Name: Autism Dialogue
Start: 2018-01-30T13:30:00Z
End: 2018-01-30T15:30:00Z
Location: The HUBS (Common Room)

Autism Dialogue

Dialogica

AUTISM DIALOGUE Autistic, group-led programme for all autistic adults. 
1.30pm - 3.30 pm.   Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Duration: Monthly until May 2018. The following dates are: Feb 13th March 13th April 10th May 8th (all 1.30 - 3.30pm) 
WHAT IS DIALOGUE?
Dialogue is a free exchange of ideas and information without an agenda and provides the opportunity to examine preconceptions and prejudices among peers, by open conversation with active, non-judgemental listening.  
It is important to note, Dialogue is not a debate or a seminar where people convene with an agenda in place, either individually or collectively.  It's also not anywhere near as scary as it sounds!
Dialogue is a way to think together by listening carefully to each other, while suspending one's assumptions and building on each other's ideas, not challenging them.  Sometimes people find this radical way of thinking and communicating quite challenging, but equally, there is no obligation to speak at all and just listening can be hugely rewarding.
Why Autism Dialogue?
Autism is a phenomenon which raises far-reaching questions into the nature of self, science, health, politics, cultures and society, with a wide range of views, definitions, criteria and ideas, many in a state of flux.  
This series of Autism Dialogues will provide the opportunity for a better common and more dynamic understanding of Autism, naturally beginning with autistic people.  As advocates for ourselves and each other, we will be empowered by new thinking, leading to greater self-knowledge and personal strength and by example, encourage a more inclusive and enriched society.
Each session will be facilitated (we all aim to facilitate as there is no heirarchy in Dialogue) and have a loosely suggested theme to provide an gentle anchor.  The space is autism-friendly and a safe and confidentialial environment.
This is not a drop-in and your attendance from the start to the end is preferred.  
No experience necessary.  
<H2>*Come just for a session to see if you like it!</H2>
Due to the evolving nature of a Dialogue and the best opportunity at reaching deeper conversation and understanding over time, your attendance at the most number of sessions you can manage is preferred.  See FAQ below for further information.
More about 'Bohm Dialogue'
Bohm Dialogue is named after quantum physicist David Bohm, who developed this technique, along with Peter Garrett and Donald Factor in the 1980's. Bohm was inspired by the way Native-American Indian communities regularly come together simply to be with each other and 'say what needs to be said', in order to maintain the community strengths.  Experience has shown this radical method of non-judgemental group communication to be extremely beneficial for the consciousness and cohesion of organisations and communities and their members. Bohm Dialogue has been widely used in the field of organisational development.
There is a set of easily learned and empirically-derived skills that help to guide an organisation or community into an aligned way of thinking together.  Participants sit in a circle and no equipment is required.  Minimal (paper-based) note-taking is fine and so is stimming, of course.
‘A dialogue has no predefined purpose, no agenda, other than that of inquiring into the movement of thought, and exploring the process of "thinking together" collectively. This activity can allow group participants to examine their preconceptions and prejudices, as well as to explore the more general movement of thought.’   (Wiki)
We look forward to seeing you.
FAQs
I already came to an earlier session, do I need to register again?
Yes please.
What's it like being in a Dialogue?
We sit in a circle on chairs (the ones in the picture above) and the facilitator will introduce the session and explain the simple guidelines. We then begin our conversation, one person might decide to speak while everyone else listens, building on each others words and topics.  Sometimes it might go quiet, which is natural.  You don't have to talk at all if you don't want to.  We talk and think together this way, around the topic, until the break or the end.  We agree to respect confidentiality.  Afterwards, you will hopefully have a natural sense of calm and a heightened sense of mental alertness and belonging.
Can we take a break?
You are free to come and go as you feel and there are toilets and a spacious cafe downstairs.
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
No ID required.  Age: 18+
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself and some openness.  You might like to bring a notepad, a drink and stim tools. This is your time.
What if I can't make one or more of the events?
A monthly commitment to 2 hours will give you and the group the maximum benefit, due to the nature of the evolving discussion and build of familiarity and trust.  However, if you want can't make one or two of the Dialogues, don't worry.  Also if you want to come for one session to see if you like it, please book and we won't mind if you don't come again.  At our last event there were eight people and was really nice, but we would like more!
Do I have to be a student or staff at a university?
No.
Can I bring a family member or carer?
Unfortunately, this is not possible.  Due to confidentiality, we would need to obtain the permission of everyone in the group, which would be very difficult.
Do I have to have an official autism diagnosis?
No.  As long as you identify (see yourself) as autistic that's fine.
What if I have other diagnoses?
If you have complex mental health problems as well as autism, you might struggle in a prolonged, sensitive and personal sitting.
What if I am distressed?
Dialogue is not therapy and is not the right environment to be distressed in. The university has a counselling service and details can be found at https://students.shu.ac.uk/shuspacecontent/wellbeing/counselling-shu
Why should all autistic people be put together like this?
Many autistic people feel a sense of kinship and more understood by other autistic people.  By sharing on a familiar, common ground we are more likely to promote self-learning, which can lead to increased empowerment, confidence and happiness. By coming together and seeing we are all the same, yet all very different at the same time, we will hopefully feel better about ourselves individually and collectively. 
Can I ask a question?
Sure.  Either in public on Twitter: @autismdialogue or by clicking 'Contact' below.
All information in emails remains confidential.

The HUBS (Common Room)

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Autism Dialogue

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