Adults Hub: Online / Phone Social Night
Topic: “The Diagnosis: What Now?"

This group is for our older Adult peer group attendees. It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults are welcome to join in. (Young adults may prefer to attend our Young Adults group meetings as well as or instead of this group.)
The Adults Group is currently meeting online via Zoom due to current COVID-19 restrictions in place in Melbourne, Victoria. We have included more information below about Zoom and how to access the meetings.
Whether you are self- or professionally diagnosed, obtaining a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a major milestone in seeking to explain difficulties you may be facing, or have faced, in your life. After all, there is most likely a reason to seek a diagnosis. Most of the members of the Group have been professionally or self diagnosed already, some recently, some many years ago, some while still young and others later in life. Some members are still investigating AS as a possibility.
In this discussion, we will look at how people have been diagnosed, what the diagnosis has meant, and what we will do with the knowledge of the diagnosis in the future. I hope that sharing this information will be helpful to all attendees.
The following questions will be worked through in our discussion and provide you with an opportunity to think about your own situation and prepare for the discussion:
(1) What was the diagnosis process (and cost if you're prepared to tell - any assistance with paying?) for you?
(2) What prompted you to go through the self- or professional diagnosis process?
(3) How has this changed your thoughts about your life up to the point of your diagnosis?
(4) How has the diagnosis changed your life since you obtained it?
(5) If you were late diagnosed, would you like to have been diagnosed
earlier? If diagnosed young, would you rather it had occurred later on?
(6) How do you use your diagnosis now? (such as seeking various supports)
Feel free to drop in at any time through the 7.30pm to 9.30pm indicated timeslot.
The meeting will be facilitated by the Group Leader, Colin. You can contact him via asadults@aspergersvic.org.au.
Cost: FREE this month, courtesy of a COVID-19 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. You need to register to access the Zoom link. You will receive a registration confirmation email containing the link and meeting details.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a free web-based video conferencing program. You can download it free onto your computer or phone/tablet, or you can dial in and participate via your phone (landline or smart phone). Download the AV Zoom Guide (pdf).
For more information: contact Jenni (AV Admin) - admin@aspergersvic.org.au