The Wallpapering Society

Meeting minutes: 5 March 2008 (Kick-off)

These are the minutes of the Adults with Asperger’s group kick-off meeting. Until further notice, this group will be referred to as “The Wallpapering Society”.

Attendees

Our first meeting was attended by six people, five of which are on the spectrum.

How often?

Meetings: every second Monday, 19:00 for 19:30 - 21:00 or later
Outings: whenever we have a good idea and can organise it!

• It is completely optional to attend as many or few meetings as a member wishes
• It is the attendee’s choice whether they would like to participate in discussions or not - staying in the background and/or fiddling with stuff instead of listening/talking is good too

Where?

We are currently trying to find a fixed spot, investigating and negotiating among the following options:

• Jana Forrester’s practise in Rosebank
• Vera school in Rondebosch East
• Vista Nova school, across the Rondebosch Common, next to the Red Cross Hospital
• A member’s house
• UCT
• EDWC in Newlands, across Barristers
• Any other spot in the Southern Suburbs that allows up to 20 people, twice a month without a fee

Who is invited?

Adults on the autistic spectrum.

We recommend that anyone that is still unsure of their diagnosis first get in touch with a specialist psychologist (e.g. Jana Forrester) or attend some of the ASCON meetings first.

Why do we meet?

1. To develop a sense of community

• So that no one with Asperger’s in Cape Town ever feels alone
• To grow a circle of 24/7 support consisting of individual members of the group
• To allow online support, contact details and communication via the blog and website on aspie.co.za
• To provide a fixed group meeting twice a month as a stable base to function from
• To provide a space where individuals on the spectrum are allowed to just be themselves, fit in without effort and have the freedom to learn and discuss life, the universe and everything; to breathe freely and experience no judgement for who they are, with no pressure and effort: just being and knowing there is a true sense of belonging
• To, during tough times, give a member the space where there is just enough of a break to catch their breath and go on again

2. To learn from one another

• Get different perspectives of the meaning and impact of having Asperger’s
• Get tips on how to deal with daily life?
• To find our purpose and value in life

3. To make friends

• Have events “out there” as a group, around challenging and stimulating fields of interests, exploring the world through one another’s eyes
• Find people that share your special interests, either within the aspie community or by linking up with people we know
• Learn how to be together as a group of individuals, and really like and care for one another in time

What are we going to do?

- Outings (Wine lab, Habitat for Humanity - more suggestions welcome)
- Talks on common interests & hobbies (everyone gets chance to choose a topic)
- Workshops
- Discuss personal life & events
- Camping & Hiking

Our next meeting is: Monday 17 March 2008, 19:00 - 21:00 @ Jana Forrester’s practise in Rosebank. Hope to see you there.

Remember if you have not attended before, please contact us first to confirm attendance. Thank you very much.