DESCRIPTION: The period of midlife is often accompanied by both greater self-awareness and a desire for improved understanding and life satisfaction. We have stability in some areas, but subtle or dramatic shifts in others. If we’ve only recently learned we’re on the spectrum, we may be wondering how to incorporate this aspect of our identity. Whom should we tell? What does it mean about how we understand ourselves? We may have learned to “mask” the signs of difference that made our youth so painful, yet the very masking may make it harder for us to truly know ourselves or to reveal our “true self” with friends, family, or co-workers. Our bodies are changing. The vigorous exercise that used to help us shed anxiety now sends us to the doctor. Relationships may change: divorce or dating, children leaving home, or elderly or dying parents. Our job may be stable or we may be looking to advance or switch careers. If work has been our refuge, we may struggle with work-life balance.

This 6 session support group is for women ages 40-60 who identify as female and are either formally diagnosed or self diagnosed as on the autism spectrum. Led by Sharon Velek, a self-described “mid-life Aspie”, this group will be a friendly, fun, and supportive way to discuss what’s on our minds and in our hearts, and to investigate how we live our best lives now and moving forward.

WHEN: 5/16, 6/20, 7/18, 8/15, 9/19, 10/17

TIME:  6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET

WHERE: Online via Zoom

FACILITATOR: Sharon Velek works professionally with dogs and with people with physical and emotional disabilities. She is an experienced facilitator and respected public speaker, writer and teacher.

COST: The list price is $60 per participant

GROUP CAPACITY: 12 participants

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:  For programs and events that require a fee, financial assistance is available and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Discounted registration buttons can be found on some registration pages.  To inquire about financial aid for a program or event, contact events@aane.org.  If you are able, please consider donating the cost of registration so that someone in financial need can attend.

REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the first session. Early registration is highly recommended as many programs fill quickly.

This event is full. Registration has ended.

EVENT & GROUP INFORMATION: All AANE programming is currently online. The following terms are used for different audience specifications:

• “Open” events/groups may have different participants joining from session to session and “Closed” events/groups have the same participants for a set number of sessions.

CODES OF CONDUCT: Participants at AANE events are expected to act respectfully toward other participants and group facilitators. AANE reserves the right to deny admission, ask an individual participant to leave, or remove participants from the event/program for inappropriate or disrespectful behavior. For more information see FAQS.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT: The online platform for the event/program will be listed in the confirmation email from AANE. For assistance with Zoom, please visit the Zoom Help Center prior to the event to become familiar with the platform.

DISCLAIMER: The resources and information shared within AANE support groups are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our hope is that these resources will provide you with useful connections as you navigate your journey of discovery and connection. AANE makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information shared within the group.