ALAG and the Autism Hub’s first hybrid event in 2022 was a technological achievement. Covering the topic of autism and anxiety, the event was attended both in person and online. For me as the moderator and host, there was some anxiety in making sure that everything worked. For the audience of over 50, the topic was autism and anxiety.

Event speaker Jason Crabtree covered the anxiety essentials: the evolutionary background, the human responses and the reasons why anxiety is more prevalent among autistic people.

Many in the audience commented on their own anxiety coping mechanisms – meditation, exercise and self control. Disrupted routines, uncertainty and new situations can all be anxiety triggers.

Overall, I came away from our first hybrid event feeling positive. Many participants to this event found self management techniques which worked for them. And despite my own anxieties, our first hybrid event went well.

Nick Stone, Autism Hub peer support facilitator & ALAG member, 2 March 2022