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Autism On the Go's
Quirk Alert - Vol VIII
A newsletter by and for neurodivergents
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🚀 Our Website Got a Glow-Up! 🌟
We've been busy behind the scenes, and now our website is looking fresh! Check out the new and improved calendar of events (so you actually know when stuff is happening), photos from past events (yes, you might be in them—don’t worry, only the good angles), and a member submissions area where YOU can share your brilliance!
Basically, we’re doing the thing, and we want you to do the thing with us! Got something cool to share? A meme? An event? A deep philosophical thought at 2 AM? Send it to info@autismonthego.org and make your mark!
This is your space—help us fill it with awesome! 🎉
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Theydies and Gentlethem,
Have to admit, I’m impressed with how fast AOG went “from zero to sixty” when we started last summer. It goes to show what can happen when a lot of motivated people step up. Thanks also to our parent organization, People On the Go Maryland (POG) for giving us a springboard from which to launch and become independent.
Our visibility matters. Our voices matter. Last week, we saw proof that speaking up has an impact, when the Maryland General Assembly restored funding for the Developmental Disabilities Administration FY25 budget. That happened because legislators’ offices and hearing rooms were packed with people giving testimony, whose lives depend on these critical programs and supports. Advocacy works! WE are the leaders we’ve been waiting for!
(For a first-hand account of what went down in Annapolis, see my article “With What Little Power I Have” on Substack.)
We’ve come a long way since the days when the general public’s knowledge of autism was limited to the movie Rain Man. (See my 12-article series, “The Church Mouse,” also on Substack.) Neurodivergent voices explaining what it really feels like to be “us,” have busted many barriers and stereotypes.
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Yes, the pushback we’re now seeing from people who would rather we become invisible again, is demoralizing — but that’s what they want you to feel. In a way, those renewed efforts to repress us, are a sign that we’re doing something right.
In the year-and-a-half since I went public with my own diagnosis, many opportunities opened up, all from having just a few good people in my corner who can say, “I know a gal ….”
So keep on speaking up. Our families, friends, neighbors, and employers need to keep hearing the message: “There’s talent everywhere you look — but you have to look.”
Rosanna Tufts (sidhe/her), AOG/NARG Board member, Toastmaster, STIR trainer, author, and video producer of “Was It Autism All Along?”
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AOG's Harford County Meetup
Are you looking for a space where you can truly be yourself? Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and community in a welcoming, judgment-free environment! Whether you want to share experiences, meet like-minded people, or just hang out in a neurodivergent-friendly space, this meetup is for you.
🗓 Date: March 27, 2025
🕠 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Abingdon Library, 2510 S Tollgate Rd, Abingdon, MD 21009
What to Expect:
✅ Casual, open discussions
✅ Icebreakers & interactive activities
✅ A safe and inclusive space to connect
✅ Resources & information about
Autism On The Go (AOG)
This free event is open to all neurodivergent individuals (18+) and allies—self-diagnosed, professionally diagnosed, or simply exploring. Stimming, fidgets, and quiet participation are welcome—come as you are!
We hope to see you there!
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Sunday - 2nd - 1pm
SereniTea Autistic Women's Group (Virtual) - Register Here
Wednesday - 5th - 6pm
NARG Policy Group - Register Here
Wednesday - 5th - 7pm
Parents, Supporters, Caregivers - Register Here
Thursday - 6th - 9pm
Autistic Adult Group - Register Here
Monday - 10th - 7pm
Queer Support Group - Register Here
Thursday - 13th - 7pm
Bad Anon - Register Here
Thursday - 13th - 9pm
Autistic Adult Group - Register Here
Sunday - 16th - 1pm
SereniTea Autistic Women's Group (In person) - Register Here
Monday - 17th - 7pm
BIPOC Support Group - Register Here
Wednesday - 19th - 6pm
NARG Policy Group - Register Here
Thursday - 20th - 9pm
Autistic Adult Group - Register Here
Tuesday - 25th - 7pm
Hear From Each Other *Rosanna Tufts Featured Speaker* - Register Here
Thursday - 27th - 7pm
Bad Anon - Register Here
Thursday - 27th - 9pm
Autistic Adult Group - Register Here
Friday - 28th - 9pm
Harford County Meetup (In person) - Register Here
Friday - 28th - 7pm
Writer's Fish Guild - Register Here
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Share Your Thoughts with AOG – We Value Your Feedback!
We at Autism On the Go (AOG) are always striving to create meaningful, inclusive, and engaging experiences for our community. Whether you’ve joined us for one of our groups, events, or advocacy efforts, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Your feedback is crucial to help us improve and plan future activities that align with your interests and needs. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey:
👉 Complete the AOG Feedback Survey
This survey will only take about 5-10 minutes, and your input will directly shape the future of AOG programs.
Thank you for helping us grow and improve! We appreciate your time and ideas.
P.S. Feel free to share this survey with other attendees or members of our community who’ve participated in AOG activities.
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Nina Saini's Employment Area
Are you a parent of a teenager or adult with disabilities who is seeking employment or employment-related support? Join Nina for her next Employment-Related Support Group for Parents - meeting every other Wednesday at noon.
📅 Dates: Every other Wednesday
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
👉 Video Call Link: Join the Meeting
This support group is designed for parents navigating the journey of helping their loved ones obtain or maintain employment. This group offers a safe space to share experiences, gain insights, and learn about available resources.
If you identify as a person with a disability and need additional, personalized support, feel free to reach out for a one-on-one meeting.
For more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting, please contact Nina Saini: nsaini0812@gmail.com.
Note: This is a promotion for a non-AOG sponsored group. Contact us today to find out how to feature your own group in an upcoming newsletter!
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Join the AOG Team!
We’re on the hunt for amazing humans to help us make a difference – all while working for the ultimate paycheck: good vibes and gratitude (aka, these are volunteer roles - for now). Check out what we need:
Group Leaders
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Thursday Group (2 needed): Lead virtual, lively chats and activities for our Thursday support group. Bonus points if you bring snacks (just kidding...or are we?).
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Women’s Group (1 needed): Empower and inspire neurodivergent women in a supportive, judgment-free zone, virtually and/or in person.
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*NEW* Men’s Group (2 needed): Facilitate meaningful, virtual conversations for neurodivergent men while dodging clichés about “manly hobbies.”
Leadership Roles
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Media and Entertainment Coordinator (1 needed): Plan and curate entertainment that people will actually want to stick around for.
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Grants Manager (1 needed): Love chasing money (legally, of course)? Help us secure funding by writing grant applications—bonus points if you can make a budget spreadsheet that doesn’t make us cry.
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Board Governance Committee Leader (1 needed): Keep our board on track, make sure we follow the rules (the good kind, not the pointless ones). Must have an uncanny ability to make “governance” sound exciting.
Support Roles
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Social Media Coordinator (2 needed): Channel your inner meme lord and help us create engaging content to boost our online presence.
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Event Planners (2 needed): Bring your A-game (and color-coded calendars) to help us host inclusive, unforgettable events.
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Staff and Volunteer Support Coordinator (1 needed): Be the kind, understanding human that our team can turn to when they need a pep talk, a safe space, or just someone to nod along while they vent. Must be a great listener, able to keep secrets (like a diary, but with better advice), and committed to providing nonjudgmental reflection.
If you’ve got a passion for neurodivergent advocacy, and some time to spare, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at: info@autismonthego.org
Autistics, neurodivergents, and other super-humans are strongly encouraged to reach out for these roles. Let us know which one you’re interested in – your cape is optional, but your enthusiasm isn’t.
🧡 Volunteer with us and make a difference (while earning infinite imaginary gold stars)! 🧡
Note: All roles and tasks at AOG are strictly neurosensitive and non-punitive (without punishment). This means you will only ever be asked to do what you can and are willing to do and nothing more, and that will always be okay. It also means you can try it out and stop at any time if it's not for you. There's literally no downside!
Need to build a resume and get references from amazing people?
You know where to find us!
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Social Spot
AOG's County Meetups
Autism On the Go is Going far and wide this year! Our in person events have centered around Baltimore City and surrounding areas, and we will host meetings by and for Autistics in six different Maryland counties in 2025. Check out our list of planned meetups below, and keep an eye out for information and registration to attend. We hope to see you there!
January 31st - Baltimore City
March 27th - Harford County
May - Calvert County
(Monthly through December)
July - Howard County
September - Baltimore County
November - Montgomery County
P.S. Are you looking to meet new friends near you? Whether you're in Maryland or Timbuktu, AOG will Go to you! Host an AOG sponsored event by contacting us today: info@autismonthego.org
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Coming Up!
Keep an eye out for announcements about the following events and meetups. Contact using the emails indicated for questions or interest:
AOG's Potluck Game Night
April - Date/Time TBD
Contact: info@autismonthego.org
AOG's Virtual Conference
July - Date/Time TBD
Contact: info@autismonthego.org
AOG's Picnic Potluck
September - Date/Time TBD
Contact: info@autismonthego.org
AOG's Costume Party/Fundraiser
October - Date/TIME TBD
Contact: info@autismonthego.org
| Paid Advocacy Training Program | |
ASAN Condemns Announcement of President's "Make America Healthy Again" Commission and Harmful Ideas about Autism and Other Disabilities - Autistic Self Advocacy Network | People with disabilities are not burdens; painting disabled people as burdens is ableist and presents disabled people as a “problem to be solved,” rather than a group of people who deserve to be fully included in all aspects of society. | | | |
Autism On the Go's Facebook Page | Autism On the Go is run by Autistics, for Autistics. We seek to advocate, educate, and build community for people on the autism spectrum. | | | |
Autism On the Go's Meetup Page | Autism On the Go (AOG) is a group by and for Autistic adults in the state of Maryland and beyond. We hold weekly virtual meetings and in-person meetups and social events for Autistics, neurodivergents, and those exploring their identities on the spectrum.We welcome everyone regardless of ability or | | | | |
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SereniTea
By and for Autistic Women
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BIPOC Support Group
By and for Autistics
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Autistic Adult Group:
Unmasked, Unsilenced, Unrated
Meeting Virtually, Thursdays at 9pm
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This is a group by and for Autistic adults, those on the spectrum, and those exploring their identities to gather and share their thoughts and experiences with others in a safe and comfortable space.
We welcome everyone regardless of ability or status.
Our group fosters open and honest communication on any topic relevant to our lived experiences.
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