Charity to launch social group for autistic adults

A social group is to launch this August, offering autistic adults across the East Midlands with the opportunity to take part in social activities in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Autism East Midlands is introducing its Social Autism Space following a rise in enquiries over the past year. The group is open to all autistic adults who are diagnosed, self-diagnosed or waiting for diagnosis of autism that are non-learning disabled.

Members of the group will be able to share their experiences, talk about what issues affect them, and develop ways to deal with areas they are struggling with. Autism affects the way people communicate and interact and often there are limited services available to enable positive social experiences.

Carole Botham, Director of Corporate Services at Autism East Midlands, said: “From a personal and organisational perspective, there is limited provision of social safe spaces for those groups of autistic people who want to meet new people. The neuro-typical world can be a challenging place. We are looking to take away the barriers and provide an autism-friendly environment where people can engage at their own level.”

Membership of the group is free. Information will be readily available online and there will also be regular meetings organised as well as a variety of social activities and online clubs.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the group and how they can get involved is invited to join an online Zoom meeting at 6pm on Wednesday 24^th August.

The online meeting will provide a safe space, where people can feel comfortable and feel involved. They can join with the camera on or camera off and there’s no obligation to speak during the meeting. Anyone can join and simply listen in.

• Want to join the Zoom meeting? Email our team at autismhub@aem.org.uk and all the details will be emailed to you.
• If you'd prefer to join the meeting in person, please email autismhub@aem.org.uk or call 01909 506 678 and ask for Dan Adams.
• If you're not able to join the Zoom meeting but would still like information, please let us know by sending us an email at autismhub@aem.org.uk and we'll keep in touch with you.