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.   

Jenna From Vietnam

Posted on by Gregory Wood

– Greg Wood

Part of being on the spectrum that was hard was reading social cues from women in the dating world.  I had a lot of fear also because for years my mother used to tell me I should not get married.

For Several years I was going to a nail salon for pedicure. Most of these women were from Vietnam.  I knew it was a tough business for them. I teated every lady with respect and kindness.   I soon started talking to Jenna who worked there.  Right a way there was a mutual attraction. A few nights later we met for dinner at Jenna’s house. She cooked a traditional meal from Vietnam. She was in the process of becoming a American Citizen. I took a train across Canada in the mean time. We could not date for some time because she had some legal issues to solve.   

Right away Jenna accepted me for my kindness just like her. She is a healing experience for me. To heal from an emotionally abusive mother and ex-wife.  There is a little bit of a language barrier.  I did explain some of my core issues like Asperger’s and anxiety.  She accepts me with all my challenges and plans on staying in a relationship with me for the long term.  Her family in Vietnam got to know me and they approved our relationship.  

Out of college I struggled with holding a job and felt embarrassed to be living with 3 roommates for 14 years. Then I was in low wage jobs full time and part time. Plus working every weekend did not put me in the normal dating pool. I felt a north Dallas woman would not want to be in a relationship with me due to these two issues. Another challenge for me being on the spectrum is I had such a kind nature that people could see. I was prone to being abused emotionally and taken advantage of financially.     

When people ask us how we met, Jenna will respond that God put us together.