AANE March 2023 Newsletter:
Friendships & Social Connections
Friendships can be a tremendous source of enjoyment, support, and fulfillment. This month we share a personal reflection on creating friendships and staff insights on how to help find and maintain social connections.
Looking for upcoming events? Buttons in sections below link to listings for each group in our community.
See how your organization can reach the AANE community by sponsoring our March conference on public support programs for autistic adults. Learn more.
AANE Calendar
See what's happening this month and beyond in the AANE Calendar.
Friendships: Variations on a Theme
The social arena can create anxiety for autistic individuals and their family members, but often the focus is on conforming to neurotypical expectations. Executive Director Brenda Dater examines common concerns and ways to redefine the social landscape.
AANE's landmark conference will include live and recorded presentations on public and private benefits, services, and supports available to adults on the spectrum nationwide and state specific programs for Massachusetts and New York residents. Conference topics include healthcare, housing, vocational supports, social security, financial planning & guardianship alternatives, and more!
Sticking Around: A Spectrum Perspective on Friendship
Having the desire for deep friendships and bringing them to fruition is not always straightforward. One autistic woman shares the internal tension she feels when forming friendships.
Click here for the current listing of events, support groups, and social activities for autistic adults, including Employment Workshop - Application for Adults, the two-part workshop, Leisure for Adults, and much more.
When autistic children or teens want social connections, families may wonder how best to foster opportunities. AANE's Individual & Family Services shares key advice for caregivers.
Learn more about upcoming events, workshops, and support groups for parents and families, including a group for Parents of Gender Diverse Youth (14-18), the webinar, Autism and the IEP for Parents of Children/Teens/Young Adults (through age 22), and much more.
How can professionals working in the autism community effectively support forming social connections? Read about the AANE Simpatico Peer Mentoring Pilot Program's successful approach.
AANE's Intensive Autism Coach Training (IACT) (formerly known as AsperCoach) is now accepting applications for in-person training this summer at our Watertown, MA office. Life coaches, high school & college counselors, social workers, and similar human service professionals will learn to develop appropriate coaching goals and use innovative techniques to improve and extend their coaching practices. Space is limited; applications must be received by June 5.
Individualized life coaching program for autistic older teens & adults
LifeMAP coaches can help autistic older teens and adults extend their social circle by identifying organized activities with them and networking with other coaches. Learn more about LifeMAP.
LifeNet
Team-based support to help autistic adults optimize independence
As part of its personalized support for autistic adults, LifeNet offers a variety of online and in-person activities for clients to engage socially and broaden their connections. Learn more about LifeNet.
Neurodiverse Couples Institute
Resources for couples and couples therapists/coaches
AANE’s Training 101 and Certification 201 can give therapists the knowledge they need to not only help clients with relationships, but with friendships as well. Learn more.
