Full Spectrum Agency Autistic Adults Meetup

Location: Farmington Community Library - Farmington Hills Location, Second Floor (Top Floor), Conference Room A

Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults Saturdays is an in-person event happening bimonthly at the Farmington Community Library - Farmington Hills Location. A casual and informal event, each meeting may be a smorgasbord of different activities representing a microcosm of Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults in terms of the programs we offer. The main activity is an informal discussion. We will begin by introducing ourselves and answering a "question of the day", and then open up the group for social hour. This is an informal way to get to know other Autistic folks in Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor area and share experiences, special interests, support, and make new friends! Some meetings there could be a central topic, other meetings no central topic. Tangents/ in discussion are welcome and if the discussion meanders, that Is okay too!

It’s claimed that autistics don’t have the same trouble connecting with each other as they do with neurotypicals. The longer I organize events like this, the more I believe it to be true.

This is a place for people on the spectrum to meet and make friends. Caregivers are welcome to assist any members. If you require a support person to attend, they are welcome to be present in the room with the understanding that the needs of the Autistic people in the group take priority. All autistics are welcome including nonverbal, nonvocal, semi-verbal, and semi-vocal.

This event is also open to allies and the general public per Farmington Community Library’s policy of meeting room reservations. So this is also a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning about lived experience with autism and also for autistics to tell others what they wish others would know about autism as well.

The structure of these meetings aims to remain casual and supportive. A place to unmask and be yourself (if you choose)! Talk about your nerdiest interest or just come to be around other people. No pressure to talk. You're welcome regardless.

I intend to rent a meeting room for us all for a period of two hours in case we go overtime.

Event will be canceled, postponed or made virtual in the case of inclement weather or per Farmington Community Library - Farmington Hills Location’s special events or closure of business day for whatever reason.

Feel free to bring your stim/fidget toys or items and any board games too! Board games can be a great opportunity to get to know each other!!!

Any questions about the event can be directed to me at williams.jeremy1718@yahoo.com.

We will have video games, board games and conversation starters. It is an optional potluck, feel free to bring something to eat or drink if you can.

We are a nut free space- so please do not bring tree nuts into the space, and label food with allergens when possible.

We will start all games at 3:15 and then phase out to leave at 5:45.

Fig the therapy dog will be in attendance! If you are not interested in dogs, please let us know and we can help accommodate you.

Willow integrated therapy is a clinic that offers both occupational therapy and speech therapy for all ages. We are a sensory supportive environment and practice therapy within a non-medical, neurodiversity affirming and trauma informed lens to best support our clients reach their goals.

Enjoy a casual and relaxed setting and time where we get together virtually and enjoy a time of casual, relaxed conversation and community! At the same time, we will all bring something enjoyable and therapeutic (or perhaps more serious) to work on or have fun during this time (a parallel activity). This is a time for parallel play and conversation! Examples of parallel activities may include but are not limited to: special interests and hobbies, journaling, gardening, video games, homework, work work, household chores, making dinner, arts, and crafts, etc.

This will be a relaxed group setting and you are welcome to join and leave at anytime throughout the meeting. If you enjoy crafts, hobbies, art, or parallel activities/play this is the group for you! 😊 Think of this group as sort of like our old virtual hangout events (for members who have been around for a while) but with a twist - the addition of many of us working on or enjoying an activity along with a discussion! If you just want to talk, that is fine as well! There will be no set topic of conversation and everyone is welcome to share what projects they are working on. There may be periods of silence, while everyone is busy doing their project/activity. I just ask everyone to be kind and respectful. Let's try to keep it a light and fun atmosphere.
Please don't monopolize the conversation so we make sure everyone has a chance to share!

Come explore ideas and discuss experiences with others who identify as both Autistic and with ADHD. All AuDHD folks welcome, or those who are either Autistic or ADHD and wonder if they might be both.
AuDHD can feel like more than a sum of its parts (Autistic + ADHD), or can change (or sometimes mask) the manifestation of each neurotype. AuDHD is a fairly new concept, and we are all learning.
Come with your experiences, questions or info to share, or just your presence.