Connecting

I come across a lot people with Asperger’s, and talk to a lot of family members. Because of how the condition affects people, it’s often not possible to do coaching directly. This is a shame because I do like to be paid, and I think One to One Coaching can make a huge and lasting difference to a person’s life.

However, I never refuse to talk, and am always willing to find time to meet someone – almost always at their house if they live in London. This helps people to get a feel for me and to decide whether or not to go for coaching on the basis of at least knowing something about me.

I benefit by hearing stories and learning how it is to live with Asperger’s, which helps me in my paid work of course, but I have been thinking lately about what else to do for those who don’t take up coaching. How to be helpful, how to offer a range of things that will suit more people?

The website that this newsletter is attached to mentions some ideas. This month I have also created two internet groups and a face to face meetup group.

Aspies Together is for people with Asperger’s, especially those who want to share their creative ideas and maybe to find some support for their projects. I know writers, song writers, musicians, film makers, cartoonists, SciFi Film club organisers, and so on. Often these interests go unnoticed, so I am encouraging people to join this group so they can get some support from each other.

Aspiemumdad is for parents to share experiences.

London Asperger’s Meetup group is a way for people with Asperger’s to actually meet up. We have 29 members so far, and three scheduled meetings (one at my house, one in a pub, one on a Saturday in Regents Park). It’s free to join.

In all three of these groups I am there as a facilitator, moderator and interested person, lending my energy to ensuring the groups are positive and helpful.

I have also started a blog so that I can share my ideas before they get to this formal newsletter – I will be writing my thoughts and experiences every week and will really welcome support in getting my own creative ideas to happen.

It seems to me that whatever way you find to be connected (internet, face to face, walk in the park, email etc) it is better to be with people than to be alone. It’s just harder for people with Asperger’s to find a way to get to know new people. I hope you use these groups to get more things going.

Should you be interested in asking me for coaching, the website has a new section called ‘Is coaching for you?’, which gives you a run down on what alternatives exist.

Aspies together: http://groups.google.co.uk/group/aspies-together?hl=en

Aspiemumdad: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspiemumdad/

London Asperger's Meetup group: http://aspergers.meetup.com/247/members/

Blog: http://billgoodyear.blogspot.com/

Is coaching for you?