or hyper focus?
What are your sensitivities?
How are you going socially?

12: Not Doing It Alone

Autistics often feel misunderstood, sometimes this is a minor thing with little consequence, but when you are vulnerable and appeal for help misunderstanding can hit hard and make us reluctant to trust others. We may feel anxious about turning to others but may also feel isolated with our problems, we may conclude it is best to try to deal with our challenges alone. But a problem shared is a problem halved, and when you find the right people to talk to it can be a huge relief.

Do sometimes feel people don’t understand you? About what?
Do you have good support now, what does it look like?
Have you had good support historically?
Are there things you have anxiety about sharing?
Are you open and trusting? Or guarded and cagey?
Do you use other people to clarify your thinking?

-== About SAGE ==-
SAGE is a social group for people who identify as being on the autistic spectrum, diagnosed, undiagnosed, or suspecting. Support people are welcome.

We aim to set a safe, positive, vibrant space where our members can feel validated, understood, and grow through connection and opportunity to volunteer.

We value diversity, community, and psychological safety. New members are always welcome. 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