Autistic Adults Aged 50 Plus Online (Fortnightly)

Welcome to our fortnightly online safe space hosted by A2ndvoice CIC.

Older autistic adults are often part of a "hidden generation" who grew up before autism was widely understood or recognised. These informal, free sessions provide a relaxed environment to meet others, share unique perspectives, and enjoy thematic discussions.

To protect your privacy and encourage completely open, authentic conversations, sessions will never be recorded.

Link to join us: You will be placed in the meeting room before we allow you into the space.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrdeyrrzsoHtH9VUVg37CPtp_fcioUMz4W#/registration

Our Session Hosts:

• Cos Michael: Autistic Consultant, Writer, Trainer & Speaker. Hosting morning sessions (11:00 am - Noon).

• Dr. Catriona Stewart: Autistic Consultant, Researcher & Trainer. Hosting evening sessions (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm).

These online sessions have been running since lockdown and have continued ever since due to high demand in reaching older autistic people across the UK.

Please note: These sessions are self-funded. All contributions for this worthy cause will help to cover costs for the hosts of sessions and to increase to weekly sessions.

Why this is so important?

Creating this dedicated spaces specifically for autistic adults aged 50+ is vital for several profound reasons:

• Supporting a "Hidden Generation": Most adults over 50 grew up in an era where autism diagnoses in minors were rare, and adult diagnoses were virtually non-existent. Many discovered their neurodivergence late in life. These meet-ups help them process their identity retroactively alongside peers who share that exact timeline.

• Reducing Ageing Isolation: Ageing can naturally shrink social circles, but for neurodivergent individuals, finding an understanding community can be doubly difficult. This space combats the intense isolation that late-stage adulthood can bring.

• Safe "Unmasked" Connection: Autistic people often spend decades "masking" (mimicking neurotypical behaviour) to fit into standard social or professional systems, which causes immense burnout. A peer-led, unrecorded group lets them drop the mask, communicate naturally, and feel accepted without judgment.

• Validation Through Specialised Themes: Discussing topics tailored to older age groups like changing executive functioning capacities with age, navigating sensory issues surrounding food ("What we Eat"), or forming boundaries ("Circles of Trust") addresses life phases that generic autism spaces often overlook.