Adult Autism + Chronic Conditions Peer Support Group

This group is for adults 18+ who identify as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are managing life with a chronic condition(s) and/or illness(es).
The Adult Autism + Chronic Conditions Peer Support Group is a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment for adults living with autism spectrum disorder and chronic conditions and/or illnesses to reflect on and share our challenges and successes, learn from one another, gain insights about managing our chronic conditions and autism, develop new strategies and skills, as well as discuss resources.
Navigating the intersection of living with autism and chronic illness presents its share of challenges (an example is the chronic constellation, read about it here at Stimpunks: Chronic Constellation - Stimpunks Foundation), but it's also a journey marked by resilience and growth. Despite the complexities, we find strength in our ability to adapt and overcome. The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, such as challenges with social and emotional reciprocity, unique issues with interoception, proprioception, and managing sensory differences and difficulties can make navigating not only society, but a medical or behavioral healthcare system challenging; a system not designed with you in mind or at least a system that is filled with inadequacies and other issues. Fluctuating symptoms of chronic illnesses and conditions further disrupts our daily routines and can make our autism symptoms more pronounced and acute and potentially vice versa with our chronic conditions.
However, by acknowledging these unique challenges and embracing a spirit of resilience, we can cultivate innovative strategies for managing our health. Through self-compassion and support from our peers, we can learn to navigate the ups and downs with grace and determination, offering hope for a future filled with the possibility of living better despite our autism and our chronic conditions.
In a world where it is spoken, unspoken, or implied what is expected of an adult that may "appear normal", let us help each other with dealing with any shame, guilt, stigma, ableism, and internalized ableism that usually comes with having multiple conditions and illnesses and maybe living on disability partially or totally and understanding your personal "adequate level of functioning" and personal best each day, short term, and long term compared to what is typical or expected.
Our time together will begin five minutes after the beginning of group and will consist of any important announcements, short orientation to the group, short introductions (you may pass if you want to), collection of topics for discussion or if anyone wants to do a check-in instead, the main discussion based on topics collected and any check-ins mentioned, finally any "wins" since the last meeting, discussion of any activities that have brought or are bringing positivity to your life, or anything positive you will do after the meeting and before the next one.
After any “wins” or plans discussed we may have a free-form discussion (open format or a format based on themes discussed from earlier in the meeting to unpack further) if there is time remaining.
Or, we may also have time for reading and discussing one of several wellness, mindfulness, or neurodivergent card decks.
Come with your experiences, questions or information to share, or just your presence.