“By bearing witness to each other’s stories, we validate and give meaning to our own experiences.” Yalom (2005)

Our neuroaffirming group program brings together autistic adults to explore and address the sensory, emotional, social, and identity aspects of being neurodivergent. 

Upcoming Autism Group Workshops & Full Program – Secure Your Spot!

Sessions take place in person in Fitzroy with small group sizes (4–8 participants) to foster a safe and engaging environment.You can join the full 10-session program or select individual workshops tailored to your needs (Register by clicking the button below)

Key Dates & Availability:

Sensory & Interoceptive Awareness – Started February 10, 2025 (Join the waitlist for the next workshop)

Understanding & Regulating Emotions – Starts March 3, 2025 (Limited spots available)

Social Experience & Identity Exploration – Starts March 31, 2025 (Limited spots available)

The Full 10-Session Program – New start date coming soon (Join the waitlist to secure a spot!)

Program Overview

This program is open to adults (18+) with an autism diagnosis or those who self-identify as autistic. Participants can choose to join the full 10-session program or any of the 3 workshops (see details below). The program is facilitated by two psychologists highly experienced in working with autistic adults. The next start date is set for February 10, 2025, with sessions every Monday from 6–8:30pm (including a break). Sessions will be held in person in Fitzroy, with small group sizes of 4–8 participants.

Program Structure

The program consists of three parts, with participants welcome to join the full 10-session program (2.5 hours per session) or individual workshops.

Workshop 1: Sensory and Interoceptive Awareness (3 sessions, 2.5 hours each)
This workshop is designed to help you better understand your own sensory experiences—both the challenges and the joy of discovering what feels good to you. You will also delve into interoception, learning to recognise and interpret internal bodily signals and emotional cues. Through guided activities and discussions, you’ll develop personalised strategies for managing sensory environments and enhancing sensory well-being. 

Workshop 2: Understanding and Regulating Emotions (3 sessions, 2.5 hours each)

This workshop moves away from the neurotypical lens in making sense of emotions, creating space for you to safely reflect on how you experience and express your feelings. Through an approach that brings in focus autistic perspectives, you’ll learn strategies to better recognise and articulate your emotions—even when faced with challenges like alexithymia. This workshop offers practical tools and insights to help you navigate your emotional experiences with more ease.

Workshop 3: Social Experience and Identity Exploration (4 sessions, 2.5 hours each). 

This workshop is designed to help you clarify your communication and social preferences. We’ll explore how these preferences support rewarding connections and the challenges they may pose to interpersonal relationships. Recognising masking as a nuanced and deeply personal experience, this workshop offers an opportunity to reflect on its role in your life, helping you make informed choices and develop approaches that align with your needs and values. By integrating these insights, you’ll deepen your self-understanding to strengthen the connection to your authentic self. 

Intake Process

Limited spots are available. If you're interested, complete the form below, and we will contact you for a brief discussion to ensure the program is a good fit. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions.

For more information, email autismgroupprogram@gmail.com.

Registration Form

Please fill out the form below. One of the facilitators will contact you for a brief discussion to ensure the program is a good fit for you.

FAQs

  • This program was co-designed by Dr. Simone Mizzi and Dr. Yan Yang (see our bios below). Through both clinical experience and research, we've noticed a significant gap in group programs tailored specifically for autistic adults, despite the clear value these spaces provide. Our program is designed to fill this gap by creating an affirming space.

  • While individual therapy offers a safe and private space, the group setting provides a unique opportunity to explore communication and social dynamics in a way that reflects real-world interactions. It’s a safe, structured environment to identify and experiment with your preferred ways of relating to others, all while receiving support from peers who share similar experiences. To help determine if the program is the right fit for you, you'll have the opportunity to speak with one of the facilitators during the intake process.

  • The program is open to autistic adults aged 18 and over, whether formally diagnosed or self-identified. Participants come from diverse backgrounds but share an interest in exploring sensory, emotional, social, and identity-related aspects of being autistic. The group is designed to foster a respectful and inclusive environment where you can connect with other autistic adults.

  • While building connections may naturally occur, the program goes beyond making friends or focusing solely on social skills. By leveraging the dynamic of a group setting, it is designed to deepen self-insights into key areas of experience and create opportunities to actively practice new skills.

  • It’s natural to feel anxious about group settings. Each session offers predictability and autonomy, with clear outlines, guided activities, and time for reflection. Breaks and quiet spaces are available if you feel overwhelmed, allowing you to step away and re-enter as needed. Activities are flexible, so you can engage at your comfort level. Facilitators are experienced in offering compassionate, flexible support.

  • You can join the full 10-session program or select any of 3 workshops. The standard cost is $200 per session, with a limited number of concession spots available at $150 per session.

    • Workshops 1 and 2: $600 (or $450 at the reduced rate)

    • Workshop 3: $800 (or $600 at the reduced rate)

    • Full program: $2,000 (or $1,500 at the reduced rate)

    Participants with a Mental Health Care Plan can access the program for an out-of-pocket cost of $133.35 per session (or $83.35 at the reduced rate). Self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants are also welcome to join.

Dr Simone Mizzi is a registered clinical psychologist with experience in both the private and public sector. As an active researcher, she has contributed to large-scale projects aimed at gaining deeper insights into the experiences of autistic individuals in Australia. Drawing from both her research and clinical work, Simone has identified acceptance and connection as important components in navigating autistic identity. These insights have played a pivotal role in shaping the development of this neuroaffirming program for autistic adults.

Dr Yan Yang is a registered psychologist in Australia and the UK. Her commitment to supporting neurodivergent adults developed through her work in the public sector and private practice. There she has grown a more nuanced understanding of the resilience, strengths, and core values of autistic clients who experience significant psychosocial and physical health challenges. In collaboration with Dr. Mizzi, she co-designed this program to bring together a small group of autistic adults, exploring key aspects of their lives and identities through a reflective, strengths-based approach.