Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 14 April 2025
Ahead of the Easter break, this was a busy morning of drop-in discussions. There was a consideration of the commitments in the shorter working week, developing social skills, relationships and personal benefits of Autism Hub membership. The structured session covered ruminations and their links with trauma as well as assessing the benefits of CPT and online therapy.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 07 April 2025
The group began discussing an informative approach to accessing health care, with an online consultation service. The extended period of sunny weather generated different responses – with leisure and shade. With Easter approaching, there were shared experiences of traditional foods. During the structured part of the morning, participants discussed their autism strengths.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 31 March 2025
This morning session reflected on the weekend of time changes for this summer as well as Mothering Sunday – leading to a discussion on the loss of parents and bereavement. The second part of the drop-in was a structured special interest discussion – with weather, astronomy and science covered. As it was the end of the month, there was an end of the month quiz.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 24 March 2025
A well attended drop-in began with public transport liveries and therapeutic swimming as a life skill. Social security payments, claims and tribunal were assessed – measuring their impact on wellbeing. Exercise was a recurring theme – before the group moved to discussion on autism, transgender and family experiences.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 17 March 2025
This morning’s drop-in session looked at personal finances and an alert to possible government changes to social security. Keeping fit, as well as canal side were also discussed – to promote wellbeing. Autism and justice sensitivities were explored in the structured section – the rule of law and experience of law enforcement.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 10 March 2025
There was a varied mix of topics on travel and better beds for sleeping. Boxing was also discussed a means for improved mental health. After that, we discussed Autistic women’s experiences with diagnosis and support – as part of Women History Month commemorations. The link between the NHS and follow up service was a linked theme. This was a well-attended session, today.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 3 March 2025
Today’s event began with managing a busier life, the importance of making lists and making the most of free time. Given the time of year for food adaptations, we also discussed fasting. Long distance travel and flat sharing also cropped up. After that the group discussed autism and autistic female authors.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 24 February 2025
Local travel in the north west of England lead to broader discussion on better value holiday bookings. After exploring autism and gender masking, there was a structure conversation on special interest. A topic quiz ended a well attended session.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 17 February 2025
Weekend visits by relatives began today’s drop-in. After that we looked at Lego – both as occupying toy and autism therapy. The regular travel discussion looked at exploring the north west of England. Household clutter, organising personal items and social justice covered the remainder of the sessions.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 10 February 2025
Complexities of social security were discussed, and the importance of advocacy began today’s drop-in session. After that we explored the benefits of volunteering – and the message that it feels good to do good. The structure part of the drop-in covered diversity and employment, health and education settings.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 03 February 2025
Today’s drop-in covered was varied – from travel and home leave to technology and neighbourhood welfare. Applying for social security illustrated the complexities and support offered. The structured section of session covered autism, race and diversity.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 20 January 2025
Personal wobbles, travel adventures, coping with disruption and wider housing problems were all covered in the first part of today’s drop-in. All with a common theme of managing the stress which accompanies these situations. The structured part of the session discussed new activities – with volunteer being appraised.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 13 January 2025
Today’s drop-in reviewed plans to travel across eastern England – taking in some of the more isolated stations. After that we talked a lot about cat ownership and the relationship with humans. The structured session covered learning new things and the skills required.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 6 January 2025
The first drop-in of 2025 began with travel plans as well as reflecting on the recent festive break. The group then explored the relationship between human and animals before moving to a structured discussion on autism and burn out.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 16 December 2024
The last drop-in of 2024 was a chance for participants to think of festive break ahead – and the impact on personal routines, diets and travel arrangements. That structured session look at sleep and with plenty of discussion on dreams and dreaming.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 09 December 2024
This morning’s drop-in explored travel across the UK , as well as the value of some podcasts. After that, there was a discussion about animals, autism and nature. Participants noted the benefits of visiting the countryside and the mental wellbeing benefits of pets.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 02 December 2024
The recent London Overground name and colour changes began today’s drop-in discussions. After that, we reviewed a busy week ahead before moving to coping strategies for autism and disabilities. There was generally theme of being kinder to yourself – at the end of this engaging session.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 25 November 2024
Long distance cross country travel was followed by a lively discussion on special interests. Interests ranged from trains to jigsaw puzzles and video games. Towards the end of the drop-in, there was a fast paced and fun themed quiz.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 18 November 2024
A discussion on routines and sleep patterns began today’s drop-in, followed by volunteering, employment and the role of government. The structured section of the drop-in covered autism and a healthy work and life balance. Diary records and management were recurring themes.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 11 November 2024
This morning’s session explored autism and self care. Participants at the drop discussed their own self care routines and the barriers. This opened up a wider discussion on other routines – eating, managing lists and exercise.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 04 November 2024
Today’s drop-in began with informative analysis of train track gauges and rural rail services in the UK. We also looked at the personal boundaries between the work place and people in work places – before moving to a broader discussion of autism and friendships.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 28 October 2024
The October clock change started drop-in discussions. There was also a chance to catch on personal health experience before moving to the impact of special interest. The session ended with a light hearted October quiz.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 21 October 2024
Weekend activities and volunteering began today’s drop in. Relationships with potentially addictive substances where then explored. We discussed alcohol in particular – social situations, addictive tendencies, drinking buddies and anxiety.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 14 October 2024
Today, we looked forward to Halloween – paving the way for other festivals – culminating in December. As well as exploring diagnosis and vaccination, there was also a structured session on autism and LGBTQ experiences.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 7 October 2024
This morning session offered contrast. Personal health, overseas car travel and UK’s public transport infrastructure were also discussed. As part of Black Awareness Month – October 2024, we had some insightful and candid observations on autism and black history.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 30 September 2024
There were a lively variety of subjects discussed at today’s drop in. Among these were trains, anticipation of dental care, domestic energy tariffs and entitle to freedom pass travel. After extended discussion on special interest, the session ended with a special autumnal quiz.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 23 September 2024
The Glasgow subway began today’s drop-in, assessing all its interesting features. After that, the group moved to discussing home improvements and the disability student allowance. The structure part of the session covered – self awareness, support groups, self research.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 16 September 2024
Travel across the UK began today’s session, followed by a roundup of DIY and the problems of conflicting information. We then moved onto the executive function – noting the difficulties of self supervision. There were some good tips and advice.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 09 September 2024
Today’s session covered a breath of topic from public transport and sleeping patterns to managing tasks and meeting academic deadlines. We also reflected on the recent autism and creativity event.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 02 September 2024
This morning drop-in session began with cookery and favourite foods. Welcome newcomers shared their personal experiences of work and addictive tendency. The structured section of the meeting covered environmental concerns, recycling and changing consumer habits.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 19 August 2024
Social skills in customer service situation began today’s drop-in session – discussing approaches and personal experiences. The structured section of the session covered pain management – supported by experiences and coping mechanisms.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 12 August 2024
An online tour of small and hard to access UK railway stations began today’s drop-in session. The structured second part of the session looked at ways of dealing with hot weather.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 5 August 2024
Today’s drop in first explored public transport – in its various forms of fleets and liveries. This was followed by a review of personal domestic circumstances and then moving to autism and burn out.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 29 July 2024
We had a tour of the UK’s many urban transport system – assessing ease of use and fares. After that there was a review of this 2024 Olympics before a structured discussion on autism and travel. Finally, there was a quick and topical quiz on the Olympics.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 22 July 2024
This morning began with a fascinating and unexpected discussion on cartoon – their enduring appeal, their cultural impact and the moral tales that lie behind the plot lines. After that we explored autism and exercise, with a focus on settings, risks, motivation and benefits.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 15 July 2024
Today was a varied discussion covering current affairs and well being. This led to a wider point about childhood experience and autism in earlier decades. We also looked at autism and self awareness.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 01 July 2024
Employers’ conduct was a central topic in the first part of the session – looking at managers who act in bad faith and the rights available to employees. After that, we explored the relationship between autism and alcohol – impulse drinking, reasons for drinking and affect on behaviour.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 24 June 2024
Today session looked at city visits and journey planning. Personal working circumstances were also explored. After that there was topical quiz and experience of visiting Pride events.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 17 June 2024
Travel preference opened this morning drop-in session, with grim stories of illness during sea journeys. The second section moved to men’s health : visiting the doctor, anxiety, the language of a diagnosis and the range of treatments.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 4 June 2024
This morning’s session covered transport – and favourite stations and routes. With current affairs of particular relevance, we looked at coping strategies for intense news coverage. The structured session of the morning looked at diets, food preferences and meal routines. The word umami was introduced!
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 13 May 2024
Tips and advice were discussed as part of preparation for college examinations. After that the group discussed solutions to household repairs and the excitement of live event’s interaction with social media. There followed a structures session on claiming social security and advice on mental health.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 29 April 2024
The session began with household improvements and household safety. We then moved relationships between neurotypical and neurodivergent people – focusing on honesty and rhetorical questions. We ended with the monthly quiz – covering historical events in April.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 22 April 2024
Today’s session covered travel and the freedom pass rules – before moving onto housing difficulties, landlord access and section 21 no fault evictions. The other half of the drop look at setting and maintaining boundaries in autistic people’s lives.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 15 April 2024
Cooking and cleaning where both discussed as part of self management and executive function. The structured second half examined stress, self soothing, wider tips and health care professional understanding.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 08 April 2024
The session began by assessing audio and visual information on public transport, before moving to wider views on learning to drive a car or car driving generally. After midday, we moved to discussion in autism and the media. There was a view that the film Rainman has much to answer for.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 18 March 2024
Reasonable adjustments, personal domestics and housing difficulties paved the way for discussing wider concerns about housing. After that, the group then discussed religion – focusing on judgment, cultural differences and lived experiences.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 11 March 2024
Today began with the search for the long distance travel records. After a question on social security payments, there followed an engaging discussion on gender bias. Of note, were the attitudes towards eccentric behaviour, social acceptable language and potential manipulation.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 4 March 2024
Morning discussions opened with travel, domestic repairs, family loss and managing grief. This was an intense, measured and thoughtful session. Rather than move to the planned structure debate, the discussions focused on elderly family members, anticipating grief, imaging other people and emotional responses.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 26 February 2024
This week’s drop-in welcome a newcomer. Introductions paved the way for travel and public health care experience. The group discussion then moved on to routines and time blindness.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 19 February 2024
The group discussed the relationships and illnesses – and the dynamic between family members. Public health care delivery was explored, specifically experiences of elective surgery. Discussion then moved to LGBTQ rights – exploring history, religion, access to health care.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 12 February 2024
Family dynamics were discussed, particularly with relations who are ill. There was a review of personal experiences of public health care delivery and, in particular, elective surgery. After that, there was a thoughtful discussion on LGBTQ access to health care. This broadened out to examining evolving rights, changing attitudes and role of institutions.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 12 February 2024
This morning’s session began by reviewing audio visual support when on public transport. Responses were varied. When other participants joined, there was a switch to living with former partners and personal domestic circumstances. After that, there was a lively discussion on executive dysfunction.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 05 February 2024
Travel, managing multiple commitments, taking breaks and the routine of the week began a varied drop-in discussion. After that, there was a structured debate on the romance, relationships, the merits of living alone and dealing the commercial pressure of the looming Valentine’s Day.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 29 January 2024
Computer repairs, computer software and rail travel were recurring themes of the first part of today’s discussion. After that, there was a structured discussion on diet and the routines of eating habits.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 22 January 2024
Today, the group discussed public services and concerns about them. After that, the group moved on to experiences of social norms and norms.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 15 January 2024
A personal experience at today’s drop-in highlighted wider needs and discussion point. The group moved to pressing concerns about where to get help, where to get advocacy, knowing your rights, how to exercise your rights.
The second part of the drop-in discussed burnout and the efforts required to conceal anxiety or discomforts.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 08 January 2024
The first drop-in of the New Year discussed the events of the year ahead: resolutions, personal commitments, household repairs and current affairs. There was a 2024 quiz followed by a structured discussion on the obligations ahead.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 18 December 2023
Ahead of the festive break, the group discussed the changes to public transport at the end of December and into the New Year. After that, there were practical discussions on household repairs.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 11 December 2023
The session open with varies discussion on public transport, new underground trains for London and personal academic studies. After that, there was a discussion on animal therapy and the pleasure of owning pets.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 04 December 2023
Ahead of year end plans, the group discuss travel plans during the festive period. After that, participants move on to the bad habit on how to quit them.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 20 November 2023
Today’s session explored the merits of different modes of public transport, followed by wider social debate on the use of food banks. A housing consultation paved the way for wider concerns on affordability, moving to quieter areas and the quality of homes themselves.
Autism and ADHD peer-group, Wednesday 15 November 2023
Las weeks autism and ADHD peer-group was structured into several questions – with a common theme of perceptions of ADHD. This included discussion around the changing nature of the condition, internal and external perceptions of the condition, possible differing gender experiences and the future.
Each question generated much interaction and debate. So much so that several questions will be explored more fully in our next session on Wednesday 13 December. Recurring themes were coping mechanisms, adaptations, noticeable outward symptoms and how other people see those symptoms.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 13 November 2023
Travel is a recurring feature of the Monday morning drop-ins. Today is another example – with discussions on the use of the freedom pass and the perils of cycling in winter. The morning’s political events was a chance to discuss making sense of speedy developments in current affairs. After that, the group move reasonable adjustments. The need for clarity in communication was a constant theme.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 6 November 2023
Today’s drop-in session began with an insightful public transport discussion before moving on to fixing computer. After that there was a positive debate on benefit payments – and the explanation on their receipt.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 30 October 2023
The first part of this morning’s drop-in covered pain management, demands of caring for relatives, interaction between employment and benefit payments. st a break – there was a mid-point quiz looking back at October events in the past. There were a wider variety of views on dealing the events coming : Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 23 October 2023
Travel and language were discussed in the first hour of today’s drop-in. More specifically, station categories, maps, geographical perspective and accents. After this, the group moved to talking about autism and masking – the reasons, the questions for neurotypical people and lived experiences.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 16 October 2023
The drop-in started with dental visit concerns– opening up wider discussions on conditions including ADHD, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and general pain management.
After that, we moved to visible and invisible disabilities. This promoted a comment about hesitancy for people referring to themselves as disabled – with connotations, stereotypes or responses from others.
Autism and ADHD online drop-in – Wednesday 11 October 2023
Monthly online peer-support group
The next session will be the Wednesday 15 November 2023, 12:00 noon to 13:00.
This was the first online peer-support session for people diagnosed with both autism and ADHD. Group introductions offered a chance for participants to explain their personal experience and routes to diagnoses. What emerged was an interactive hour long session reflecting the complexity of dual diagnosis – with a spectrum of symptoms and lived experiences.
Overall, there were common themes of conflict, with one contributor saying they feel their autistic brain and ADHD brain are often pulling in opposite directions. Internal monologues was another topic that was discussed with participants expressing variation in how they experience these. Participants also reflected on intense daily experiences including thoughts hard to verbalise and sensory processing.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 09 October 2023
This morning’s drop-in brought a personal experience of the interaction between universal credit benefit payments and paid work. There was also a wider discussion of coping with ill health during prolonged periods. After that, the group reflected on recent event on autism and black awareness month – October 2023.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 25 September 2023
Varied morning topics included research into universal benefits and rail studies. With visits to France also discussed, there was also a lively and fun geography quiz. The second part of the session moved on to reasonable adjustments and masking.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 18 September 2023
This session began with varies personal remedies and anecdotes about self management – with chocolate and coca drinks included as comforts or a night cap. Visits to the coast and countryside also raise the mood and improved well being. The remainder of the drop-in covered accompanying difficulties – notably eyesight and light sensitivity.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 11 September 2023
Coming to terms with autism opened up a wider discussion of self management. We discussed masking – adapting your social conduct in order to fit in with others. Telling other people you can trust followed on : discussing your diagnosis with friends and family. The second section of the drop-in reflected on the previous autism and well being event. Sleeping routines, types of sleep and eating routines were all explored.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 4 September 2023
Today, we began by discussing the pleasing late summer weather and the precautions needed for the warmer temperatures. The second part of the drop-in covered the umbrella topic of executive dysfunction. A recurring theme was the use of online diary management tools to help with activities, deadlines and time.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 21 August 2023
Today’s session opened with managing fatigue – and exploring the benefits of exercise as part of supporting well being. The group moved to a discussion on reasonable adjustments – supported by interactive white board notes. Among the points raised were the distress of unexpected changes in plans and the need to communicate changes in advance whenever possible.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 14 August 2023
There were engaging discussions on places to travel and the choice of destinations – whether city, coast or countryside. After that, there was discussion on medication, support for advocacy and experience of claiming PIP.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 7 August 2023
Today’s drop-in covered a variety of topics on computers, building work and support groups specifically for autism. The second part was more structured reflecting on the recent evening pain management event as well as sensory issues and interoception.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 31 July 2023
After a welcome catch up weekend activities, there was an upbeat discussion on cinema. This was inspired by a trio of summer blockbusters. Reasons for cinema visits, relaxed settings and favourite films were all discussed. The next half of the drop-in discussed the difficult subject of autism and pain management – covering PTSD, panic attacks, symptoms and remedies.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 17 July 2023
Travel opened today’s drop-in. Members discussed back up plans when train travel goes wrong as well as other modes of transport. The second part of the session covered autism and burnout – when to recognise it, how to manage and practical tips.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 10 July 2023
Today’s session was varied. Everything from Japan and shoes to PIP claims and public health care delivery. Member expressed particular concerns with financial management and accessing some NHS services.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 3 July 2023
Today’s session began with personal experiences during the current cost of living crisis – with extra work discussed as an option. Reflections on the recent Pride weekend in London, paved the way for a general discussion on noisy environments and the spoons theory.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 19 June 2023
This morning’s drop-in brought news of job interviews in addition to transport exploration. There was a discussion of entertainment and sensory overloads, as well as preparations for visits to new places. As this Learning Disability Week from 19-25 June 2023, the group also explored definitions, support required, workplace experience and challenges related to disabilities and development.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 12 June 2023
Today’s drop-in was in the midst of the June heat wave and with a discussion on coping with weather and enjoying the weather. The second part of the session cover men’s mental health. This discussion expanded to addiction, habit, routines and mobile phone use.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 5 June 2023
Today’s drop-in was lively and in two parts. After discussion behavioural issues and coping with personal difficulties, the session moved on to written communication versus spoken communications. Different scenarios raised a range of points on social media, emails, text messages and the style of communications.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 22 May 2023
This was an in-person event, with participants involved activities and discussions. Among the activities were colouring. Discussions covered well being – as part of mental heath awareness month. Diet and exercise as benefits being recurring themes.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 17 April 2023
The group reflect on the recent Easter holidays, as well anticipating big birthday numbers. A recurring theme was finding a place to call home as we get older. Having visitors to stay in one’s own home was also analysed.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 3 April 2023
Topics varied after a user had updated their profile – taking the group a Playstation purchase and Harry Potter films. After that, there were contributions on autism diagnosis – with subsequent follow up support and processes. Towards the end of the session, there was fun quiz on the Eurovision Song Contest.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 20 March 2023
The Spring equinox encouraged discussions on the season ahead as well as anniversaries and celebrations. Recent travel disruption was a chance to discuss the importance of travel planning. There were also the problems of privacy, especially with house sharing.
An interactive whiteboard discussion on improving well being covered sensory, conserving energy, burnout and hyperfocus.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 13 March 2023
Members discussed their recent experiences of exploring London by public transport, with a personal achievement of a long trip from one end to the other. Following a recent evening webinar, the group reflected on autism friendly spaces – with future plans to visit cinemas and galleries.
One member offered an update on difficult personal circumstances – opening up a wider discussion on autism and identity. After a quick London landmark quiz, there were thoughts on managing expectations for younger autism people. Finally, the group looked at television portrayal of autistic people.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 6 March 2023
Today’s session began with a user’s London Underground experiences – favourite lines, station observations and journey planning. This paved the way for a broader conversation on autism friendly transport and what makes a good accessible event. Discussion moved to mobile phone apps which help with travel and money management, as well the risks of over exposure to online news feeds. Ahead of a forthcoming event , the session rounded off with an assessment of autism friendly spaces.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 27 February 2023
Today’s drop-in meeting was in-person. The meeting provided a great opportunity for a dynamic for multiple conversations covering a breadth of topics. They varied from autism disclosure and job interviews to social media and knowing whom to trust. There was in depth discussions on preparing for public meetings and public speaking as well as the stresses of multiple purchases.
Overall, this was a lively and engaging discussion – and the two hours on passed quickly.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 20 February 2023
The day before Shrove Tuesday generated plenty of discussion on pancakes! Especially discussing recipes, cultural variations and preferences. This date triggered another discussion on the use of calendars for remembering dates, celebrations and anniversaries.
The second part today’s drop-in explored emotional mental health – the causes, the differences and the importance. The difficulties of forgiving oneself cropped up. After that, there was the always valued discussion on setting boundaries.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 13 February 2023
The session began with the reminder of social media posts from a younger age and the responsibilities that go with it. Travel planning was next on the agenda, the interest of attending a book signing and the use of supportive books. There was also some practical advice on domestic energy management and recording energy use.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 6 February 2023
The drop-in session welcomed the return of former participant. This paved the way for discussing sleep issues – and the medication on offer. The group returned to the discussion of autism burnout, with one member recounting the trauma of displacement from another country.
The other half of the session covered LGTBQ+ issues with a video on symbols and meaning followed by a general discussion.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 30 January 2023
After last week’s in-person meeting, the sessions returned to virtual drop-in format. Members discussed attending a sensory event as well reflecting on a personal difficulties including a loss of communications. For some, it’s been a tough week of experiences.
The second part of the drop-in covered boundaries – personal boundaries, communication boundaries and space boundaries. This is a popular and dynamic issue which the group is sure to return to.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 16 January 2023
Travel disruption began today’s drop-in session, with ways of means of dealing with unexpected changes of plans. This inspired a wider discussion on practical advice, outstanding tasks to complete and birthday treats.
The second part of the session moved onto the topics boundaries. A thought shower encouraged debate on personal safeguards, knowing when to say ‘no’ to others and sensory boundaries.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 09 January 2023
With this being the first drop-in of 2023, the group reflected on the recent holiday and pondered any quality time enabling a fresh New Year start. Looking back to a recent ALAG event, participants discussed autism and burnout – particularly personal treats which make welcome breaks from the demands of life. Food and travel were to the most favoured treats.
There was then a discussion of spoons theory – with personal experiences. The session ended with a quiz on the events ahead for 2023.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 19 December 2022
This was the last drop-in of 2023, with a chance to discuss preparation for the coming festive break. This was also the drop-in before the winter solstice, with a discussion on the day’s solar significance and to appreciate the coming brighter days. The group reflected on expectations for 2023.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 12 December 2022
Today session began amidst a cold snap and overnight snow fall in the South East. Participants compared winter snowy scenes and efforts to stay warm. The drop-in was also chance to reflect on the recent festive event as well expectations for 2023. On this, an interesting point was raised on reaching out for support, levels of engagement, management of expectations.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 5 December 2022
One of the contributors recent long distance journey prompted a wider discussion on transport experiences. Given the time of view, attention then focussed on festive preparations – including food and decorations as well as recall previous occasions.
The cost of living was recurring a theme, with comparison on a variety of items in London and outside.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 28 November 2022
Today’s session focussed on two specific medical issues – discussing personal experiences, diagnoses and coping mechanisms. Tinnitus was first – which revealed varying experiences and means of dealing with issues. Then sleep disorders and disrupted sleep was next discussed. Overnight phone use, eating times and sleeping times were recurring themes.
Towards there was a group discussing on the pleasing tones of the radio shipping forecast.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 21 November 2022
Random mentioned of a goose in the car park prompted discussing winter food. This is a frequent occurrence of drop-in sessions where one subject prompt wider discussions – in this case big life choices following big life decisions. There were reflections on the noise and light stimulus of a recent visit to a busy seaside town. After that, the group moved the sombre and helpful advice on financial planning and energy bills.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 14 November 2022
A review of recent activities covered a diverse range of topics include Australia, wildlife and wildlife documentaries. After that, the group discussed ways of managing autism and where people can turn to help.
Using the digital white board, there was a structured session on declutter – with a case study and advice ahead of any house move. A particularly interesting observation was the importance attached to specific household items which may have importance or emotional attachment.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 7 November 2022
Proceedings began this morning with an update on personal health circumstances. After that, there were reflections on coping mechanism when dealing with unsettling news – especially when the news gives an outcome that is not expected.
The group talked about creating opportunities to improve personal well being with autism diagnoses being used as an example. After that, there was a sensory quiz – which followed on from an event on the subject previously.
Autism Hub drop-in, Monday 31 October 2022
This was a drop-in session divided into halves. The first half was a chance for participants to reflect on recent their activities. With the recent changing of the clocks, times zones came up as a special interest. There were also a discussion of varied work commitments as well as the troubles of driving in the big city.
After the general discussion, there second half was insightful contributions on autism and sensory issues. Sounds and smells on public transport were recurring themes, as well as advice on dealing with difficult situations.
