Autistic Peer Support Group Facilitator Training Manual : Creating Autism-Affirming Spaces to Build Support and Connection

A guide for facilitators hosting peer support sessions for autistic individuals, including advice on how to prepare and run meetings online and in-person.

This is a practical and comprehensive introduction to running peer support groups for autistic adults. Filled with facilitation strategies based in the core values of emotional safety, openness, mutual respect, and autonomy, this hand-on guide allows facilitators to nurture a trusting and healing environment. Split into four parts, part one presents the values, intentions, and ethical principles that shape how groups operate. Part two focuses on applied practice, including how to structure meetings, defining roles, and sustaining emotional balance. Part three addresses the challenges facilitators may face within group spaces using a trauma-informed approach. Lastly, part four centers the wellbeing of facilitators themselves, offering mindfulness techniques and encouraging self-awareness and boundaries. Each chapter ends with reflection prompts and each part is introduced by a case study to help you connect meaningfully to your work. This book also includes an appendix summarizing techniques into quick, practical summaries for easy reference, making it the go-to guide for anyone operating in the autistic peer support space.