🎉 Discovery Celebration: Autistic Community Shaping Neuro-Affirmative Support
Hosted by Thriving Autistic
📅 Date: Thursday 18th September 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00–8:45pm Irish/UK time
🌐 Where: Online (Zoom)
💸 Cost: Free and open to all
🌟 About This Event
You’re warmly invited to join Thriving Autistic for a special online neuro-affirming celebration of Autistic experiences and reflections from our Discovery Programme.
This event launches our Discovery Report, highlighting Autistic stories, insights, and the positive impact of strengths-based support for Autistic adults.
We’ll also premiere two short educational animation videos about Autistic experiences, host a panel discussion with the Discovery and animation teams, and offer a post event community space for further discussion, connecting and celebrating together.
🗓️ Event Schedule & What We’ll Be Sharing
Launch Event (45 mins)
- Welcome and introduction: by Tara O’Donnell-Killen, Founder & CEO of Thriving Autistic
- Address from Tanja Buwalda, Rethink Ireland
- Highlights from the Discovery Evaluation Report
- Screening of two educational animation videos:
- Discovering I’m Autistic
- Lightbulb Moments - Being Autistic
- A panel conversation with members of the Animation team (Fergus Murray & Jessica K Doyle)
- Closing thoughts & resource links
🧘♀️ Bodymind Break (5 mins)
A short pause to rest, stretch, or recharge before continuing.
🔹 Community Event (55 mins)
- Welcome message
- Discussion with Discovery Team (about the benefits of the Discovery Programme and neuro-affirmative care for Autistic adults)
- Space for Q&A’s, further discussion and building connections
- Closing thoughts and thank you
⭐️ Who Is This For?
Everyone is welcome, especially:
- Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people
- Professionals and practitioners in care, education, or mental health supporting Autistic people
- Allies of the Autistic community
- Anyone seeking to find out more about Thriving Autistic and how our funding from Rethink Ireland and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has had a positive impact through our Discovery Programme.
✨ Access Info & What to Expect
- Live captions provided
- Options to participate via voice, text chatbox or watch/listen in a way that feels comfortable for you
- Camera-on or off (event will be recorded)
🫶 Our Discovery Programme has been kindly funded by Rethink Ireland and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
We hope you’ll join us to celebrate our shared journey, enjoy meaningful community connection, and explore how neuro-affirmative support can uplift Autistic adults.
