Some Discussion Topics from my ANNE group session on 10/6/26

Posted on by Gregory Wood

Here are some of the topic ideas that we can choose from through out the series..

Kelly Urban is the group leader.   

Discussion Topics

  • Friendships/Relationships
  • AI
  • Being sensitive (sensory wise) vs others being “too sensitive” in communication – preferring truth to social niceties
  • Interest sharing (each person has the opportunity to “present” a topic)
  • Anxiety (continued)
  • Sleep?
  • Working with therapists/other providers?
  • Grief

Today we talked about being behind in life at a certain age.  For me it was graduating from college older. One time I was turned down for a job by a christian company due to the fact I was not married or had kids.  I was told various times in the hotel industry I did not fit the image due to age.   I always felt out of place and the wrong time to do better in my career.  Today it was why do you not own a house or have kids.

Support Group Notes

Posted on by Gregory Wood

For several years I have participated in a support group for adults on the spectrum. The group is though an organization is called AANE. The group meets on Zoom. For 8 weeks 4 times a year. In each meeting people share their weekly struggles and successes. My goal is to learn from others and make a contribution to the group. This is from Sept 1, 2026 group.  – Greg

Resources re: our discussion topic (Anxiety as an Autistic person) 

Resources/suggestions:
Strategies focus on immediate physiological grounding, sensory management, and reducing cognitive demand.

1. Shift to Physical Grounding (Proprioceptive Input)
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
Wall Pushes
The 5-5-5 Breathing Method

2. Aggressively Cut Sensory Input
Isolate Your Senses
Change Your Environment

3. Lean into Regulating Behaviors
Allow Safe Stimming:
Engage a Special Interest:

4. Implement a Radical “Brain Freeze”
Stop Making Decisions:
Use an Exit Strategy:

  • Ashwagandha
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Calling someone to verbally process (or talking aloud to self)
  • Nonverbal communication (sign language)

Kelly Urban is the group leader.