Fostering Friendships: A Workshop for Autistic Adults

Hosted by Tessa Augustyniak, a Registered Professional Counsellor Provisional with the CPCA.

Loneliness and misunderstandings can affect anyone, but they often impact autistic adults in unique and disproportionate ways. This interactive workshop is designed to equip participants with practical tools to build and sustain meaningful friendships while still showing up authentically.

Through engaging discussion and reflection, we will discuss:

• Common patterns of miscommunication and how to navigate them.
• Ways to connect with others more deeply while remaining authentic.
• How to recognize and respect your own boundaries and those of others.
• Insight into how autistic and neurotypical communication styles differ, and how both sides can help bridge the gap.

This workshop is not about “fixing” autistic people because they are not the problem. The problem is that our culture doesn’t prioritize helping others understand the dynamics of human connection, often leaving those with different needs in the dark. That is what this workshop aims to address.

Whether you find it hard to make friends, want to strengthen existing connections, or just want to feel more confident in social interactions, this workshop is the place for you.

All participants will receive a complimentary resource packet containing a summary of the workshop and list of resources to help make new connections.

Capacity is limited to a small group of people to ensure a comfortable and supportive environment where everyone can participate without feeling crowded or overwhelmed. There will be breaks and consideration of sensory needs. Snacks and beverages will also be provided at the end.

We will meet in a quiet location, the board room at Poirier Library. Please try to arrive 10 minutes early to leave time for check in.

Sign up now for practical tools to build genuine and lasting friendships!

For questions and concerns, please email dGVzc2EgfCBob3BlZnVsaG9yaXpvbnNjb3Vuc2VsbGluZyAhIGNvbQ==.

*If tickets sell out, don't hesitate to email to be notified about the next one.

Also check out other Workshops in Coquitlam.