April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a month that aims to recognise and spread acceptance of Autistic people.
To celebrate the importance of inclusive education for neurodiverse students, our Inclusive Learning team is sharing the virtual and in-person Autism Spectrum Hangout Group that is running throughout Semester One on Fridays.
The group is facilitated by Autistic people (Ruth and Bea) for Autistic people. It provides a safe and inclusive space for Autistic students (including self-identified autism, suspected autism, and Asperger’s) to hang out with other Autistic students. Attendees can converse freely, discuss their experiences at university, play games, or just listen to other conversations.
Virtual hangouts
The virtual hangouts take place on Zoom on Fridays from 11:30am–12:30pm. You may join or leave at any point during the hangout session.
- Sessions are guided by what the attendees of that session would prefer.
- We often spend these sessions catching up with how people are going, sharing our interests and experiences, and doing quizzes.
- You may leave your camera and microphone off if you would prefer.
- You are welcome to use the chat function to communicate if you would prefer.
In-person hangouts
The in-person hangouts take place on Fridays from 11:00am–1:00 pm. You may join or leave at any point during the hangout session.
- Sessions are freely structured so attendees can participate in whichever way is most comfortable for them.
- We often spend these sessions chatting freely in pairs, in small groups or sometimes as a whole group, although there is no pressure to join in.
- We have a range of games, puzzles, colour books and fidgets available.
- You are also welcome to bring along your own work or activities.
Feedback from participants
- “Attending this group was really amazing and made my first year at the University a much more positive experience!”
- “I like how it’s peer run and doesn’t feel like a weird ‘support group’ … it’s just like friends chatting.”
- “The group felt really positive and the people in the group looked out for each other.”
- “It was a fun time to just chill and meet and chat with people.”
To get in touch and find out more information, contact inclusivelearning@auckland.ac.nz