AbleTalks provides a space for adults with autism to connect and build strong, lasting relationships.
Our weekly discussions range from professional development to mental health, continuing education, communication, relationships, and work/life maneuvering.
Our goal is to empower each individual to make healthy decisions for themselves and thrive independently in a life they enjoy. We understand that personal success looks vastly different for each of us, so we aim to meet every individual where they are.
Inclusive communities start with understanding what our most unique neighbors bring to our lives.
We forge relationships with fascinating members of our global community in order to expose our members to a wide range of truly one-of-a-kind learning experiences.
AbleTalks members work with experts in a wide variety of fields, sharing their unique perspectives, exercising valuable communication skills, and building personal connections to help them achieve lifelong success.
Are you an expert in something? If so, we’d love to learn with you!
By the time a person with autism reaches adulthood, most avenues for non-traditional learning have run out. Students are often left with few choices after leaving high school, none of which were designed for people who experience the world as they do.
Because of learning differences and capabilities, the path to a fulfilling career will often involve an alternative track. We focus on possibilities. Our team begins with a goal and works its way backwards, breaking down expected steps into achievable objectives, then reinforcing strong dynamics during independent study, group discussions & goal setting, and work/life management.
AbleTalks isn’t a class or educational program, but instead a system that helps adults learn what they need to know in order to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives.
We strive to turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities. Encouraging self-awareness and self-advocacy as a foundational part of the learning process.
Peer mentoring is the core of our community.
Let’s face it– People with autism aren’t really known for tiptoeing around the point, but we’re excellent at relating to other folks just like us.
AbleTalks is a forum for radical honesty– and our members bring it, regularly! Our members help one another solve problems, stay motivated, tackle complex interactions, and overcome mental blocks.
Instead of serving as therapists or replacement parents, members work together as enthusiastic guides, friends, partners, and coaches for their fellow members.
We talk openly and honestly about the challenges of daily life– and loudly celebrate each other’s wins!
We understand that there are no experts on autism beyond the person living with that singular specific presentation of autism, and even then, expert might feel like a bit of a stretch most days…
But truly, the most effective advocate is the one who fully understands the issue. We aren’t here to tell anyone anything about autism. We’re just here to help strengthen each person’s tools for self-advocacy.
Discussions about self-advocacy allow our members to practice being the experts of their own lives within a safe group setting.
AbleTalks leads meaningful involvement of autistic individuals in shaping policy and making our communities more accessible for all.
People with autism are on every team in every workplace. While we all define personal success differently, with vastly different professional experiences, we all face very similar challenges at work. When developed in unique careers that ignite our passions and utilize our unique skill sets, the sky is the limit.
AbleTalks focuses on defining successes, goal setting, personal empowerment, and developing strong systems of support.
AbleTalks serves young adults (21+) with autism and other disabilities. Our meetings are virtual-hybrid, meeting weekly online and in person as often as scheduling permits. Our group is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Programming focuses on a myriad of subjects, including (but certainly not limited to) continuing education, mental health, and work/life maneuvering.
AbleTalks is a 501c3 non-profit organization that currently services the rapidly-growing Northwest Arkansas region.
Currently we are at capacity, so no, we are not accepting new members at this time.
Small group sizes encourage connection and open conversation. For this reason, we limit capacity and conduct interviews of all prospective members. Our initial intake process includes an application and interview. This allows current members to meet and interview potential members to ensure it’s a good fit for everyone. Participation is free.
To add your name to the interest list for our Northwest Arkansas group, please fill out our prospective member application.
The unique social dynamic between this group of adults is one that can be attributed largely to the intentional programming and planning by founder Nancy E. Wells.
Nancy started this group after discussing friendship with her daughters. Where she saw a need for her own child, she recognized an opportunity to do so much more in the lives of other adults just like Molly.
Because the most reassuring thing in the world is knowing there are other people just like us.
The AbleTalks meeting format encourages vulnerable conversations while reinforcing valuable lessons on communication, professionalism, social interactions, and more.
If you are interested in starting your own group, reach out! Our team would love to talk with you about what it takes.
AbleTalks is a group of young adults with autism who get together weekly to discuss life. We are part social club, part continuing education, part vocational support, and ALL communication, all the time. Our group is fueled by a deep desire to improve the lives of people just like us.
AbleTalks was created at Nancy E. Wells’ dining room table, over a dinner conversation with her daughters. While discussing career choices, Nancy realized just how limited the options were for her daughter, and many people just like her.
Nancy, a Counselor who holds a specialty license in technology-assisted distance counseling, works mainly with people with disabilities and their families. Nancy began connecting with other families who shared a common goal: help these young adults identify and achieve their wildest dreams!
Nancy has spent the better part of the past six years investing in this revolutionary group of young adults who have shown they have the demonstrated ability and desire to change the world.
Today, AbleTalks now partners with two Universities, hosting interns are currently working on an exciting creative project that we are so excited to share with you all!
Our small, tight-knit team still works side-by-side in the very dining room where AbleTalks began. We find immense joy in the journey of empowering young adults to find and refine their passions, skills, talents, and personalities.
Want to get involved? Contact Us!
AbleTalks serves young adults (21+) with disabilities. AbleTalks is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in the rapidly-growing Northwest Arkansas region. Your tax-deductible gift provides support for life-changing interpersonal experiences for, with, and by neurodiverse adults.
