ASPIA
Asperger Syndrome Partner Information Australia
A place for validation, information, and inspiration
Mutual acknowledgement and understanding of the Asperger marriage/life partnership experience for partners of adults with (or suspected of having) Asperger syndrome
ASPIA is a Sydney-based support group and information source for those who are involved in or interested in marriage and long-term relationships with adults with Asperger syndrome (or suspected of having Asperger syndrome - ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder).
We host a regular Partner Support Group Meeting in Burwood, Sydney, on the second Saturday of the month and in 2023 meetings will be held quarterly on 11 February, 13 May, 12 August, 11 November. See below for "latest news" about our meetings.
Please visit our "Resources" page for a list of recommended books and also free articles and flyers to download. See our "Support Page" for list of recommended Professionals.
Latest news
ASPIA's next regular Partner Support Group Meeting will be on Saturday 13th May 2023, 2.00pm to 5.00pm.
We are holding this meeting face to face in Burwood, and offering Zoom attendance as well for those who are unable or feel unsafe to attend (due to distance or covid).
Our long-time member Psychologist Natalie Black will be presenting. Natalie's focus is on us as partners, our qualities, our vulnerabilities, and some of the potentially harmful characteristics of these relationships that may impact our sense of self, our confidence, our emotional and physical well-being, etc. A great session for supporting ASPIA's focus on self-care.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. ASPIA meetings are "closed" meetings and there has been a variation in the location of our meeting - specifics will be provided upon registration. Please RSVP as soon as possible, and definitely by 5.00pm Thursday 11th May if you wish to attend in person - please email Carol at info@aspia.org.au. Please do not attempt to turn up on the day if you have not pre-registered.
For those who wish to join us via Zoom, please also pre-register so we can send you the Zoom link and any other information prior to the meeting.
There is a cost of $10 to attend ASPIA meetings, whether via Zoom or face to face. When you register by email (info@aspia.org.au), bank details will be provided to you.
ASPIA meetings provide emotional and psycho-educational support for the experience and perspective of non-ASD partners and family members only.
These meetings are not open to ASD adults. We do not have the expertise to adequately support the emotional or educational needs of adults on the Spectrum. Please see ASPIA's "Support" tab for other support opportunities.
This year - 2023 - marks the 20th Anniversary since ASPIA was founded. We are planning to hold a celebration along with our meeting in August. More details will be provided here once they have been confirmed.
NEW BOOK FOR PARTNERS by Carol Grigg (ASPIA co-founder and co-ordinator)
Straight Talk for Partners: Is Common Ground Possible? Essential Guide for Partners of adults who seem set on their own track (or who could be on the Autism Spectrum)
Click here to view paperback or here to view eBook
Other General ASPIA news below ...
ASPIA meeting dates for 2023: 11th February; 13th May; 12th August; 11th November. RSVP essential.
