Social group for autistic adults

From humble beginnings, the Spectrum Social Group for autistic adults has grown to a membership of more than 120.

The group was initiated by Trish Stephens, a retired psychologist, who recognised that many of her clients had a strong desire for friendships and often were alone or lonely.

“I wanted to create a safe space for autistic adults to socialise with their peers in settings where they did not need to conform to neuro-typical ways of being,” Stephens said.

“The group has grown to more than 120 members across the Central Coast and is guided very much by members on what activities we do as a group.

“Past events have included bushwalking, ten pin bowling, barbecues, archery, laser tag, barefoot lawn bowls, picnics, paint’n’fun class, virtual reality experiences and lunch meet-ups.

“The most popular activity is the monthly cruise on Brisbane Water hosted by Dave Kent, who volunteers his boat, fuel and time to take small groups on to the water.”

One member of the group is Matthew Blakemore, recently named Central Coast Citizen of the Year 2024, in recognition of his work to build greater understanding of the needs of young people with a disability and the challenges and barriers they experience.

“Autistic people need to meet each other and build our connections,” Blakemore said.

“Spectrum Social Group events (provide) a chill environment to meet new friends.

“Being with other people can be easier when you are doing an activity and some of the things we have done as a group I have tried again with family.

“I work long hours and like that I can choose when I come to events and don’t feel pressured when I just want to be alone.”

Stephens said for many autistic people there was a need for society to differentiate between loneliness and being alone.

“Autistic people often feel that to socialise they need to conform to non-autistic ways of being and sharing time together,” she said.

“The effort to conform to fit in can be draining.

“Spectrum Social Group recognises the emotional energy required by members who often feel that they are in a social minority.

“Enabling autistic peer to peer engagement, on their terms, in the ways they wish to be together, (hopefully) will lead to greater feelings of belonging and wellbeing by the Central Coast autistic community.”

In recognition of the barriers to access a diagnosis as an adult, Spectrum Social Group welcomes peers who are diagnosed or self-identify as being autistic.

Autistic adults interested in attending group events are invited to join the Facebook group Spectrum Social Group Central Coast or go to www.spectrumsocialgroup.com