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• Connect Online Adult Community Group

  • Start
    Thursday, January 04, 2024
  •  
  • End
    Thursday, September 04, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    21 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  
  AutismTN Connect Online Community Group is a welcoming community for Autistic adults (18+). To learn more about Connect, visit https://autismtn.org/connect.

  This group typically meets on Zoom on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. CT.

  If you have questions about Connect, please contact Casey Davis, the Connect Facilitator, at casey@autismtn.org.
  
  Note: AutismTN Connect also meets In-Person!  If you'd like to attend, please register HERE.

  A special thanks to Alonso Calderón Guzmán for designing the Connect image!

  
  

  
  

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• The Spectrum Connection: Togetherness Tuesdays

  • Start
    Tuesday, January 09, 2024
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, September 09, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    21 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  

  The Spectrum Connection (TSC) is a Community Group for LGBTQIA+ Autistic adults and is member-led with the support of a queer AutismTN employee. TSC is a welcoming and inclusive environment for community building through social networking, education, activities, resource-sharing, and conversation. TSC hosts one Zoom meeting and one in-person meeting each month.

  Togetherness Tuesdays are an opportunity to check in with your fellow TSC members,  discuss upcoming events, and be in community with one another. We meet on Zoom the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT.

  If you are interested in The Spectrum Connection, Click this link to fill out The Spectrum Connection Interest Form and schedule an orientation.

  If you have questions, please contact leah@autismtn.org.

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• Unveiling Autistic Identity

  • Start
    Wednesday, January 10, 2024
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, September 03, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    21 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  
  AutismTN's Unveiling Autistic Identity community group provides a welcoming space for adults who are discovering their Autistic identity later in life. As professional and public understanding of autism continues to improve, many people are becoming aware that they are Autistic in adulthood, either through a professional diagnosis or self-identification, often as a result of seeking mental health support or when their children are diagnosed. This group fosters inclusive and supportive conversation and connection for late-identified Autistic people to share experiences and offer mutual support, explore their newfound identity and examine what it means for their lives, share in the self-discovery process, and empower each other to embrace their Autistic identity and become self-advocates.

  This group typically meets on Zoom on the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. CT.

  If you have questions about Unveiling Autistic Identity, please contact us at uai@autismtn.org.

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• WENBY (Women, Gender Expansive, and Non-Binary Adult Community Group) Connect Online Gathering

  • Start
    Thursday, December 19, 2024
  •  
  • End
    Thursday, September 04, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom

  Register

  
  

  Join us for WENBY Connect, AutismTN's new community group dedicated to Women, Gender Expansive, and Non-Binary Autistic adults!

  When: Every month on a Thursday (see specific dates) from 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. CT
  Where: Zoom

  Event Details:

  WENBY Connect is a new extension of AutismTN's Connect Social-Networking group for Autistic adults in Middle TN and beyond. WENBY Connect is an hour dedicated to Women, Gender Expansive, and Non-Binary Autistic adults to spend time hanging out and exploring new experiences together. This program extension came about after feedback from current Connect group members looking to meet other women and non-binary neurodivergent peers.

  By "Gender Expansive," we mean someone whose gender identity and/or gender expression expands beyond, actively resists, and/or does not conform to the current cultural or social expectations of gender, particularly in relation to male or female. This can include, but is not limited to, people who identify as genderfluid, genderqueer, or agender.

  Some folks who are interested in WENBY Connect may also find community and support in AutismTN's The Spectrum Connection. The Spectrum Connection (TSC) was developed in 2019 to provide support and resources along with a space to connect and build community for LGBTQIA+ Autistic adults.

  If you have questions about WENBY Connect, please contact admin@autismtn.org.
  

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• Familias Latinas Especiales - Un grupo de familias del espectro del Autismo de Tennessee

  • Start
    Monday, January 13, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Monday, September 08, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Un grupo de familias del espectro del Autismo de Tennessee

  Grupo de para familias latinas de niños con autismo

  Este grupo se reúne en línea el segundo lunes de cada mes a las 6:30 p. m. y ofrece a los padres y cuidadores de personas con autismo la oportunidad de construir una red de apoyo. 

  Cuándo: El segundo lunes de cada mes.
  Hora: 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. CT 
  Dónde: En línea

  Los solicitantes de registro recibirán el enlace de Zoom en el correo electrónico de confirmación de registro
  

  Facilitado por: Teresa Lira y Luz Belleza-Binns

  
  

  Este evento está abierto a los padres/cuidadores que no son miembros de AutismTN. Por favor, comparta la información sobre el grupo con cualquier padre/cuidador que pueda beneficiarse de su participación.

  English

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• Spectrum Dads

  • Start
    Tuesday, January 21, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, September 16, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    16 registrants

  Register

  AutismTN's Spectrum Dads is an inclusive online space where fathers and father figures can connect with other parents and caregivers to share experiences, to build relationships that can offer ongoing support and encouragement, and connect with others who understand the unique unique aspects of supporting an Autistic person (of any age).

  Spectrum Dads typically meets online on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. When you register, the Zoom link will be in your confirmation email.

  AutismTN Spectrum Dads: 
  

  Tuesday, January 21, 2025

  Tuesday, February 18, 2025

  Tuesday, March 18, 2025

  Tuesday, April 15, 2025

  Tuesday, May 20, 2025

  Tuesday, June 17, 2025

  Tuesday July 15, 2025

  August 19, 2025

  September 16, 2025

  Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CT

  Location: Online via Zoom

  If you have questions about this group, please email outreach@autismtn.org, or call/text AutismTN's HELPline at 615-270-2077.

  Click here for frequently asked questions!

  
  

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• Game Day

  • Start
    Saturday, February 01, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Saturday, September 06, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    Near Rose Park in Nashville TN (location will be provided upon registration)

  Register

  

  Join AutismTN for a few hours of fun and games!
  Game Day is a great opportunity to make friends in a relaxed environment. We'll have a variety of games to play, including classic favorites like Connect4 and Scrabble, as well as newer games like Catan. Light refreshments are provided.

  Game Day is appropriate for children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. Parents/caregivers and siblings may join too. Bring a friend or come and make new ones – everyone is welcome! 

  If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashley Lira-Rivera: ashley@autismtn.org. 

  ¡La facilitadora del día del juego de AutismTN, Ashley Lira-Rivera, habla inglés y español! Comuníquese con ella si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda para registrarse.
  

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• Spectrum Chats: Comparing Experiences of Early vs. Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adults

  • When
    Thursday, September 04, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Hybrid (via Zoom and in-person at Operation Stand Down in Nashville)

  Register

  
  

  Join AutismTN for a Spectrum Chat: Comparing Experiences of Early vs. Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adults, an autistic-led panel discussion exploring the experience of early vs late-diagnosis.

  When: Thursday, September 4th, 2025

  Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. CT

  Autistic people receive diagnoses at many different points in life, and the timing of that diagnosis can shape everything from access to support to how we understand ourselves.
  Early-diagnosed Autistic people may have grown up with services or language for their differences, but also with stigma, pathologization, or pressure to conform.
  Late-diagnosed Autistic adults often go through life without knowing they are Autistic, navigating challenges without support, and sometimes carrying shame or confusion until diagnosis brings clarity.
  While these experiences can be very different, they each hold valuable insight. This Spectrum Chat will bring early- and late-diagnosed Autistic adults into conversation with one another, sharing stories, comparing experiences, and exploring what we can learn from each other.
  Together, we’ll discuss identity development, community access, and the lifelong process of self-discovery.

  
  

  
  

  This program is funded in part by a grant from Humanities Tennessee, an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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• Volunteer for the 2025 Pajama Walk & 5k!

  • When
    Saturday, September 20, 2025
  •  
    6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    1964 Davidson Street, Nashville TN
  • Spaces left
    59

  AutismTN Pajama Walk & 5k
  Volunteer Sign Up!

  We need your help to make this event successful!
  

  Date: Saturday, September 20th, 2025
  Where: Riverview Pavilion at Shelby Park
  1964 Davidson Street, Nashville TN
  When: 6:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.  CT

  
  

  Please use this link to sign up as a volunteer

  
  

  • All volunteers will be asked to help with event set up (starting at 6 a.m.) and post event tear down. Please sign up to volunteer in the role(s) that you would most prefer to work during the event using this form above.
  • Multiple volunteer registrations are allowed. This includes 5k Packet Prep and Packet Pickup along with an event day station. These details will be followed up with and confirmed in an email from the Program Coordinator.
    
  • We will be having a short informational training via zoom in early September. The date will be confirmed in emails 
    
  • Volunteers registered by August 15th, 2024 will receive a free event t-shirt!
    
    
    
  • Volunteer opportunities include:
  • 5k Packet prep - September 14th from 10am to 12pm at our office
  • 5k Packet Pickup - September 19th from 4pm to 7pm at our office
    
    Event Day
  • 5k Course staging & Finish Line
  • Check In Tent
  • Medical Tent (EMT. Doctor, Nurses)
  • Refreshments Station
  • Photo Station
  • Water Stations
    
  • Exhibitor Support & General Event Support
  • AutismTN Activity Stations
  • Ask an Autist

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• Exhibit at the 2025 Pajama Walk & 5k

  • When
    Saturday, September 20, 2025
  •  
    6:15 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    1964 Davidson Street Nashville, TN
  • Spaces left
    40
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Register

  
  

  7th Annual Pajama Walk & 5k
  Exhibitor Registration

  September 20, 2025

  7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT (Setup begins at 6:15 a.m.)

  
  

  Riverview Pavilion at Shelby Park
  1964 Davidson Street, Nashville, TN

  
  

  We are excited to invite your organization to be an exhibitor at our upcoming AutismTN Pajama Walk & 5k! This event gathers hundreds of Autistic people, their families, and the community to celebrate advocacy, togetherness, and belonging. Connect with our passionate members, share information about your programs and events, and have fun making new friends. Your support of our mission matters!

  Exhibitor benefits include:

  • marketing materials and social media efforts that feature your organization
  • casual networking with like-minded vendors during the event
  • the opportunity to host an activity station to boost awareness of your mission all while making lasting memories with event participants
  • option to give and get an event shirt by August 15, 2025 Get your AutismTN PJW5k shirt today!

  All AutismTN Community Partners register for free. Please register using your organization's membership login information.

  Community Ally Exhibitor registration is a $100 contribution to AutismTN.

  To maximize your donation, AutismTN offers discounts, program collaborations, and social media spotlights to our Community Partners. Visit our Membership Website for more details about becoming a Community Partner and registering for the Pajama Walk & 5k for free.

  
  

  Important Reminders:
  This is a rain or shine event.

  Please be prepared to bring your own table and chairs.

  You are encouraged to decorate your table and provide an activity or promotional materials to inspire event participants to visit your booth. Please note: This is a free event for our shared community. Therefore, we kindly ask you not sell merchandise during the event.

  More information will be emailed closer to the event. 

  Have questions? We're here to help!

  Please contact Amy Correia at membership@autismtn.org.  

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