A free, self-paced resource hub created by Thriving Autistic for recently identified Autistic adults, drawn from our Discovery Programme.
You’re welcome here, whether you’ve received a formal Autistic identification or arrived at that understanding through your own journey of self-identification. Both are valid, and either way, you’re in the right place. These resources are designed to meet you where you are.
How It Works
The Discovery Programme Resources bring together six modules at the heart of Autistic experience:
- Masking and Burnout
- Impostor Phenomenon and Intersectionality
- Our Sensory Selves
- Communication and Relationships
- Monotropism and Autistic Attention
- Internalised Ableism and Self-Advocacy
Each module includes video guides, downloadable resources and practical tools designed by and for the Autistic community.
These are self-paced, on-demand resources you can access any time. They’re drawn from our live Discovery Programme, but they don’t include the facilitated group sessions, cohort structure, or personalised one-to-one support that make up the full live programme. The live programme runs periodically, subject to funding.
Past Discovery Programme participants are invited to connect with peers in our private community forum space.
Our Approach
Everything in the Discovery Programme is grounded in a few core principles:
- Non-pathologising: We don’t see autism as something to be fixed. Your identification is a doorway to better self-understanding.
- Neuro-Affirmative: We build on what you already know about yourself, not on deficit narratives.
- Community-oriented: Created by Autistic people, for Autistic people. Lived experience is at the heart of everything we do.
- Practical: Real tools, lived experience strategies and genuine care and support.
About Thriving Autistic CLG
Thriving Autistic CLG is a not-for-profit organisation based in Dublin, Ireland. We provide workplace advocacy support, coaching, therapy, and sensory support services for Autistic adults. Our work is led by Autistic and neurodivergent professionals and grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm.
Learn more about our full range of services at thrivingautistic.org
Funded
The Discovery Programme is freely available to everyone and open access made possible through funding thanks to Rethink Ireland and the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (DPAF).
Evaluation & Evidence
The Discovery Programme has been independently evaluated, and we are proud to share the results. Our evaluation reports are available in multiple formats to suit different reading preferences:
Full Evaluation Report
Comprehensive findings and analysis from the independent evaluation.
Plain Language Report
Key findings presented in accessible, everyday language.
Easy Read Report
Simplified version with visual supports for easier reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Discovery Programme only for people in Ireland?
No — the Discovery Programme Resources are freely open to all Autistic adults worldwide.
Do I need to speak English to take part?
Yes — all programme materials and resources are currently delivered in English. We hope to expand to other languages in the future.
Who is the programme designed for?
The Discovery Programme is designed for recently identified Autistic adults — whether you received a formal diagnosis or came to understand your Autistic identity through self-identification. It is suitable for people who are ready to explore what being Autistic means for them.
Is this suitable if I’m currently in crisis or distress?
The Discovery Programme is not designed as a crisis support service and is not suitable for people who are currently experiencing significant distress. If you need further support, we encourage you to reach out to a neurodivergent-affirming professional through the Neurodivergent Practitioner Directory.
Who created and facilitates the programme?
The Discovery Programme is entirely peer-created. When we are able to fund, our live workshops are facilitated by Autistic professionals. Everything we create is grounded in lived experience and informed by the Autistic community. It is a programme by Autistic people, for Autistic people.
How accessible is the programme?
We have aimed to make the Discovery Programme as accessible as possible. There are options for closed captions on all the programme videos, transcripts and alt text available for all our images. Our animation videos also have audio descriptions for those who are visually impaired. If you require any further support to access our materials, please do contact us and we will be glad to support.