Connection Groups
A Connection Group is a safe and validating place for autistic adults to explore life on the spectrum. Connection Groups meet weekly with the same group of 12 autistic adults. Discussion is based on questions sent in by group members.
A group document is sent out in advance with exactly what to expect, and everyone is always welcome to participate according to their level of comfort (with/without camera, text chat only, or listening only).
Both self-diagnosed and professionally-diagnosed individuals are welcome.
Scroll down to see a list of all current openings as well as a Q&A.
What people are saying about Mom on the Spectrum community events:
“Isolation in the Pandemic, coupled with trying to unravel and assimilate (for lack of a better word!) this new way of understanding myself, has led to so much social awkwardness for me– I feel more unsure than ever! I haven’t had people I could talk to. It was just so amazing to share and listen to people I could relate to.”
“This was the most neurodiversity friendly experience I’ve ever had.”
“Thank you so freaking much!! This was wonderful. While terrifying to put myself out there in such a tumultuous time, I am so glad I participated and didn’t skip. Hearing everyone’s perspectives is comforting and validating and safe.”
“Being in this group is helping me reclaim a lot of my quirks and qualities that made me happy and were expressions of who I am. ”
“Being able to find these community groups and connect with other autistic adults has helped me in so many ways such as knowing that it’s okay to feel comfortable being who I am, and just knowing that there are all kinds of autistic and unique people with unique minds out there and that we are not alone. ”
“I just wanted to say thank you - not only for the class that you ran on meltdowns, but for the community you’ve gathered. I cannot tell you the amount of intellectual and emotional progress I have made just since our class yesterday. So many insights, so much validation, so many tears of relief in the last 24 hours. Just today, for the first time in my 32 years, I consciously stopped a meltdown in its tracks. I was able to communicate the signs I noticed, and what I needed in the moment with my loved ones. I have a lot of growing to do, but I look forward to growing with the expertise and experience you share in your channel, and with the community of like-minded adults I now get to be a part of.”
“I just wanted to express my gratitude for this incredible community platform you’ve created. It’s honestly such a special space, unlike anything I’ve come across before. I wish I would have been able to let my guard down sooner! Meeting you and everyone else in the group has been fantastic and such a pleasure. Thanks for creating such a wonderful opportunity for us all to connect.”
Q&A | What to Expect
What do I need in order to participate in a Connection Group?
Connection Groups are run through Google Meet. You do not need any type of account or login to access the event. The link to join is sent out in advance via email.
For the best experience, please ensure you have a fast internet connection and are able to keep your camera on a flat surface if you choose to use the camera feature. (You are also welcome to keep your camera off). This helps prevent sensory overwhelm for the group by reducing the visual shakiness that occurs when one holds their camera in their hands.
What if I’m uncomfortable sharing with the group?
You’re not alone! This is a common experience in the autistic community. Many others have said:
“I don’t know how to say what I want to say.”
“I’m afraid what I have to say won’t make any sense.”
“I have a lot of social anxiety and am unsure how to interact with the group.”
“I don’t know when to speak.”
“I don’t want to take away from others or overshare.”
Taylor will work with the group to make sure everyone knows exactly what to expect and will send out a list of discussion questions in advance. You never have to share anything unless you’d like to share.
Ways to participate:
Listening only
Camera off, microphone on when sharing
Camera on, microphone on when sharing
Text chat only
If/when you’re ready to share, there is a hand raise button you can click. Taylor will call on group members with their hands raised and will let you know exactly when it’s your turn to speak.
More often than not, group members will say “that was one of the best group experiences I’ve ever had!” Or, “I wasn’t sure exactly what I was saying but I finally felt understood.”
These groups have proven over time to be consistently safe and accommodating spaces for people with various communication preferences/needs.
How are the groups structured?
Each group is based on questions sent in by group members during the sign-up process. (You’re also welcome to email questions to info@momonthespectrum.life).
Questions are emailed out in advance in a group document. You can find a sample group document here.
Each week we will start with an optional introduction question and Taylor will go down the list of group members alphabetically to invite each member to share. If you’d prefer not to answer, you’re welcome to email Taylor beforehand or state this in the text-chat. Alternatively you’re welcome to share your answer in the text-chat.
After the introduction question Taylor will introduce a discussion question both verbally and in the text-chat box. Once the discussion question is shared the floor will be open for anyone who would like to share. Members will not be called on during this portion of the session unless they click the “Hand Raise” button.
Taylor will moderate the group with the intention of covering each question in-depth while also moving the conversation forward to address a wide variety of topics.
It is rare that we are able to address every single question submitted as sometimes there are more questions than we have time for. If we do not get around to your question, you are always welcome to keep the conversation going in the MOTS online community.
What is the MOTS Online Community?
This is a private online space where 300+ autistic adults can share resources, ask questions, and interact with one another.
During the month of your Connection Group, Taylor will designate a specific space within the online community just for your group so that you can easily locate each other to continue the conversation. More information will be shared about this during your first session together.
If you’d like to explore the community on your own before your Connection Group begins, you can use this link to access a 7-day free trial.
What types of topics are allowed?
Please feel free to submit any and all questions you’d like to explore with the group whether they’re related to autism or not. (We always make the connection somehow). Taylor welcomes all topics (sex, religion, race, etc.) and will select the questions she feels are the best fit for the group dynamic.
While larger conversations are welcome, sharing specific affiliations/positions is discouraged.
Community Guidelines are strictly enforced, and any form of bullying/invalidation/gaslighting is not allowed.
What if I can’t afford to join a Connection Group?
Occasionally scholarships are available to help you cover a portion of the cost. Please email scholarships@momonthespectrum.life for more information and current availability.
Your tribe is here when you’re ready to join us!
Please feel free to email info@momonthespectrum.life with any additional questions.
👇 Current Openings
Connection Groups fill up quickly. You may want to consider checking in at the beginning of each month for updated availability to secure your spot.