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Support group experiences

haciaelvacio

I live in a smaller city, but there don't seem to be any general peer support groups around as far as I know.

I’ve toyed with the thought of eventually trying to set something up (in person, or perhaps online), but the reality is that I’ve never actually attended one myself, and I don't know what to expect. I certainly don’t have the energy to take on anything like that at the moment, so this is purely an exploratory thought for the future.

My only real reference point is what I've seen depicted on TV (like the social groups in Astrid or Patience), and I suspect the reality is rather different.

I would love to hear from anyone who has experience attending, belonging to, or facilitating an autistic or neurodivergent group. What format actually worked well (or didn't)? What were the main benefits, and where were the friction points?

If anyone would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to reply here or via private message if preferred or more appropriate. I'd really appreciate your insights.

PS I may be slow to reply, but I will read everything and respond when capacity allows.

Parents

  • Hi, I have a few things to say about my experience of autism groups.

    You see my situation is quite unique, because I'm autistic but also completely blind and have ADHD and mental health challenges. I really struggle to relate to people in a lot of autism and disability spaces because I have this combination of needs going on and I also do have significant support needs in the sense that I attend an autism day centre with one to one support, can't work or live alone and all that. When many of the discussions are focused around things like masking, working and those kinds of things I just can't relate and feel alone because my experience is so very different from theirs. I also notice that many groups appear to be quite unstructured spaces where people can just chat which works for some people but not for me. I need groups that are quiet and well structured so I can actually participate.

Reply

  • Hi, I have a few things to say about my experience of autism groups.

    You see my situation is quite unique, because I'm autistic but also completely blind and have ADHD and mental health challenges. I really struggle to relate to people in a lot of autism and disability spaces because I have this combination of needs going on and I also do have significant support needs in the sense that I attend an autism day centre with one to one support, can't work or live alone and all that. When many of the discussions are focused around things like masking, working and those kinds of things I just can't relate and feel alone because my experience is so very different from theirs. I also notice that many groups appear to be quite unstructured spaces where people can just chat which works for some people but not for me. I need groups that are quiet and well structured so I can actually participate.

Children
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