Heads up! Discussing a new support group for adults with Aspergers

The discussion for an ASD support group for adults with ASD started in another thread, but it would make more sense to continue the discussion here.

In my own experience, I have been involved with various support groups for other issues.  Some have been on forums such as this (though more flexible), or through E-mail groups, or phone groups, and also face-to-face groups. I was hoping there was something similiar for adults with ASD.

One thing about these groups is that they are very structured and very focused.  But the most important thing is that people have a chance to get together to share their common struggles and the solutions they have found, and there's a lot to be said in just being with other people you can identify with.

On one hand, we could say there's nothing wrong with having ASD and to heck with the rest of the world!  On the other hand, it can be seen as a serious disability, being inferior to others, and oh no let's find all the things we can do to try and be like other "normal" people.

I don't really want to get into a philosophical debate here on the issue.  I think having ASD comes with its advantages and disadvantages compared to people who do not have it, strengths and weaknesses, and personally I am interested in learning how to compensate for my weaknesses and also to acknowledge and appreciate my strenghts.

So, some of the characteristics of a support group that I would be interested in would be a list of common challenges that people with ASD face, as well as a list of the things we tend to excell at. It would also include a collection of strategies that people have found helpful -- for both dealing with the weaknesses as well as cashing in on the advantages. Some recommended reading or readings would be helpful, to keep the group focused and to serve as a springboard for our own sharing. And then that would be a major ingredient--a chance to share our own experience, strength, and hope with each other.

Something else that is important is that a group like this is a place for acceptance and support, not a place for analysis, criticism, and advice-giving.

So, any thoughts on any of these points would be greatly appreciated.

The discussion for an ASD support group for adults with ASD started in another thread, but it would make more sense to continue the discussion here.

In my own experience, I have been involved with various support groups for other issues.  Some have been on forums such as this (though more flexible), or through E-mail groups, or phone groups, and also face-to-face groups. I was hoping there was something similiar for adults with ASD.

One thing about these groups is that they are very structured and very focused.  But the most important thing is that people have a chance to get together to share their common struggles and the solutions they have found, and there's a lot to be said in just being with other people you can identify with.

On one hand, we could say there's nothing wrong with having ASD and to heck with the rest of the world!  On the other hand, it can be seen as a serious disability, being inferior to others, and oh no let's find all the things we can do to try and be like other "normal" people.

I don't really want to get into a philosophical debate here on the issue.  I think having ASD comes with its advantages and disadvantages compared to people who do not have it, strengths and weaknesses, and personally I am interested in learning how to compensate for my weaknesses and also to acknowledge and appreciate my strenghts.

So, some of the characteristics of a support group that I would be interested in would be a list of common challenges that people with ASD face, as well as a list of the things we tend to excell at. It would also include a collection of strategies that people have found helpful -- for both dealing with the weaknesses as well as cashing in on the advantages. Some recommended reading or readings would be helpful, to keep the group focused and to serve as a springboard for our own sharing. And then that would be a major ingredient--a chance to share our own experience, strength, and hope with each other.

Something else that is important is that a group like this is a place for acceptance and support, not a place for analysis, criticism, and advice-giving.

So, any thoughts on any of these points would be greatly appreciated.