“We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation” Book Group

Tuesdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 15, 7–8:30 p.m. on Zoom; closing meeting Saturday, Nov. 19, 9–11 a.m. at church
Registration required

As a journalist, Eric Garcia realized he needed to put into writing what so many autistic people have been saying for years; autism is a part of their identity, they don’t need to be fixed. In We’re Not Broken, Garcia uses his own life as a springboard to discuss the social and policy gaps that exist in supporting those on the spectrum, from education to healthcare. At the same time, he shares the experiences of all types of autistic people, from those with higher support needs, to autistic people of color, to those in the LGBTQ community, giving his community a platform to articulate their own needs, rather than having others speak for them. Together, we’ll read sections of the book, then gather to share our own insights, experiences, and questions. We hope that if you sign up you will plan to attend all three Zoom gatherings, with the final in-person meetup optional. Our facilitators identify as neurodivergent (Katrina) and as the parent of an autistic child (Renada). Book available to borrow or purchase in advance at church. Facilitated by Katrina Mitchell and Renada Rutmanis, First U members