ASO/Synergy FREE Parent Group

ASO/Synergy Parent Group

Cozy up with a morning beverage and your computer on the fourth Saturday per month at 10am. We are offering a FREE online group for parents of children on the autism spectrum living in Oregon, facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center.

Open to: Parents of children on spectrum of any age (birth - adulthood).

This month's topic is: Gender Identity

Gender stereotyping is a social construct. It makes sense then that people who may not be as tuned in to the social nuances in our culture may not have the same experience with gender as others. In fact, a higher percentage of Autistic individuals than the general population are gender neutral, transgender, or even consider themselves Auti-gendered. One’s experience of gender identity is different than one’s sexuality. In other words, someone of any particular gender can be attracted to anyone of any other gender type. It would depend on their preferences in a partner which is separate from their personal gender.

Raising any child today will bring with it many phases and moments of gender exploration and questioning.  A 3 year old child may explore dressing in clothing which is stereotypically for either gender, for example. A preteen may question their gender while many of their peers are also questioning or exploring theirs. So how do you, as a parent, know when and how to respond to be utmost respectful and supportive? How do we support a child in transitioning from one gender to another smoothly?

Even if you do not think this topic pertains to you, please join us. The gender identity discussion is a societal and community discussion worth having. We welcome everyone.

Please contact ASO with questions or for more details at info@AutismSocietyOregon.org or 503-636-1676 (toll-free: 888-AUTISM-1)