Aspies For Freedom

Hey guys,

Apparently there *is* a local Aspergers/Autism type group, and I'm debating whether or not to give them a call.

On reading their paperwork, I get the impression they're very much focussed on children on the spectrum, and are probably more a "support group" for the parents of autistic children than for adults on the spectrum.  The whole brochure speaks about "autistic children" this and "autistic child" that, as though it were something we grew out of at puberty.

There's also a bit of talk of "possible cures to be found in the future", although to their credit they do stress that autistic children are different, not retarded, and often highly intelligent.  

I'm fairly shy and can be a bit phone-phobic with strangers, so maybe I'm imagining all this, as a way of trying to wiggle out of making a few calls.

On the other hand, if it really is a bunch of Mums with 3 year olds getting together, the last thing they probably want is a 26 year old Aspie.

Unfortunately, it sounds like the only way to find out what sort of group it is is to ring and ask...

*grins* I'm probably a bit hypocritical in saying so, though - I've avoided the Brisbane groups because all the ones I've seen have "support" in the title.

Having naval-gazed and agonised and stared at the phone for a day and a half, I've decided not to call for now...

Their paperwork makes them sound very much about being a support group, which isn't really what I'm after... I don't need help coping or anything that drastic, was just hoping to meet some other adult Aspies socially, and that group doesn't really sound like the place it's going to happen.

I am about 115 miles from my nearest support group.

Tim

That's the thing I found about the local support group in North Queensland. It was geared mainly towards children with autism. I think most of the parents showed some ASD traits themselves but some were in denial.

Some of us tried to start an adult group but it fizzled. Perhaps it would be worth another try when I've got more spare time. When the meetings were held at my place, I ended up getting very stressed even though I wanted to meet other adult aspies too.

I know the kind of group that would be good in Townsville and outlying areas, a support and advocacy group for young people and adults with Asperger's and related conditions. I seem to be a bit old to be in the social group and not a parent of an autistic child so don't really fit into the parents' support group either.

I read wikipedia on Autism community vs. Autistic community.