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Here at Autism On the Go, we are so excited to begin a new year with our community of Autistic leaders. We want to start this January newsletter by thanking you for all that you contribute. Whether it's through monetary donations, leading programs, or showing up to events, you are supporting a community built by us, but for us all. Our work is only possible because of you.
On that note, it's not too late to add a New Year's resolution to volunteer with AOG. Check out our current team, then contact us and let us know how you'd like to get involved. We can't wait to hear your ideas for how we can build an even better, more inclusive community.
Now, let's get to some updates about what AOG is doing this month.
Janette Rosenbaum
janette@autismonthego.org
| | Members-Only Virtual Meeting | | |
Want a chance to talk directly with AOG leadership and help shape what comes next?
All paid AOG members are invited to our quarterly members-only meeting, happening virtually on Monday, January 26, at 6:30 PM. These meetings are a space to connect, ask questions, share feedback, and hear directly from the people guiding AOG’s work.
Not a member yet? Now’s a great time to join.
Becoming an AOG member is just $15/month or $150/year (that’s two months free), and membership comes with more than just access. All new paid members are automatically enrolled in our free Member Swag Program - first-year enrollees receive an AOG-branded bag and a set of fidgets as a thank-you for supporting the community.
Become a member today to join the meeting.
We’d love to see you there and hear your voice.
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Are you ready to step into your power and build leadership skills alongside other Autistic self-advocates? The Autistic Leaders Program (ALP) is here to support Autistic individuals who want to expand their confidence, grow their leadership voice, and create positive change in their communities.
What is ALP?
ALP is a structured leadership development experience designed by Autistic people, for Autistic people. It blends peer support, real-world leadership tools, and opportunities to put your strengths to work in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your leadership potential or you’re already stepping into advocacy, ALP is a space where your ideas, your experiences, and your voice are valued and amplified.
Why join ALP?
🔹 Develop confidence as a self-advocate and leader
🔹 Strengthen skills for community engagement, project creation, and collaborative action
🔹 Build lasting connections with fellow Autistic leaders
🔹 Gain support from experienced Autistic facilitators
Participation is open to Autistic adults who want to grow their leadership journey in a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming space.
Learn more and enroll here. You’re already accepted.
Your leadership matters - and ALP is here to help you share it with the world.
| | Set Your Communication Preferences | |
At Autism On the Go (AOG), accessibility isn’t a one-time checkbox — it’s an ongoing practice.
As our community continues to grow into 2026, we’ve introduced a new unified signup and communication system, designed to make participation clearer, easier, and more accessible, while giving everyone more control over how they engage with AOG.
What this update supports:
- Fewer unnecessary emails
- Clearer opt-in by interest or identity group
- Easier planning with downloadable calendar invites
- Simple, no-pressure ways to update preferences at any time
If you’re already receiving the reminders you want, nothing changes - everything will continue as usual.
This update reflects our commitment to:
- 🧠 Neurosensitive design
- ♿ Accessibility that adapts as needs change
- 🤝 Respect for autonomy, capacity, and consent
You can view the new signup page at your convenience and also update your preferences on the same page.
You can also request a manual update to your preferences.
There’s no deadline and no obligation — engage when and how it works for you.
If you’re in a position to support this work, becoming a member or making a donation helps us continue improving systems while keeping our programs free and financially accessible whenever possible.
Thank you for growing with us - and for helping shape a community built by us, for us.
| | Gaming & Community with Ravensfan1990 (18+) | | |
Looking for fun, connection, and a low-pressure place to hang out?
Ravensfan1990 is part of the AOG community all month long, building a neurosensitive entertainment and support-forward space where people can show up as they are.
Through the AOG Discord Gaming Corner, you can:
- Connect with others around shared humor and interests
- Get updates about regular Jackbox games and play-along events
- Find links and info to join Ravensfan live on Twitch
- Participate at your own pace - playing, watching, or just chatting are all welcome
This isn’t just about game night - it’s about creating an ongoing, inclusive space for fun, familiarity, and community.
🗓 Jackbox Games: Regularly scheduled (including the first Saturday of each month at 8 PM)
💬 Community Hub: AOG Discord → Gaming Corner
👉 Join the AOG Discord: https://discord.gg/tkYyX5JUUw
To fully participate, members are encouraged to:
- Join the AOG Discord to stay connected
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Follow Ravensfan1990 on Twitch for streams and games
Come hang out. Check it out when it works for you. The community is there all month.
| | SereniTea Sanctuary: New Online Moderator | |
We’re excited to share that Katelyn Szymanski is now leading AOG’s SereniTea Sanctuary Women’s Group Online.
SereniTea is a safe, welcoming space for Autistic adults who identify as women to connect, share experiences, and build community in a supportive, neurosensitive environment. The group is by and for Autistic adults and welcomes participants of all abilities and backgrounds.
Beginning this year, the online SereniTea group meets on the second Sunday of every month at 1:00 PM Eastern on Zoom.
🗓️ Next meeting: Sunday, February 8, at 1:00 PM (ET)
Katelyn brings over a decade of experience working alongside neurodivergent communities, along with a thoughtful, affirming approach to facilitation that centers care, accessibility, and lived experience.
👉 Sign up to receive meeting details and reminders.
Want an in-person experience? SereniTea also meets in-person on the third Sunday of every month at 1:00 PM Eastern.
Whether you’re new to AOG or a longtime participant, we invite you to join us and be part of this ongoing space for connection and conversation.
| Hear From Each Other: A Community Space for All Neurotypes | | |
We invite you to join Hear From Each Other, AOG’s monthly community space where people of all neurotypes - Autistic, allistic, neurodivergent, neurotypical, and more - come together to listen, share, and learn in a safe and welcoming environment.
Each session features a speaker who identifies as Autistic or on the spectrum, sharing their lived experiences and personal story.
🗓️ Next meeting: Tuesday, January 27, at 7:00 PM (ET)
This month’s speaker is Ataya Allen, who lives in Baltimore City and was diagnosed with an intellectual disability at birth after being born prematurely. Ataya is excited to share her story and connect with the community.
Why attend?
- ✨ Hear real stories from Autistic voices
- ✨ Build understanding across neurotypes
- ✨ Experience an inclusive, supportive space
- ✨ Celebrate the beauty of diverse minds
All registered participants will receive the Zoom link the morning of the event.
You can also download the calendar invite for the full Hear From Each Other series.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of listening, learning, and community.
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