LGBTQ+ Group: Playwrights Show
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Hell's Kitchen. Theater is accessible, seats require stairs.
DESCRIPTION:
Join us for our first event for LGBTQ+ members!
This will be our first of many events for LGBTQ+ Autistic folks, this month led by our new host and longtime member David.
We were kindly donated tickets from Playwrights Horizons to see the production of Prince
F-ggot. We will be meeting outside the theater, please arrive no later than 1:30PM.
In this meta-theatrical tragicomedy, an ensemble of queer and trans performers cast themselves in a thought experiment, imagining the future heir to the British throne as having a life resembling their own. Reckoning with how the forces of power, privilege, and colonization play upon queer lives, Prince Faggot is a raw and radical take on a queer coming of age.
Please note that this production is phone-free. From the website - After scanning tickets, but before entering the house, phones will be secured in Yondr pouches by our ushers. Pouches will be unlocked as you leave the theater at the end of the show. You will maintain possession of your phone at all times
Friendship Bracelets
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Central Park, outdoors
DESCRIPTION:
Let’s have a casual hang in Central Park and make friendship bracelets! I’ll be bringing along all the supplies we need, but feel free to come with your own project or just chill if crafting isn’t your jam! Make sure you bring water and snacks, sunscreen/sunglasses/hat if you need them, and a blanket or chair to sit on if you want one.
Virtual: Unmasking for Life Discussion: Friendship
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
On Monday, July 7th, join us for an online discussion about Autism and unmasking. Our discussion series is based on the book Unmasking for Life, the follow-up to Unmasking Autism by Autistic professor and writer Devon Price.
As Price explains, Autistic masking is "an attempt at hiding [one's] disability that many undiagnosed Autistic people take part in", which often leads to harmful consequences. Unmasking for Life explores tools for navigating friendships, family, work and love in order to live one's best unmasked Autistic life.
Obtaining and reading the book is TOTALLY OPTIONAL! This discussion will focus on Chapter 2, “Friendship”. We will review ideas and strategies from the book and share our own Autistic experiences and strategies.
Virtual: Crafting Meeting
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
On July 9th, 7:00-8:00 pm, join us for our next Online Crafting Meeting for Autistic Crafters. Whether you knit, crochet, spin, weave, felt, rug hook, dye, embroider, needlepoint, sew, or any other kind of crafter, Emma is hosting a monthly Crafting Meeting on 2nd Wednesday evenings. Whatever kind of crafting you do, if you love it and you’re doing it, come and share your project with us!
If you are crafting-curious and want to see if you’d like to start crafting, come see what we’re doing. If you want, you could use your “bring and brag” time to identify what you might want to do. You can ask about costs, and the Roses and Thorns of Crafting.
Craft online while checking out other people’s projects and sharing your own. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to. You can come just to watch if you want.
If you are having a problem with your craft, I hope we’ll connect with each other - Crafters Unite! - and help each other problem-solve any crafting issues that come up. And we’ll get to share our current project and discuss our next project and why we love crafting.
Plant Walk 1: Governors Island
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Governors Island
DESCRIPTION:
Our first Plant ID walk for July will be located at Governors Island!
We are hosting 2 plant walks this month to accommodate as many members as we can! Please only register for either the July 12th walk or the July 27th walk.
This will be an early summer walk, please be prepared for fluctuating weather and late season insects or allergens.
Governors Island is a very popular attraction, residing roughly 800 yards from the southern Manhattan tip. It stands at 172 acres, once served the US military between 1776-1966, and currently repurposed as a public green space. Prior to European colonization, the island was called Paggank by the native Lepane (translated to Nut Island), the area once had a rich collection of hardwood trees, such as Oaks, Chestnuts, and Hickorys that served as a foraging and hunting grounds for Lepane people.
TCTSY: Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space.
DESCRIPTION:
On July 12th at 12pm join us for our monthly in-person 45-60 minute TCTSY class led by AANYC member and certified yoga instructor, Heidi.
TCTSY (Trauma Center's Trauma Sensitive Yoga) is a specific style of hatha yoga that was developed to treat complex trauma, and also has useful applications for neurodivergent individuals who might struggle with a more traditionally led yoga class. Heidi will guide you through several different movements and postures, while offering modifications and options that will allow you to tailor the class to suit your needs. Unlike a traditional yoga class, the focus will be on making individual choices about how to move your body based on how your body feels, rather than working on any specific alignment goals, or on pacing your movements with your breath. Of course, if alignment and breathwork appeals to you, you’re welcome to include this in your practice! Based on community feedback, this practice will close with a guided deep relaxation and optional breathwork.
Following the TCTSY practice, there will be time to share any reflections you might have about the practice with the group, and/or to chat with Heidi individually on how best to adapt this practice to suit your needs.
This yoga practice is open to all levels- including first-timers to yoga! We will have yoga mats and props, but please feel free to bring your own yoga mat and any props that might support your practice. You might also want to bring a towel or other piece of fabric to cover the mats provided at the venue, if you have any concerns about resting exposed skin on a communal mat. Most of the movements and postures offered can also be done from a seated position in the chairs provided at the venue.
There is a $15 fee/donation for this event, which covers the cost of the event (yoga studio and instructor fee).
Virtual: Career Show & Tell Showcase
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
On Tuesday, July 15th, join us on Discord as we share career experiences and advice. Attendees are invited to voluntarily share their past and/or present job responsibilities, successes, failures, and learnings from the working world (regardless of your current employment status!)
At the start of the event there will be a spreadsheet to sign up for a slot, and then you’ll have up to (approximately) 7 minutes to speak/present slides/share your story in the format of your choice. The point of this showcase is to collaborate and explore our relationships to work through an autistic lens, so that we can better survive and thrive in an allistic, non-affirming professional world.
Attendees are also encouraged to ask follow-up questions, or to just listen in quietly. Presenting is completely optional and NOT required for attendees!
Women's Group: Ice Cream Picnic
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Brooklyn Heights, Outdoors (walking)
DESCRIPTION:
This event is for anyone who identifies as an Autistic woman or femme! Join us for a casual picnic, + a short stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park and stop for ice cream!
After introductions, we’ll walk to a local famous ice cream spot, and walk through the park to our picnic location. You’re welcome to bring other food for yourself/others for your picnic, or step away from the picnic to grab something from one of the many places nearby! And getting ice cream is not required :) The main ice cream place we’re going to does not have any vegan options according to the website, but there is another ice cream spot across the street that has vegan options (we’ll likely make a short stop there since my stomach does not agree with dairy).
Hybrid Therapy Workshop
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Chelsea (accessible space) & Virtual options
DESCRIPTION:
AANYC does NOT provide any therapy or mental health services. This is an information workshop only!
Overwhelmed by the thought of starting therapy? Wondering what type of therapy might be beneficial for Autistic folks? Unsure of how to find an affordable therapist in NYC?
These questions and many more will be discussed at our Therapy Workshop on Saturday, July 19th at 11:00AM. We will be joined by our fellow members and experts Arlene and Heidi!
Many of us in the Autistic community have varying experiences with therapy. Some of us may be confused about all the different types of therapy, from CBT, DBT, EMDR, talk therapy, and more. Additionally, it can be difficult to know how to get started, find the right therapist, or find affordable options. If you’re curious and interested in learning more about therapy, or wondering how to get started again looking from a neurodivergent lens, please join us at this event!
This workshop will be an open discussion, as we want to emphasize the importance of everyone's voices in this conversation. We will go over important topics and answer questions from members.
AANYC Anniversary Picnic
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Central Park, outdoors
DESCRIPTION:
Join us for AANYC’s 3 Year Anniversary Picnic!
Please feel free to bring food and games for yourself/to share with other group members. And please bring water and a blanket if you don’t prefer to sit in the grass. At around 1:00PM, we’ll take the chance to share some words/memories about the group, similar to last year, and take an (optional) group photo!
Our first ever meetup was a Picnic at Sheep Meadow on July 24th, 2022 on meetup.com - we’ve come a long way since then (and now have to have our picnic in a different spot and get a permit cause there’s too many of y’all lol). I’m super excited to see everyone and reconnect!
This is an unstructured, larger event, which might feel overwhelming for new members who haven’t attended before and don’t know any other members. If you’d prefer something smaller or more structured, we encourage you to check out our other events!
Plant Walk 2: Governors Island
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Governors Island
DESCRIPTION:
Our first Plant ID walk for July will be located at Governors Island!
We are hosting 2 plant walks this month to accommodate as many members as we can! Please only register for either the July 12th walk or the July 27th walk.
This will be an early summer walk, please be prepared for fluctuating weather and late season insects or allergens.
Governors Island is a very popular attraction, residing roughly 800 yards from the southern Manhattan tip. It stands at 172 acres, once served the US military between 1776-1966, and currently repurposed as a public green space. Prior to European colonization, the island was called Paggank by the native Lepane (translated to Nut Island), the area once had a rich collection of hardwood trees, such as Oaks, Chestnuts, and Hickorys that served as a foraging and hunting grounds for Lepane people.
Virtual: Unmasking for Life Discussion: Family
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
On Sunday, July 27th, join us for an online discussion about Autism and unmasking. Our discussion series is based on the book Unmasking for Life, the follow-up to Unmasking Autism by Autistic professor and writer Devon Price.
As Price explains, Autistic masking is "an attempt at hiding [one's] disability that many undiagnosed Autistic people take part in", which often leads to harmful consequences. Unmasking for Life explores tools for navigating friendships, family, work and love in order to live one's best unmasked Autistic life.
Obtaining and reading the book is TOTALLY OPTIONAL! This discussion will focus on Chapter 3, “Family”. We will review ideas and strategies from the book and share our own Autistic experiences and strategies.
Hybrid Nutrition Workshop
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Chelsea (accessible space) & Virtual options
DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a workshop covering neurodivergent nutrition, including an introduction to meal prep, easy grab and go snacks, food aversions, and remembering to eat! This event will be lead by our guest Jackie Silver.
For the in-person attendees, we will be creating a simple banana sushi recipe together in the classroom! Online attendees are welcome to gather the supplies for this recipe at home and create it with us.
Virtual: STEM Chat
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
On July 30th, join us for a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math chat.This will be an open time to talk with others about projects you’re working on or infodumping about things that interest you, or sharing something you learned recently. So if you like talking about techy stuff or enjoy listening to others techy interests, come chat with us.
Dance Class
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space.
DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a fun dance class, lead by our fellow member and dance instructor Musa! This will be in the style of Hustle - watch a video and read about hustle here. Beginners welcome - no experience needed.
This is a partner dance. You’re welcome to find another member to be your partner in advance and sign up together, or you can be randomly paired or rotated with partners during class. Some hand-to-hand contact is part of the dance, so please be aware. Leading and following will not be based on gender.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in, and bring water. And be sure to sign this liability waiver before the class.
If the event is full, sign up here to get an alert closer to the day of the event if there are open spots!
Improv Class
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Lower Manhattan. This is an accessible space.
DESCRIPTION:
Join us on Sunday, June 29th from 3:30-5PM for an improv class! This is a beginners class, no experience required.
Improvisation, or improv, is a form of live theater in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up in the moment (source). This is a chance to get creative, think in the moment, and create something new and interesting with your fellow group members!
Our guest instructor will be Suzy from Stella Adler! Note from our guest instructor - This is an Artistic Life Skills Class, where we use the techniques of an actor to build community and self-efficacy. Just come in something comfortable and ready to have fun!
PAUSE: Sensory Kit
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Downtown Brooklyn
PAUSE events are designed to be especially welcoming to Autistic adults with intellectual disabilities, those who are non- or minimally speaking, or those who have other disabilities that make typical social settings challenging.
DESCRIPTION:
A sensory kit is a collection of items that can help with anxiety and sensory overload, or can create a fun sensory experience
In our sensory box, we can include things like fidget toys, bubbles, stress balls, ear plugs, and more.
For this event, we will be decorating our boxes and picking out our favorite items to put in the box.
No need to bring anything but yourself, all materials will be provided!
It is not required to follow specific instructions or create your kit in a specific way. Feel free to come by, experiment, meet some new people and have fun.
Plant ID Walk 2: Prospect Park
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Prospect Park
DESCRIPTION:
Our first Plant ID walk for June will be located at Prospect Park!
We are doing 2 plant walks each month to accommodate as many members as we can! Please only register for only 1 Plant ID Walk (June 7th or June 28th).
Prospect Park was designed and constructed over a thirty-year period (1865-1895) by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (The same men who designed Central Park). Widely known for its intricate manmade watercourse (wetlands) and it being the bulk of Brooklyn's remaining indigenous forest, the park is a highly functional green space. During our hike, we will learn about identifying plants, the native flora, basic botany, applications for food, medicine, etc!
This is a late spring plant walk. Please be sure to dress for the weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring water and snacks.
Paws & Pizza
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Bushwick
DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a session with Pawsability!
Pawsability is a non-profit dog daycare and grooming facility in Bushwick, Brooklyn, focused on creating employment opportunities for autistic adults.
This event will give an introduction to pet care careers! Activities include interacting with small dogs, assisting with a dog bath, and learning about career opportunities in the pet care field. If you’re looking for jobs/interested in exploring new fields and an animal lover, this event is for you!
There will be cheese pizza provided! Please be sure to wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Dog slobber and hair may get on clothing.
Sensory note - There is a separate break room from the dog runs where people can go to decompress. However, you can still hear the dogs barking and a good chunk of our time will be on the dog-run where it is pretty loud and can be smelly. Feel free to wear headphones/earplugs or anything to accommodate, but be aware it is a high-sensory environment with lots of dogs!
Virtual - Speed Friending
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
On Sunday, June 22nd, join us for a virtual speed-friending event! This event will give participants the opportunity to get to know other members better through guided conversation questions and topics. It will take place via Zoom.
This event is for friendship, not a speed dating event! Please be sure to read through our group rules here if you are new to our space, and consider reading over the Tips for Navigating Interactions.
We’ll start with intros, announcements, and a quick refresher on our group guidelines
before sending participants to breakout rooms of three. This event will take place in sessions of five minutes each. After each session, participants will return to our main Zoom room to be re-sorted into new breakout rooms, with a different icebreaker each time.
TCTSY: Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space.
DESCRIPTION:
On June 21st at 12pm join us for our monthly in-person 45-60 minute TCTSY class led by AANYC member and certified yoga instructor, Heidi.
TCTSY (Trauma Center's Trauma Sensitive Yoga) is a specific style of hatha yoga that was developed to treat complex trauma, and also has useful applications for neurodivergent individuals who might struggle with a more traditionally led yoga class. Heidi will guide you through several different movements and postures, while offering modifications and options that will allow you to tailor the class to suit your needs. Unlike a traditional yoga class, the focus will be on making individual choices about how to move your body based on how your body feels, rather than working on any specific alignment goals, or on pacing your movements with your breath. Of course, if alignment and breathwork appeals to you, you’re welcome to include this in your practice! Based on community feedback, this practice will close with a guided deep relaxation and optional breathwork.
Following the TCTSY practice, there will be time to share any reflections you might have about the practice with the group, and/or to chat with Heidi individually on how best to adapt this practice to suit your needs.
This yoga practice is open to all levels- including first-timers to yoga! We will have yoga mats and props, but please feel free to bring your own yoga mat and any props that might support your practice. You might also want to bring a towel or other piece of fabric to cover the mats provided at the venue, if you have any concerns about resting exposed skin on a communal mat. Most of the movements and postures offered can also be done from a seated position in the chairs provided at the venue.
Juneteenth Event for Black Autistics
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Central Park
DESCRIPTION:
Join us on June 19th (Juneteenth) for a celebratory picnic for Black Autistics! This meetup is for Black/African-American Autistic Adults.
We’re having a potluck-style picnic! We’ll pick out a nice spot to set up, and you’re welcome to bring food or non-alcoholic drinks to share with the group. After introductions, we’ll spend the rest of the time eating, relaxing, and playing games. I’ll bring some cards and board games, but feel free to bring your own favorites too! To help avoid duplicates, feel free to comment below with what you plan to bring. Bringing something to share is encouraged but not required!
Virtual - Unmasking for Life Discussion: Overview & Core Skills
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
On Monday, June 16th, join us for an online discussion about Autism and unmasking. Our discussion series is based on the book Unmasking for Life, the follow-up to Unmasking Autism by Autistic professor and writer Devon Price.
As Price explains, Autistic masking is "an attempt at hiding [one's] disability that many undiagnosed Autistic people take part in", which often leads to harmful consequences. Unmasking for Life explores tools for navigating friendships, family, work and love in order to live one's best unmasked Autistic life.
This discussion will focus on the book’s introduction and Chapter 1, “Five Core Skills for Unmasking Your Life”. Reading these sections beforehand is suggested but optional; either way you will be able to follow along and contribute! We will review ideas and strategies from the book and share our own Autistic experiences and strategies.
Autistic Pride Day 2025
Autistic Pride Day is an annual celebration started by and for Autistic people, to celebrate pride in being Autistic.
Virtual - Crafting Meeting
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
On June 11th, 7:00-8:00 pm, join us for our next Online Crafting Meeting for Autistic Crafters. Whether you knit, crochet, spin, weave, felt, rug hook, dye, embroider, needlepoint, sew, or any other kind of crafter, Emma is hosting a monthly Crafting Meeting on 2nd Wednesday evenings. Whatever kind of crafting you do, if you love it and you’re doing it, come and share your project with us!
If you are crafting-curious and want to see if you’d like to start crafting, come see what we’re doing. If you want, you could use your “bring and brag” time to identify what you might want to do. You can ask about costs, and the Roses and Thorns of Crafting.
Craft online while checking out other people’s projects and sharing your own. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to. You can come just to watch if you want.
If you are having a problem with your craft, I hope we’ll connect with each other - Crafters Unite! - and help each other problem-solve any crafting issues that come up. And we’ll get to share our current project and discuss our next project and why we love crafting.
Collaborative Artmaking Meetup
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Chelsea. This is an accessible space.
DESCRIPTION:
On Tuesday, June 10th at 6:00PM, please join us for a collaborative art making event!
Attendees will be split up into groups, provided large art boards, mess safe art supplies, and guided to create an art piece together with fellow members. All materials will be provided. This is a casual, low stress event - no art experience required. The goal of this event is to get our creative juices flowing, socialize, and create something unique as a community!
Flower Pot Painting
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space.
DESCRIPTION:
Let’s welcome the summer season by painting flower pots! A mini flower pot is the perfect place for a succulent or other small plant, or for pencils or trinkets if you don’t have a green thumb! Whether you choose to paint an abstract design, a nature scene, or something else entirely, you’ll leave the event with a cute new decoration for your home.
Hybrid: Self-Advocacy Workshop
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Brooklyn Heights & Online
DESCRIPTION:
This is a hybrid event, attendance will be available in-person and via Zoom.
"How do I speak up for myself and my needs at school/work? What can I do to help the Autistic Community? What are current topics/issues that need awareness?
Join us for our Autism Self-Advocacy Workshop! We will discuss different types of advocacy, brainstorm ways to advocate for ourselves in our personal life. We will also be joined virtually by Noor from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, who will discuss their work, current areas of focus and answer any questions. At the end of the workshop, we will do some small discussion/activities in groups, and prepare items to hand out to the public for our upcoming Autistic Pride Day event!
Plant ID Walk 1: Prospect Park
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Prospect Park
DESCRIPTION:
Our first Plant ID walk for June will be located at Prospect Park!
We are doing 2 plant walks each month to accommodate as many members as we can! Please only register for only 1 Plant ID Walk (June 7th or June 28th).
Prospect Park was designed and constructed over a thirty-year period (1865-1895) by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (The same men who designed Central Park). Widely known for its intricate manmade watercourse (wetlands) and it being the bulk of Brooklyn's remaining indigenous forest, the park is a highly functional green space. During our hike, we will learn about identifying plants, the native flora, basic botany, applications for food, medicine, etc!
This is a late spring plant walk. Please be sure to dress for the weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring water and snacks.
Virtual - Community Forum
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
DESCRIPTION:
Join us on Thursday, June 5th at 7:00PM for a Community Forum! We will have these forums 4 times a year. This event is open to everyone in our group and those who are just joining us.
During the event, I will go over new developments and group happenings, including some behind-the-scenes stuff, upcoming big events, and our plans for the future.
I will also give some information about our group for new members, and receive feedback from current members on stuff you’d like to see happen in our community.
This is an opportunity for new members to ask questions and learn about the group, and also an opportunity for current members to give event suggestions, suggestions for our discord/website, feedback and new ideas!
Virtual - Poetry Workshop
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
On Friday, May 30th, join us for a virtual poetry workshop! This event will provide community members with an opportunity to flex their creative muscles in a relaxed setting. Sharing will be completely optional.
We’ll start with intros, during which participants will have the opportunity to share a previously written piece. Then, we will do a warmup exercise before moving on to structured prompts. No previous experience is necessary, and all are welcome!
This event will be in our "event-stage" Channel on Discord.
BIPOC Club: Comic Workshop
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space with an elevator.
DESCRIPTION:
This event is for Autistic adults who identify as BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.
Come and join us for an afternoon of comic making!
In this workshop, led by our own Jennesis Pham (he > they), you will learn the basics on how to write a comic. After learning the bare bones, you will have time to come up with ideas and make your own four panel comics. No artistic experience necessary! Just come as you are and with your brilliant ideas and feelings. Feel free to just observe as well. Inspiration may hit later at home or elsewhere, and that is okay!
Sometimes it can be hard to convey ideas through speaking or words, but comics are a great form of storytelling that is completely visual!
What to bring: ideas, feelings, comics/graphic novels for inspiration (optional)
PAUSE: Spring Draw Along
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
P.A.U.S.E is a space for friendship and community that doesn’t revolve around speech!
Let’s hang out, draw together, and have fun!
This is an online event. Everyone is welcome!
Family members or support people can help you join and draw.
Please Bring:
An object you like (like a stuffed animal or fidget toy)
A paper and something to draw with, or a tablet/phone and drawing app
Schedule:
1:00 PM: Introductions
Say hi any way you like: speak, type in the chat, wave on camera, or just listen.
Show your object if you want to!
1:15 PM: Draw-Along
We’ll draw spring things like flowers, trees, and sunshine.
The drawing will be simple and accessible for those with limited dexterity.
1:35 PM: Show off your drawing
Hold it up on camera or share it in the chat!
1:45 PM: Chat and Share Ideas
Let’s think about future events. Support people are welcome to join the conversation!
How to Join:
This event will happen online using Circle.
When it’s time, just click “Join Live Room” to come in!
These events are designed to be especially welcoming to Autistic adults with intellectual disabilities, those who are non- or minimally speaking, or those who have other disabilities that make typical social settings challenging. Unlike our general events, these gatherings are open to all.
Virtual - Women's Group: Virtual Chat
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!
This virtual event is for anyone who identifies as an Autistic woman or femme!
Join us for a conversation space to talk about our experiences as Autistic women. Whether you want to vent, reflect, share stories, or just listen, all is welcome! This is our first virtual event for autistic women, and we’ll take some time during the event to brainstorm for future events.
During this event, we’ll touch on -
Late diagnosis/autism discovery
Our opinions on our concepts of “gender”
Social expectations around femininity, caretaking, and being “nice”
Masking and the additional pressures as autistic women
And anything else folks would like to chat about!
This event will be in our "event-stage" Channel on Discord.
Ferry Ride & LIC Picnic
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
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LOCATION: Lower Manhattan to LIC
DESCRIPTION:
On Monday, May 19th, join us for a ferry ride and picnic! We will take a ride along the East River for roughly half an hour from Lower Manhattan to Long Island City, where we will have a picnic at the waterfront park. You may bring your own food or purchase food at LIC.
Bushwick Street Art Walk
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LOCATION: Bushwick
DESCRIPTION:
Join us on Saturday, April 26th at 12:00PM for a meetup in Bushwick!
We will be mostly walking around the Bushwick Collective area. Starting from just one wall donated by a neighborhood resident 12 years ago, building owners have been donating their walls to local artists and artists from all around the world, creating an open air gallery.
This will be a casual walk around the neighborhood. After we do introductions, we will begin our walk. We may stop occasionally to take pictures, but keep in mind this walk is outdoors in a semi-busy neighborhood, so be mindful of our neighbors and cars! After our walk, for those who are hungry, we will grab pizza together.
Hybrid: Emotional Regulation Workshop
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
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LOCATION: Chelsea & Virtual
DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a Workshop on Emotion Regulation on Saturday, February 17th, at 12:00PM, led by our very own Heidi and Arlene! This is a Hybrid event and has the option to join in-person OR virtually.
Emotion regulation is the ability to manage and respond to your emotional state, something many of us find challenging. In this workshop, we’ll cover:
An overview of emotion regulation, meltdowns, shutdowns, and burnout
What emotions are, how they show up differently in autistic people, and topics like alexithymia
Habits to build over time vs. coping skills to use in the moment
This will be a discussion-based workshop with small group exercises to help explore these topics together.
Virtual - Crafting Meeting
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
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On May 14th, 7:00-8:00 pm, join us for our Online Crafting Meeting for Autistic Crafters. Whether you knit, crochet, spin, weave, felt, rug hook, dye, embroider, needlepoint, sew, or any other kind of crafter, Emma is hosting a monthly Crafting Meeting on 2nd Wednesday evenings. Whatever kind of crafting you do, if you love it and you’re doing it, come and share your project with us!
If you are crafting-curious and want to see if you’d like to start crafting, come see what we’re doing. If you want, you could use your “bring and brag” time to identify what you might want to do. You can ask about costs, and the Roses and Thorns of Crafting.
Craft online while checking out other people’s projects and sharing your own. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to. You can come just to watch if you want.
If you are having a problem with your craft, I hope we’ll connect with each other - Crafters Unite! - and help each other problem-solve any crafting issues that come up. And we’ll get to share our current project and discuss our next project and why we love crafting.
This event will be on Circle.
Supporters Picnic & Office Tour
Monthly Supporters: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Not a monthly Supporter & would like to join this event? Sign up to be a Supporter here!
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Location: Greenpoint.
Description:
Hi Supporters! Come by our Supporters Picnic & Office Tour!
We’ll be meeting in a park to do some introductions, eat lunch, and settle for a nice picnic. During our picnic, we’ll bring small groups up to our office building for a behind-the-scenes tour. There will also be some games/other activities for the picnic!
Lunch and desserts will be provided! Be sure to bring a blanket/towel if you don’t want to sit on the grass.
Plant ID Walk 1: Forest Park Hiking Trails
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LOCATION: Richmond Hill
DESCRIPTION: Our first Plant ID walk for May will be located at Forest Park Hiking Trails!
This is a spring plant walk in a forested area. It is highly recommended to wear long-sleeve clothing for protection against insects or plants.
Forest Park is the third-largest park in Queens, at 543 acres, providing a sports area, concert area, and natural park setting. The park is home to a series of small hills and the boroughs largest continuous Oak-Hickory forest at 165-acres. Some trees are more than a century and a half old. The park sits on hills left behind by the Wisconsin glacier and is a haven for native plants and wildlife in the midst of the city's sprawl. In addition to the park's large full-time bird population, migratory birds pass through in the spring and fall!
TCTSY: Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
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LOCATION: Midtown
DESCRIPTION:
TCTSY (Trauma Center's Trauma Sensitive Yoga) is a specific style of hatha yoga that was developed to treat complex trauma, and also has useful applications for neurodivergent individuals who might struggle with a more traditionally led yoga class. Heidi will guide you through several different movements and postures, while offering modifications and options that will allow you to tailor the class to suit your needs. Unlike a traditional yoga class, the focus will be on making individual choices about how to move your body based on how your body feels, rather than working on any specific alignment goals, or on pacing your movements with your breath. Of course, if alignment and breathwork appeals to you, you’re welcome to include this in your practice! Based on community feedback, this practice will close with a guided deep relaxation and optional breathwork.
Following the TCTSY practice, there will be time to share any reflections you might have about the practice with the group, and/or to chat with Heidi individually on how best to adapt this practice to suit your needs.
This yoga practice is open to all levels- including first-timers to yoga! We will have yoga mats and props, but please feel free to bring your own yoga mat and any props that might support your practice. You could also want to bring a towel or other piece of fabric to cover the mats provided at the venue, if you have any concerns about resting exposed skin on a communal mat. Most of the movements and postures offered can also be done from a seated position in the chairs provided at the venue.
Virtual - Discussion: Maintaining Relationships
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
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Join us on Friday, May 8th at 7:00PM for our Relationships & Autism Virtual Series! This is the last event in this series for the year!! The topic of the day: Maintaining Relationships.
We’ll discuss our experiences in both platonic and romantic relationships - How we’ve dealt with communication, navigating social dynamics and different needs/expectations, keeping our relationships healthy, and more!
The session will begin at 7:00 PM with introductions, followed by a guided discussion informed by selected readings and questions. We’ll also talk about the series overall and ideas for next year.
This event will be in our "event-stage" Channel on Discord.
Virtual Game Night
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
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On May 6th, come play with other autistic people at a virtual game night. We will do some party games like Jackbox, trivia, etc. It will be a casual time to have fun and get to know others!
This event will be in our "event-stage" Channel on Discord.
& Juliet: Autism Friendly Performance
Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
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LOCATION: Midtown.
The theater is accessible but our spots are not accessible. Also note that the theater is in a busy area, so please bring headphones/earplugs when walking from the park to the theater.
The show will have flashing lights during a couple of the songs. House lights will be on to minimize the effect.
DESCRIPTION:
Join us for an Autism Friendly Performance of the Broadway musical “& Juliet!” We were kindly donated tickets to this performance from TDF.
About the Show: This hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
Keep in mind the total runtime of the show is 2 hours and 40 min, with a 15 minute intermission.
Hold Me in the Water: Relaxed Performance
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LOCATION: Midtown
DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a free lunch and relaxed performance of Hold Me in the Water, courtesy of Playwrights Horizons!
We will meet at the theater and receive a free lunch. Then we will watch the performance together. Please be sure to arrive at the theater on time.
When Ryan falls for a man he just met, he’s ready for the romance of his dreams. But as their connection grows, Ryan learns that new heights of joy can bring deep insecurities to the surface. Disarmingly vulnerable and playfully provocative, Hold Me in the Water is a funny and tender solo play about the passion and intimacy of first love.