Finding love is not always easy for anyone, but for adults living with autism, this part of life can be especially challenging. But help is out there and it’s coming to Las Vegas.
A special workshop called “ Dating Bootcamp – Spectrum Love” is scheduled to take place at the Nevada Donor Office at 2055 East Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas NV 89014 on Saturday, July 29th, 2023 from 10AM – 5PM.
The workshop will be led by Autism Life Coach, Bindiya Mahabir, Ed.M., BCBA. Mahabir has been working with individuals with autism and their families for 25 years using evidence-based behavioral strategies to reach communication, social and life skills. Mahabir’s career has been based on her passion to empower individuals with autism so they can successfully navigate relationships, social situations, school and work with confidence and independence. Mahabir said she was inspired to start her private practice after watching a popular TV show that sheds light on the autistic community.
“During Covid, while we were all stuck at home, I discovered this show “Love on the Spectrum” and I realized that we all want to love and be loved, regardless of diagnosis or ability,” said Mahabir. “Being in a healthy relationship can bring so much joy and happiness, especially when you find that special partner who respects and accepts you as you are. Dating can be a roller coaster of emotions for anyone, regardless of ability. Often, autistic folks often just need some coaching to help them navigate dating and relationships and that’s where I come in. My goal is to fulfill this need and support them on their journey”.
According to Mahabir, the goal of this upcoming workshop “Dating Bootcamp-Spectrum Love” is to help adults living with autism connect with each other in a safe & small group setting with like-minded individuals. Participants will receive practical tips and personalized coaching with a lot of opportunities to practice on things like the do’s and don’ts of dating, flirting, asking someone out, online dating, safety skills and more.
“I have done a similar workshop before and all past participants have shared that this experience was helpful,” said Mahabir. “During the last in-person bootcamp, all the participants had lunch together and practiced the “getting to know you” conversation skills. It was so heartwarming to see them connect with each other. Several clients also shared that they approached women they were interested in and were able to have a short conversation with them, something they were too nervous to do before”.
As for advice that Mahabir has for people with autism when it comes to navigating love and healthy relationships, she said it’s first important to realize that dating involves skills that can be learned. Also, when it comes to trying to find love, we all experience a roller coaster of emotions so it’s important to make space for all the feelings that will show up, rather than to push them away.
“I also stress in my workshop that safety is always a priority. Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk for abuse,” said Mahabir. “I teach my clients how to be both emotionally and physically safe”.
Mahabir, a married mother of two, said she stumbled upon the world of autism during college and soon discovered that this work is her calling. And for the last two decades, her passion has grown in teaching practical skills to empower autistic individuals form positive relationships and lead independent and meaningful lives.
“I teach from a place of compassion and I work collaboratively with them and their families to unlock their full potential”.
Mahabir has close ties to the Las Vegas community. Southern Nevada had been her parents’ home for over 25 years. In 2022, Mahabir became a founding board member of the Nevada Community Health Center (NCHC). This Las Vegas-based 501(c) 3 nonprofit was created with a mission of providing health care services to all sectors of the community regardless of their ability to pay, and develop a wide range of activities that promote well-being and foster social interaction to improve their quality of life. Mahabir also helps lead Autism Cares, a healthcare initiative that is part of NCHC. Its mission is to help provide living arrangements, life skills education, programs for young adults transitory and continuity support services to all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other related intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
With this upcoming workshop on July 29th, Mahabir hopes this is just the first of many community workshops that she will be doing in the Las Vegas area. She said her work is not just about working with people living with autism, but with their loved ones as well.
“My advice for families who care for autistic adults is that love is a human need,” said Mahabir. “Romantic relationships are part of the human experience and dating skills are often overlooked in therapy,” said Mahabir. “Recognize that your adult son or daughter may have romantic feelings and that it’s important to teach them to explore these feelings while also learning how to be safe and protect themselves”.
This workshop is made possible with collaborations by Nevada Donor Network, Nevada Community Health Center and Autism Cares. Registration is required. Limited spots are available. All identities and sexual orientations are welcome. Attendees must be at least 18 years old. For more information, go to www.joytaracoching.com/dating
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