Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Marine Park. This event is a hike. Participants are likely to encounter uneven terrain, slopes, steps, and wet areas.

DESCRIPTION:

Our first Plant ID walk for Sept will be located at Marine Park Salt Marsh!

We are hosting 2 plant walks this month to accommodate as many members as we can!

This is a mid-spring plant walk. Please be prepared for insects, damp and or chilly weather.

Located on Jamaica Bay, Marine Park Salt Marsh stands as Brooklyn’s largest park at 800 acres. The area was a hunting and fishing ground for Native Americans from the nearby village of Keshawchqueren prior to western colonization. During the Industrial Revolution, plans were made for the location to be a port for large ships, however, before that could happen, many wealthy donors turned the land over to the city, with the request that it be utilized as a public park. It is home to many species of birds, crabs, fish, and other wildlife that rest, nest, and feed in its preserved wetland and grassland areas.

P.A.U.S.E is a space for friendship and community that doesn’t revolve around speech!

These events are designed to be especially welcoming to Autistic adults with intellectual disabilities, those who are non- or minimally speaking, or those who have other disabilities that make typical social settings challenging.

Learn more about PAUSE

—

Neighborhood: Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled - 25 Elm Pl, 5th floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Accessibility Info:

The building is accessible. The space is on the 5th floor, through some glass doors. There are accessible all-gender bathrooms.

• Sensory Level: 1🟢 - Mild - Some noise from chatting/other members, indoor event, crafting, PAUSE event, average lighting, maximum of 20 people

DESCRIPTION:

For this event, we will be decorating a tote bag! Everyone will receive a blank canvas tote bag. We will be using fabric markers, stencils, buttons, and other craft items to decorate the outside of our bags.

Like all PAUSE events, this is a relaxed activity. Attendees are not expected to follow any specific instructions and encouraged to create something that represents themself. All materials will be provided for this event!

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for a night of deception, teamwork, and hilarious betrayals at our Among Us Game Event! Whether you're a master detective or a sneaky impostor, this event is your chance to test your strategy, communication, and survival skills!

Note: This event requires ownership of the Among Us video game, which costs $5 on PC/consoles, or free on mobile devices (Android/iOS).

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Join us on April 23rd for our Bi-Monthly Relationships & Autism Virtual Meetup! The topic of the day: Conflict and Communities.

We’ll discuss handling conflict and disagreement within our relationships, regulating our emotions in intense situations, as well as our experience with navigating community dynamics, toxic/unhealthy communities and how to evaluate the spaces we’re in.

At 7 we’ll start with our intros, and then get into our discussion, guided by some readings and questions.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

On Tuesday, April 21st, join us for a Spring-themed trivia night! Questions will cover seasonal topics as well as Spring holidays such as Easter, Passover, May Day, and Memorial Day. We’ll start with intros and announcements before diving in to trivia.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Flushing, Queens. This is an accessible space with an elevator and escalators.

DESCRIPTION:

Come and join the group to get your game on! There will be lots of games for you to try out and win some tickets for some prizes. If you’ve been itching to go to an arcade with some people, this event is for you!

Entering the arcade is free, however members will need to cover their own costs of using machines/playing games.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Central Park. Requires 5-10min of walking, including on grass.

DESCRIPTION:

Picnic season is here! Join us for our first women’s picnic of the year. We recommend participants bring a blanket to sit on, a water bottle, sun protection if needed, and any snacks and games they’d like to enjoy.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: West Farms, Bronx

DESCRIPTION:

This drawing session is open ended and for all skill levels! Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own. We won’t be following any specific prompts, however, if you’d prefer following a prompt we’ll give you one. You can bring along any drawings you’re working on or start something new!

If you feel comfortable doing so, you’ll have the chance to share what you worked on towards the end of the event!

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Join us on April 16th for our next Community Forum! We have these forums 4 times a year.

During the event, I will go over new developments and group happenings, including some behind-the-scenes stuff, upcoming big events, and our plans for the future!

I will also give some information about our group for new members, and receive feedback from current members on stuff you’d like to see happen in our community.

This is an opportunity for new members to ask questions and learn about the group, and also an opportunity for current members to give event suggestions, suggestions for our discord/website, feedback and new ideas!

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for a Disability History event with Harvey Pacht!

This will be an interview-style conversation, with Evan Yankey, fellow group member and Advocacy Director at the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, sitting down with Harvey Pacht for a dynamic discussion on disability advocacy, experiences, and insights.

Harvey Pacht is one of the co-founders and former Presidents of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, the largest grassroots democratically controlled self-advocacy organization for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the world (celebrating their 40th anniversary this year). Harvey was also one of the first people receiving I/DD services and supports to adopt a child with an intellectual disability. He is an autistic self-advocate who has been working on disability advocacy in New York for over 4 decades.

There will be time for questions and discussion after.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Marine Park. This event is a hike. Participants are likely to encounter uneven terrain, slopes, steps, and wet areas.

DESCRIPTION:

Our first Plant ID walk for Sept will be located at Marine Park Salt Marsh!

We are hosting 2 plant walks this month to accommodate as many members as we can!

This is a mid-spring plant walk. Please be prepared for insects, damp and or chilly weather.

Located on Jamaica Bay, Marine Park Salt Marsh stands as Brooklyn’s largest park at 800 acres. The area was a hunting and fishing ground for Native Americans from the nearby village of Keshawchqueren prior to western colonization. During the Industrial Revolution, plans were made for the location to be a port for large ships, however, before that could happen, many wealthy donors turned the land over to the city, with the request that it be utilized as a public park. It is home to many species of birds, crabs, fish, and other wildlife that rest, nest, and feed in its preserved wetland and grassland areas.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Chelsea & Virtual

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for a hybrid workshop on communication for autistic adults, led by our guest host and group member Kae Peterman!

This workshop will give an overview of Autistic communication styles, how to express yourself and your needs, navigating social interactions, and more. There will be time for group discussion and practical strategies to help with challenges.

Bio: Kae is an AuDHD student finishing their dual MPH/MSW, which they’ve used to focus on supporting those at the intersection of neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ identities. They are an active member of AANYC and enjoy singing, reading, and audiobooks.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Join us on April 10th for our Bi-Monthly Relationships & Autism Virtual Meetup! The topic of the day: Family.

We’ll discuss relationships with parents, siblings, and other relatives, boundaries, disclosure, neurodiversity in families, advocating for independence, and more.

At 7 we’ll start with our intros, and then get into our discussion, guided by some readings and questions.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Looking to express your artistic side? Then look no more for this month’s Game Night with skribbl.io! Skribbl.io is a party game you can play with others on your computer or phone. Players will take turns trying to draw a word while others guess what that word is. Join as we try to decipher what players are drawing!

No purchase necessary, all you need is a computer or mobile device to play!

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Whether you knit, crochet, spin, weave, felt, rug hook, dye, embroider, needlepoint, sew, or any other kind of crafter, Emma is hosting a monthly Crafting Meeting on 2nd Wednesday evenings. Whatever kind of crafting you do, if you love it and you’re doing it, come and share your project with us!

If you are crafting-curious and want to see if you’d like to start crafting, come see what we’re doing. If you want, you could use your “bring and brag” time to identify what you might want to do. You can ask about costs, and the Roses and Thorns of Crafting.

Craft online while checking out other people’s projects and sharing your own. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to. You can come just to watch if you want.

If you are having a problem with your craft, I hope we’ll connect with each other - Crafters Unite! - and help each other problem-solve any crafting issues that come up. And we’ll get to share our current project and discuss our next project and why we love crafting.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space with an elevator.

DESCRIPTION:

Only Make Believe (OMB) reached out to partner for a volunteer event! They're a nonprofit organization that creates interactive theatre for children with disabilities.

“For 25 years, OMB has been meeting children where they are in hospitals, care facilities and special education schools with the goal of bringing joy, engaging imaginations, and empowering their voices with our inclusive, accessible and fully interactive performances. For Autism Acceptance Month in April, we're looking for opportunities to partner with and highlight different organizations for a fun and creative event!”

During this event, we would be creating costumes (hats) for the kids in their programs, and repairing some previously made hats.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space with an elevator and gender neutral bathrooms.

DESCRIPTION:

On Saturday April 4th at 12pm join us for our monthly in-person 60 minute TCTSY class led by AANYC member and certified yoga instructor, Heidi.

TCTSY (Trauma Center's Trauma Sensitive Yoga) is a specific style of hatha yoga that was developed to treat complex trauma, and also has useful applications for neurodivergent individuals who might struggle with a more traditionally led yoga class.  Heidi will guide you through several different movements and postures, while offering modifications and options that will allow you to tailor the class to suit your needs. This yoga practice is open to all levels- including first-timers to yoga!

We will have yoga mats and props, but please feel free to bring your own yoga mat and any props that might support your practice. You might also want to bring a towel or other piece of fabric to cover the mats provided at the venue, if you have any concerns about resting exposed skin on a communal mat. Most of the movements and postures offered can also be done from a seated position in the chairs provided at the venue.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Need some support cleaning your apartment, doing chores, or organizing your space? Have some work you really need to get done? Or maybe you haven’t filed your taxes yet?

On Wednesday, April 2nd at 7:00PM, join us for a virtual body doubling event!

Many of us struggle with initiating/completing a task that may be uninteresting to us, such as cleaning our room/home. Body Doubling - or having a partner do a task alongside us, can help tremendously!

We will start with our introductions, ask what folks are working on today, then spend the rest of the meetup getting stuff done together! And participants are welcome to ask cleaning/work/spoon management questions during the meetup, or just socialize while cleaning!

Webcam welcome but not required!

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Chelsea. This is an accessible space.

DESCRIPTION:

Join us March 28th at 3:30pm to learn about and create your own seed-bombs!

Seed-bombs, also known as earth-balls, are small biodegradable balls typically composed of clay, soil, and other organic material which encase native plant seeds. They are a very well known and effective tool in environmental activism and are utilized in both urban and suburban gardening and environmental restoration.

We will start with a short presentation and info session about plants, seed germination, and the history of seed bombs, featuring our resident plant expert. After which, we will spend the rest of our time making seed bombs together.

All materials will be provided, this is a casual, low stress event, no experience or previous knowledge necessary!

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Join us on Thursday, March 26th at 6:00PM for our Relationships & Autism Virtual Series! The topic of the day: Self-Care and Boundaries.

Some things we'll discuss include handling social burnout, expressing our feelings and needs, how to recognize and set boundaries, and more!

The session will begin at 6:00 PM with introductions, followed by a guided discussion informed by selected readings and questions.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Virtual Event Title: Making Sense of Your Emotions

This virtual gathering offers an introduction to how emotional experiences form and why they can sometimes feel confusing or intense. We will look at the underlying processes in clear, everyday language so emotions feel more understandable and less mysterious.

As we explore the science behind emotional reactions and gently try a few simple practices, the aim is to build familiarity with what may be happening internally and the possible reasons behind it. Greater understanding can reduce uncertainty around emotions and open the door to developing resilience over time.

The focus is educational and exploratory, offering context and perspective rather than solutions, so participants can begin relating to emotional challenges with more clarity and intention in daily life.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space with an elevator.

DESCRIPTION:

On Saturday March 21st at 12pm join us for our monthly in-person 60 minute TCTSY class led by AANYC member and certified yoga instructor, Heidi.

TCTSY (Trauma Center's Trauma Sensitive Yoga) is a specific style of hatha yoga that was developed to treat complex trauma, and also has useful applications for neurodivergent individuals who might struggle with a more traditionally led yoga class.  Heidi will guide you through several different movements and postures, while offering modifications and options that will allow you to tailor the class to suit your needs. This yoga practice is open to all levels- including first-timers to yoga!

We will have yoga mats and props, but please feel free to bring your own yoga mat and any props that might support your practice. You might also want to bring a towel or other piece of fabric to cover the mats provided at the venue, if you have any concerns about resting exposed skin on a communal mat. Most of the movements and postures offered can also be done from a seated position in the chairs provided at the venue.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

The men's group is designed to provide neurodivergent men with an opportunity to authentically relate, find belonging, develop meaningful friendships, understand how they are interacting in the world, and explore their experience and understanding of boundaries. During one or two monthly meetings, members will develop the foundation to more easily express feelings, needs, and safely unmask. At the end of each meeting, there will be time to process, reflect, and honor each member's contributions. I welcome all of you as you are.

This group is not therapy or a substitute for clinical care, but a social and support space centered on peer connection and shared lived experience.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Midtown. This is an accessible space with an elevator.

DESCRIPTION:

On Saturday, March 14th, join us for a chill puzzle afternoon! We will provide a selection of jigsaw puzzles to work on alone or in small groups. You are welcome to bring your own jigsaw puzzle to make or swap out with one in our collection.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Join us on Saturday, March 14th at 12:00PM for our 4th Annual Pet Meetup! All pets welcome, cats, dogs, rodents, snails, rocks, etc. Feel free to attend if you do not have a pet and just want to watch, or if you’re curious about getting a pet.

After we show off our pets, we’ll have a discussion about pet topics, including sensory issues with pets, pros and cons of pet ownership, and more. Video encouraged to show off fuzzy friends, but not required. We will take one group pet photo for those who want to be included in it per tradition.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

LOCATION: Chelsea. This is an accessible space.

DESCRIPTION:

Join us on Friday, March 13th for an open studio session! This session will be dedicated to creating artworks, drawing inspiration from each other, and experimenting with new materials.

At the start of our session, we will have a suggested theme or idea to work off of. The rest of the time is dedicated to working on our art. We will have a variety of materials available for you to choose from, including drawing supplies, paints, collage materials, and more.

Please feel free to bring any art you’re currently working on, work you started during one of our previous classes, or something you’d like to submit to our upcoming exhibition!

At the end of the 2 hours, there is an (optional) show and tell to see what everyone has worked on. Absolutely NO experience is required, and attendees are welcome to break outside the mold and do something different, experiment, and be creative! At the end of the event, attendees are encouraged (but not required) to submit what they created to our upcoming art exhibition.

This class is part of our Alternative Expression Program. For more info, click here.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Join us on Thursday, March 12th at 6:00PM for our Bi-Monthly Relationships & Autism Virtual Meetup! The topic of the day:  Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.

What is RSD? 
“RSD is characterized by strong emotional reactions to real or perceived rejection. These reactions have been described as “immense emotional pain from real or perceived failure to meet others’ expectations.” Reactions can be internalized, like feelings of low self-esteem and self-criticism, or they can be externalized, like responding to someone with anger or bursting into tears.”

We’ll talk about our experiences with RSD, and different ways we’ve managed when it appears in social settings.

Members: To register for this event and see the address, view on Circle.
Non-Members: Like to join us at this event? Sign up to be a member here!

DESCRIPTION:

Whether you knit, crochet, spin, weave, felt, rug hook, dye, embroider, needlepoint, sew, or any other kind of crafter, Emma is hosting a monthly Crafting Meeting on 2nd Wednesday evenings. Whatever kind of crafting you do, if you love it and you’re doing it, come and share your project with us!

If you are crafting-curious and want to see if you’d like to start crafting, come see what we’re doing. If you want, you could use your “bring and brag” time to identify what you might want to do. You can ask about costs, and the Roses and Thorns of Crafting.

Craft online while checking out other people’s projects and sharing your own. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to. You can come just to watch if you want.  

If you are having a problem with your craft, I hope we’ll connect with each other - Crafters Unite! - and help each other problem-solve any crafting issues that come up. And we’ll get to share our current project and discuss our next project and why we love crafting.