wants to know how to start a support group in my local area.
I want to know how to get a group started up for females with Aspergers, or more specifically, Moms with Aspergers. I can't seem to find anyone that is in my city that is a Mom and has Aspergers. I really have no connections at all. It is so very different to be the MOM as the parent with Aspergers. We get NO support what so ever. We are still expected conform to everyone elses needs. When will I find someone that will understand what I need? I want to be able to converse with other moms that have a common understanding with being a female with Aspergers and trying to get what is needed for my family, especially in the way of my son with HFA in school. No one takes me seriously. To them, I am just this crazy, nerurotic, demanding mom.
Genisa,
I am going to be starting a monthly social for females on the spectrum as a local AWN Gathering.
I am currently attempting to work out the details. I know driving to Lincoln is difficult for you so perhaps we can see about forming an AWN Gathering in Omaha if we get enough interest in your area.
It's a thought...
That would be great! I'm sure there is alot of women in the Omaha area, but finding them is another issue, since many females aren't even diagnosed. I have arranged for my appts. with my Dr. in Lincoln so that I can also attend at least one support meeting a month. I am in Lincoln at least twice a month, that is if I have the gas money.
I am in a small city in Canada and have no idea how to find others. There are no groups or therapists. Does anyone have suggestions?
Sharon, still want to get together with you and all sometime on Skype and talk, be nice to start some things more up here too. :)
what, exactly, is Skype?
It's an IM client that works with voice/video calls. (more like designed for it compared to the other IM clients, it also works as VOIP from computer to landlines/mobiles, etc)
Have you heard of GRASP? It's Global and Regional Asperger's Support Program. If you do an Internet search you can find their site, and they're on Facebook. I belong to a local GRASP support group that was started about five years ago by a local man who has two Aspie children. I think that if you contact them, they can guide you in how to try to get a local support group started. I hope that helps!
I'm in Canada too, Sharondale. Where exactly are you?
Are you a member of any local autism associations? You could try advertising an 'autistic adult support group' through the association, and see if anyone shows up.
There's a Yahoo Group for parents who are on the spectrum:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/asparenting/
Lots of 'moms' on there... maybe one of them lives close to you!
And of course, there's this website.
I know, it's hard to find other parents who are on the spectrum. In my experience, they are certainly out there, but not many are "out" about being autistic themselves. It's almost as if there's a giant impasse between spectrum adults and parents of spectrum kids, and you're forced to choose a side. Sad.
"You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you're all the same."
Temple Grandin thinks in pictures. I think in music videos. :)