Earlier this year the IAS sent out a survey to autistic adults who have previously accessed support from Cwm Taf IAS. The purpose was to get ideas about how we could improve the support we offer; a consistent response we had was that many individuals would like the opportunity to meet other autistic adults on a regular basis, and discuss topics relevant to their experiences of being an autistic person.
In response to this we plan to organise monthly discussion forums that will focus on a specific topic each time. The first few topics have either come from the survey responses, or feedback from those who attended the outdoor meet-ups last month. We would like the topics discussed to be decided by autistic individuals; during the first few discussion forums we will be asking for your ideas for future topics, and will be asking what you would like the format of the forums to be.
The details of the October discussion forum are:
Topic: Autistic Life Hacks
This refers to strategies or coping mechanisms individuals may have developed to manage the difficulties experienced in any aspect of life. Examples could include but are not limited to organising/planning, communicating with others, understanding what is happening in social situations, or prioritising tasks.
Venue: Pontypridd Library
Date: 26/10/2021
Time: 14:00
Spaces are limited so if you would like to attend the forum you will need to book; places will be given in order of when they were requested.
To book you will need to email [email protected] requesting a space on the forum; please can you also provide your name and a contact number.
What to expect:
Here is some information about what you can expect at a discussion forum:
What is an IAS forum?
This is a safe space for open discussion about topics that matter to autistic adults. The topics chosen will be based on suggestions made by autistic adults supported by Cwm Taf IAS; a different topic will be chosen for each monthly forum. The chosen topic will be advertised prior to the forum taking place.
Who can attend an IAS forum?
The forum is open to any autistic adult (18+) who lives in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. Due to limited capacity in booked rooms, individuals will need to book a place with Cwm Taf IAS prior to attending.
Currently there will be a maximum of 8 people, and 2 IAS staff members in attendance at any forum session.
Why would someone want to attend?
An IAS forum offers individuals, an opportunity to meet with other autistic adults who live in the local area, who may have had similar life experiences, and have similar perspectives.
As a service we have found individuals find it beneficial to meet others who understand what it is like to have ASD, and manage the everyday challenges related to this.
The forum will also give you an opportunity to practice communicating, and interacting with others in an informal space, which understands how challenging this can be.