What we’re about
This group is for anyone on the autism spectrum who is looking for an accepting and inclusive community of friends for socializing and peer support. Whether you are diagnosed autistic, self-identify, or are questioning whether you might be on the spectrum, you are welcome to join us. Our group welcomes everyone, regardless of diagnostic status or support needs. Nonverbal members are welcome. If you need a friend or caretaker to accompany you to meetups to help you communicate and interact with the group, you are welcome to do so. Members are welcome to sit in and listen to the conversation without sharing. We will offer you an opportunity to share, and you always have the right to pass.
We meet 2-3 times per month for social skills practice, peer support, and fun activities like museum trips, games, movies, etc. Please note, we are currently meeting on the Zoom platform. To learn more about using Zoom, please consult this guide: https://www.goucher.edu/learn/graduate-programs/distance-learning-resources/documents/student_documents/HowtoParticipateInAZoomMeeting.pdf.
We also welcome you to join our other Meetup groups: Full Spectrum Agency - Massachusetts Chapter (Virtual and In-person events, open to all autistic adults everywhere! Full Spectrum Agency - Massachusetts Chapter | Meetup), and our Full Spectrum Agency Friends and Family Group (Our autistic-allistic alliance group, open to all neurotypes! Full Spectrum Agency Friends and Family Group | Meetup). Our group is led by autistic adults, for autistic adults, and we hope you will join us! To learn more about Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults, visit https://fullspectrumasd.org. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Oswald at katie@FullSpectrumASD.org.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Peer Support MeetupLink visible for attendees
Join us for a supportive and welcoming peer group meeting for autistic adults to share experiences, provide mutual support, and connect with others who understand. Whether you're looking to discuss challenges, celebrate accomplishments, or simply find community, this group offers a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about the unique aspects of being autistic in a neurotypical world.
Topics vary and can include sensory sensitivities, navigating social situations, self-advocacy, mental health, and personal growth. No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome to join the conversation and learn from the lived experiences of others.
Our peer support meetup is an open discussion group. We sometimes get 30 or more attendees, so we can’t guarantee everyone will have a chance to share or that you will get to say everything you want to say if you do get to share.
This is an opportunity to build connections, share strategies, and find comfort in knowing you're not alone. All autistic adults are welcome, regardless of diagnostic status or support needs. Come as you are!
If you need a caregiver to attend with you, that is always allowed, but that person is not allowed to engage in the discussion. They are there to support you, not as a participant. If you are nonspeaking or minimally verbal, you are welcome to participate using whatever AAC device you use to communicate. If you need any accommodations to participate, please either let us know in the event chat or email info@FullSpectrumASD.org.
Peer Support Group Agreements
- All autistic people are welcome and accepted in this group.
- What is discussed in the group will be kept in the group.
- People within this group have different worldviews and beliefs. Participants commit to being kind, respectful, and constructive in my comments.
- This group is not intended to help people find someone to date.
- We are not licensed therapists or counselors. Thus, we cannot offer professional advice to your situation. If your situation requires you to get psychological help, we will help by guiding you in the right direction with those who might be able to help.
- Remember to mute your microphone when you are not speaking. Computer mics are really sensitive and pick up a lot of background noise that can be distracting for others.
- Please stay on topic in the chat. We want to have the chat available for those who prefer that to verbal discussion, but it can be a distraction if the topic is different than what is being discussed verbally.
- No soliciting. Please refrain from trying to sell goods to our members or ask for money. We encourage all members to not give or borrow money to other members.
