Click HERE to view as Webpage

December 13, 2025

Autism On the Go's

Quirk Alert - Vol XVII

*New Beginnings Edition*

AOG Leader Statement

Another year is ending, and a new one is starting. This month, we're bringing you updates on what autistic leaders have accomplished - and opportunities to follow in their footsteps. Read on for new events, important developments at Autism on the Go, and ways you can get involved.

What will you do in 2026? We'd love to hear about your plans and aspirations: info@autismonthego.org.

Janette Rosenbaum

janette@autismonthego.org

Autistic Accomplishments

Autistic people are advocating for disability justice - and winning campaigns. Read what our own James Orman and other autistic leaders have been doing, in this new article from Grace Yetter in the Social Mobility Journal.

Upcoming Events

We'll be holding our next town hall on Sunday, December 28. This month's topic is the importance of setting and enforcing boundaries. The meeting will be at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. Register here.

Also, we're launching a trauma-informed "Gaia" peer support group. Watch for more information!

Project NARG Launch Announcement

Autism On the Go (AOG) is proud to be an initiative of the Neurodivergent Advocacy and Resource Group, Inc. (NARG)—a nonprofit committed to supporting neurodivergent people with the information, community, and resources we deserve to thrive in worlds not built for us.

AOG has grown faster and farther than any of us imagined. Our community-led model has proven that when Autistics are given space to lead, we don’t just rise—we build.

Because of this success, NARG is expanding.

We’re creating new programs, identity groups, leadership pathways, and initiatives that extend the same neurosensitive, person-centered philosophy that made AOG possible. AOG will continue to be the flagship and heart of our work, while NARG grows into the larger ecosystem that supports everything we build next.

Stay tuned—Project NARG is only the beginning. More announcements, new initiatives, and expanded opportunities for leadership and community are on the way.

AOG Executive Board Update

We’re thrilled to announce that Autism On the Go (AOG) has officially voted in a new Executive Board for 2026 — a team of dedicated leaders who embody the spirit, passion, and creativity of our community.

President — Owen Keys

Leader of both Bad Anon and Creative Club, Owen is one of AOG’s original organizers and a steady, imaginative force in our growth. His leadership, consistency, and vision make him an extraordinary choice to serve as our next President.

Vice President — Jake Didinsky

Jake joined us recently, and his energy, commitment, and natural leadership have been undeniable. His rapid rise through the ranks reflects not only his talent, but his genuine alignment with AOG’s mission and values.

Co-Treasurers — LilithMoon Rivellon & Rachel Gabay

LilithMoon and Rachel bring brilliance, dedication, and a shared passion for strengthening AOG’s future. Their teamwork and financial stewardship will help bring prosperity, stability, and abundance to our growing organization.

Secretary — Suzi Gerb

Suzi has faithfully maintained our board records, decisions, and chronicles for months, helping keep our leadership organized and accountable. Her reliability and care make her an essential part of the Executive Board.

With this new team, AOG is stronger, more resilient, and more prepared than ever for the year ahead.

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Executive Board and celebrating the leadership that continues to shape our community’s future.

OTG Conference Update

The On the Go 2025 (OTG25) Conference—a conference by and for people with disabilities—brought together two disability-led organizations, Autism On the Go (AOG) and People On the Go Maryland (POG), to celebrate and showcase the skills, creativity, and talents of our community.

We had a truly wonderful time sharing space, passions, and energy with one another. The conference was a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when disabled people lead, create, and collaborate on our own terms.

Thank you to everyone who presented, performed, volunteered, organized, attended, or supported in any way.

Your presence made OTG25 a success.

A recording of the conference will be shared soon—stay tuned!

Help Us Build a Year of Leadership, Joy, and Community — By and For Neurodivergent People

Autism On the Go (AOG) exists because neurodivergent people deserve spaces where we can show up fully, lead authentically, and create community on our own terms.

Everything we do is powered by Autistics supporting Autistics — and we can only grow if you grow with us.

As we plan for 2026, we’re asking our community to help fund the programs, leaders, and initiatives that make AOG possible.

💛 What Your Support Makes Possible

🌱 Leadership & Community Spaces

• $100 per meeting for group leaders who run Bad Anon, Men’s Group, Women’s Group, Queer Group, Creative Club, and more.

Your gift pays Autistic leaders for their time, energy, emotional labor, and expertise.

🎉 Community Events & Outings

• $500 – Bad Anon Movie Outing
• $500 – Men’s Bowling Retreat
• $500 – Women’s Brunch
• $500 – Queer Mini Golf Day
• $500 – AOG Picnic Potluck

These events give us places to connect, breathe, laugh, meet friends, and feel human in a world that often isolates us.

🧰 Infrastructure & Accessibility

• $600 – Social Media Coordinator
• $1,200 – Strategic Coordinator
• $600 – Constant Contact (email, text, outreach)
• $200 – Zoom
• $200 – Website hosting + upgrades

These tools and roles help us run an entire organization on a shoestring while staying connected to thousands of neurodivergent people.

🤝 Ways You Can Support AOG Right Now

1️⃣ Donate Directly

Every contribution helps us build Autistic-led futures.

👉 Donate here.

2️⃣ Join as a Paid Member

AOG grows because of YOU. Membership gives us the dependable, sustained support we need — plus you get perks, swag, and access to special programs and services.

👉 Become an AOG member today.

3️⃣ Donate Your Time or Expertise (In-Kind Support)

We are actively looking for:

• A social media guru to help finish setting up MyAOG, our brand-new social platform by and for neurodivergents
• A shopkeeper to help run our growing AOG Certified Marketplace

Your energy and autism-friendly brilliance fuel everything we build.

👉 Email us.

4️⃣ “Garbage-to-Gold” Holiday Swap

Got a gift you didn’t want this year? Exchange it for a donation to AOG using your gift receipt. Turn clutter into community care.

👉 Donate the return here.

5️⃣ Buy Yourself a Holiday Gift

The AOG store is full of great gifts for yourself or anyone who needs more autism-pride merch. Check out our collection of shirts, mugs, bags, and other goodies.

👉 Pick up some AOG swag.

6️⃣ Ask for a Gift in Your Honor

Tell friends and family: “No gifts this year — please donate to AOG in my honor instead.” We’ll celebrate you and put your gift right to work.

🌟 Why This Matters

AOG is one of the very few spaces in the world that is:

• Autistic-led
• Neurosensitive by design
• Non-punitive
• Community-centered
• Radically accessible & affirming

But we need your help to sustain the movement.

Your support keeps the lights on, funds leaders, and creates joyful community experiences that change lives.

💛 Be part of AOG’s next chapter.

We cannot — and will not — grow without you. Let’s build a thriving, interdependent neurodivergent community together in 2026.

Sign up HERE to get future Quirk Alerts sent directly to your inbox.

For questions and submission requests, contact info@autismonthego.org

Comedy Corner