AWN Welcome Packets – English

Adult Packet

Are you newly recognized or diagnosed as autistic? We realize this can be a confusing and exciting time with many questions and uncertainties. Our Welcome Packet is a great place to start. In it, members of AWN’s vibrant and diverse community share their insights and advice to help guide you on your journey to understand yourself.

Each of us has had to come to terms with a society that makes it hard to be autistic. Many of us have struggled with self-acceptance and acceptance by others because of gendered expectations of what autism is “supposed” to look like. We hope that our experiences can provide you with reassurance that you are not alone, and you are perfect just as you are. Welcome to our community.

Parent Packet

As the parent of a newly diagnosed autistic child, you may have many questions and concerns. It can be confusing to navigate the often conflicting information available on autism today. This can be even more difficult because autistic children and their families often struggle with self-acceptance and acceptance by others because of gendered expectations of what autism is “supposed” to look like. 

This welcome packet is here to help you find the best support to help the autistic child in your life. In it, experienced parents from AWN’s community offer their first hand knowledge, insight and wisdom in supporting their autistic children. As Tara and Morénike both share, remember, your child is a gift, and they are the same child you had before you knew they were autistic.