Coffee, Tea and Autism provides an informal forum for discussion and information sharing among anyone impacted by autism. Facilitators are volunteers who have first-hand knowledge of living the autism journey and have completed their training in active listening skills, group dynamics and accessing resources.
These support groups can …
- Connect people with similar experiences
- Provide new resources, ideas and suggestions
- Encourage you throughout your journey
- Celebrate successes no matter how small
- Let you know you are not alone
- Allow understanding with no judgement
Sometimes the best support and information comes from others living the same journey.
Are you a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, a parent or other family member living the autism journey? These groups are for you!
LET’S GET YOU CONNECTED!
GROUP FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH ASD AGE 18-25
KENT
Meeting Dates: Every Other Sunday beginning October 30, 2016
Meeting Time: 4:30pm
Location: Pufferbelly Restaurant · 152 Franklin Avenue, Kent OH 44424
Peer Facilitator: Alyx Weaver
A little bit about Alyx: I was raised an only child, and diagnosed with High Functioning Autism (later, Aspergers) at the age of six. My mother was always intent on staying up to date with all things Autism, but my mother found herself fighting for my rights and my safety frequently while I was growing up. I had many difficulties in certain classrooms because of sensory issues. For a while, I did very well in Elementary School thanks to two exceptional educators. However, Middle School ended up being too much for me as I couldn’t integrate socially. I spent my High School years in a Therapeutic Facility and almost did not receive a diploma, but again my mother advocated for me and I chose to attend College at William Paterson University in New Jersey, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s in General Biology and Biopsychology Honor’s Thesis cum laude. I was greatly influenced by the world of pharmaceuticals and behavioral therapy I grew up with, and I have continued to pursue my interest in the brain as a Neuroscience PhD student at Kent State University. I study the cellular metabolic and circadian aspects of Multiple Sclerosis, and I hope to broaden my research to cognitive aspects of neuro-inflammation. I think that it is important for individuals such as myself to reach out to people on and off of the Autism Spectrum and let them know that everyone has the potential to achieve the things they were told they never could.
PARENT / CAREGIVER GROUPS (click on the county for locations)
If you are interested in connecting with one of these groups, or if you are interested in serving as a facilitator, please contact our Resource Specialist, 330 940-1441 ext 1 or e-mail HERE.
Learn more about BEING A PEER FACILITATOR HERE