Are you an adult who identifies as autistic and LGBTQ+?
Do you feel like you don’t have a lot of spaces where you can be yourself? Are you looking for a group that will accept and affirm you for who you are? Or, are you wanting to explore your identity and gain a deeper understanding of yourself?
Neurodiversity and queer identity overlap in many ways.
In fact, individuals on the autism spectrum are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+. But, the intersections between both identities aren’t often discussed. The LGBTQ+ community doesn’t always center on the experiences of neurodiverse individuals. And homophobia and transphobia certainly still exist within the neurodiverse community. This can make it very hard for neurodiverse and queer people to find affirming and supportive spaces to explore and celebrate their identities.
Many people who are autistic and/or LGBTQIA+ learn how to mask their identity for survival purposes. You may have fears about outing yourself in public and disclosing your identity. Or, you may have masked different parts of yourself for so long that you’re not quite sure who you really are.
Open Doors Therapy’s LGBTQ and autism support group may be the space you’re looking for.
Our online LGBTQ and autism support group will provide you with a space to explore your queer and autistic identities and how they intersect. You’ll be able to connect with other queer adults on the spectrum who understand your experiences. Plus, you’ll gain perspective and understanding of the challenges that you may be experiencing.
Through this LGBTQ support group, you’ll learn more about your needs and feelings and how to honor them.
So often we harshly judge and criticize ourselves. We might push away our feelings or ignore your needs. In group, we will explore ways to turn inward to our feelings and needs. You’ll learn how to listen to yourself with curiosity and compassion.
In our support group, we’ll also discuss the impacts self-criticism, masking, and invalidation have on your mental health and wellbeing.
We’ll unpack the emotional toll and trauma that can be caused by these factors too. Such as anxiety or panic that you’ll be found out, feelings of shame or worthlessness, and difficulty forming close relationships with others.
Through self-reflection and group support, you’ll gain more clarity and acceptance of yourself. And, you’ll learn skills to build healthier relationships with the people around you.
You don’t have to navigate your identity and experiences on your own.
Our online LGBTQ and autism support group can help you gain understanding and self-compassion.
The online group will include introspective activities to help you to tune into your feelings and needs.
We’ll also have a group discussion. It will provide you with an opportunity to share your experiences and learn from the experiences of others in the group. Through validation and support from your group members, you will gain acceptance and a sense of belonging.
The group will also consist of educational components to help you learn more about how neurodiversity and LGBTQIA identities intersect. We’ll cover topics such as masking and suppressing your self-expression, shame about being “different”, and the importance of community.
Through introspection, connection, and education you’ll be able to explore your identity and learn how to accept and express yourself fully.
When is the group happening?
We will be leading a group in the fall and the spring. The fall group will run from August to December, and the spring group will run from January to June. To register or learn more about the group, you can reach out to our team.
Join our online LGBTQ support group for adults on the spectrum!
If you’re interested in exploring your identities, connecting with people like you, and learning more about how to accept and express yourself, then you can take the first step by joining our online group. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about what to expect from the group and give you more details on when it’s happening.
Here’s how you can learn more and reserve your spot with Open Doors Therapy:
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Contact Open Doors Therapy to schedule a free consultation call.
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Learn more about the group. See if our team is the right fit for you.
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Join our group for LGBTQ+ adults on the spectrum and start learning more about yourself!
Other Autism Services at Open Doors Therapy
Our team is happy to offer a variety of services in support of neurodiverse individuals in-person and online. In addition to our LGBTQ and autism support group, we are also happy to offer online group therapy, individual autism therapy, and parent counseling. Other mental health services include family therapy, and groups for young adults, neurodiverse working professionals, gifted teens and caregivers, and autism parents. We also offer a college group, social skills group, and women’s group. Please feel free to visit our Autism Resources page for info and helpful resources. Learn more about our services by reaching out or visiting our blog today!