To help make all of our autistic-led groups as safe, friendly, accessible and welcoming as possible, we have a few rules. These are for all of our online and in-person groups.

Group rules

  • You do not need to turn your camera on or use audio to take part in groups. If you prefer, you can use the text chat or just listen in.
  • Please avoid using any offensive or abusive language or bullying. This includes racism, misogyny, ableism, ageism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and making anti-LGBTQIA+ statements. We have zero tolerance of bullying behaviour.
  • If people do use offensive language or resort to abuse or bullying, Owen, our Manager, will contact them about this outside the group. If this behaviour is within the groups, the facilitators will ask people to leave.
  • If you act inappropriately in a group, it will be handled accordingly and you may be removed. If anyone is called out for something they have said, that will be dealt with privately rather than disrupting a group. For Zoom groups, we will use a breakout room at the end of a session.
  • Please avoid interrupting or talking over someone when they are speaking. If you would like to say something in an online group, please use the hands up feature. Then, the group facilitator will take note and keep on top of things.
  • On Zoom, if others are speaking instead, please put your microphone on mute. If you are speaking, please try to keep background noise to a minimum.
  • If asking a question, please give others in the group time to respond and process what you are saying.
  • Try to give in-person group members personal space.
  • If you have a pet, you are more than welcome to show them in online groups!
  • Please respect group members’ privacy at all times. This is for our in-person and online groups. What goes in the groups, stays in the groups.
  • Safeguarding rules apply in groups, so if people share anything that may be a danger to themselves or others, we will contact them privately about this
  • We follow The Advonet Group’s policies on privacy: Privacy Policy
  • Be mindful of oversharing, especially any personal details.
  • If there is something you’re unsure about, please talk to any staff/volunteers in the group session.
  • Try not to speak too loudly. Being too loud could trigger sensory overload in some group members.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the rules listed above, please get in touch with us. You can either email us at [email protected] or call The Advonet Group’s office on 0113 244 0606 and ask for either Owen or Chris.