Agencies Offering Social Opportunities
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The Autism Alliance of Michigan
“Autism Alliance of Michigan was founded with the vision that people with autism will lead lives that meet their greatest potential. We lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan.”
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Full Spectrum Agency for Adults
“All autistic people are welcome, including those formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or just exploring this part of their identity. There is a broad range of diversity in the autism community, including those with higher support needs and those with lower support needs. Oftentimes these are divided into two different communities. We are one community and people with any level of support needs are welcome. No one is too autistic or not autistic enough.”
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The Living and Learning Enrichment Center
Provides social opportunities, job skills training, community engagement, and therapeutic services to neurodivergent and disabled folks.
Click on “Programs” to see what they offer!
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OU Cares
Programs, social clubs, and camps for neurodivergent and disabled folks of all ages.
Click on “Programs and Camp Information” to see what they offer!
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Autism Ask
Social clubs for all ages!
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Community Centers and Libraries
Your local community center or library has LOTS of cool programs and clubs that are formal and informal. Do some research and see what they offer!
Being Neurodivergent
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
“We work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us. Nothing About Us, Without Us!”
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Uniquely Human Podcast (and Book!)
“Uniquely Human: The Podcast expands the conversation on autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and thought leaders in providing insightful, cutting-edge and practical information about the autistic experience.”
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Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
A detailed history of how society understands Autism, and a call to look at neurodiversity as a benefit to society.
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Neuroclastic
A website by and for Autistic folks. Lots and lots to sort through, including some fabulous resources like short storybooks with beautiful illustrations
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ADDitude Magazine
A magazine that has hundreds of resources, articles, training, and more for individuals with ADHD and related mental health conditions. Geared toward children, adults, parents, educators, and practitioners.
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YouTube/Instagram/TikTok Advocates and Influencers
There are countless self-advocates and influences online who can offer super helpful information, tips, and strategies for navigating the world as a neurodivergent person. These folks are important voices and can provide an online community that makes many of us feel less alone.
PLEASE REMEMBER that finding a neurodivergent-affirming therapist, doctor, or other professional is really important if you are struggling with your mental health.
Learning about Relationships and Sexual Health
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Robie Harris' Books on Growing Up
“It’s So Amazing!,” “It’s Not The Stork,” and “It’s Perfectly Normal” are Harris’ books on sexual health, human development, reproduction, and puberty. Written in an accessible way with fun illustrations. The newest edition of “It’s Perfectly Normal” includes more gender-neutral language than the previous edition.
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Cory Silverberg's Books
“You Know, Sex;” “Sex is a Funny Word;” “What Makes a Baby;” and “The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability” are Cory’s books. They are colorful, inclusive, and pretty amazing. Cory is a queer sex educator who brings a lot of joy to his work and teaches us to see the intersectionality of sexual health.
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Amaze
A website dedicated to empowering young people to build healthy relationships and access information about their bodies and sexual health. Short, interesting, teen and young-adult friendly videos.
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Scarleteen
“Sex Ed for the real world. Inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationships info for teens and emerging adults”
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What's OK Website and Hotline
““What’s OK” is a nonprofit that focuses on safety, consent, healthy sexual relationships and mental health.
This website and our helpline are free, confidential resources for helpful and accurate information about safe sexual behaviors. We offer space for teens and young adults to ask questions – no matter how difficult, sensitive and/or embarrassing – about their own thoughts, feelings, interests and behaviors or someone else’s.”
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Planned Parenthood (Learn)
Planned Parenthood has wonderful videos and articles about all aspects of sexual health. Check out their “Learn” tab!
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Emily Nagoski's Come As You Are Podcast
“Sex educator and bestselling author Emily Nagoski answers questions about sex with the latest science. Along the way, she busts cultural myths and teaches you what’s true with the help of groundbreaking research and other leading experts. Come As You Are will guide you towards a life with more confidence, pleasure, and joy.”
Parenting
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Uniquely Human Podcast (and Book!)
“Uniquely Human: The Podcast expands the conversation on autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and thought leaders in providing insightful, cutting-edge and practical information about the autistic experience.”
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Tilt Parenting
A podcast about parenting differently wired children.
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Low Demand Parenting
Amanda Diekman’s philosophy on “low demand parenting” provides a new mindset and practical strategies for meeting your child where they are AND where YOU are as a parent. Honoring the experience of the neurodivergent parent, her book and podcast are game-changers.
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The Puberty Podcast
“THE PUBERTY PODCAST weaves together scientific research, parenting strategies, and hilarious stories to help guide adults who are raising kids through puberty. Each episode takes on one piece of this messy journey, offering both kids and adults practical, actionable advice. Join Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett -- puberty experts in the midst of parenting their own tweens and teens -- for the WHAT and the HOW of getting through adolescence.”
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The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
Lisa Damour’s newest book on raising “connected, capable, and compassionate adolescents.”
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Peggy Orenstein
A prolific author who has written some big, important books and stories. See her book list, but especially check out her books “Girls and Sex” and “Boys and Sex” about the impact of modern culture on sexual health.