No doubt about it, an ASD life can be an isolated life, especially when what you want is to commune with people who share the shorthand of your traits. We’ll talk another time about the accuracy of the following estimates but for now, it’s the best the world has to go on: Currently the autistic population is estimated to be 1.694% of the United States population1“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Data & Statistics.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated November 15, 2018.” and 0.625% of the global population2“Autism Spectrum Disorders.” World Health Organization. April 4, 2017.. That’s approximately 77,000,000 people! Point is, you’re not alone, not by a long shot.
But finding people in your area who are aware that they’re on the autistic spectrum, who aren’t in your family, and who share your interests? That’s a tall order.
Luckily internet!
For us, the internet brings life. We can find loads of people who are eager to find out what each other’s lives are like and whether we share things in common. And being the intrepid detail-hounds we are, it makes it even more exciting when those potential new friends live in cultures that may differ from our own.
Okay. So, you may wonder, where are all these magical friends awaiting my arrival? Here, lemme get you started.
SURPRISE! YOU’RE AUTISTIC!
Facebook’s premier community for those of us who didn’t learn we’re autistic until well into adulthood. Ask questions. Share your story. We get you here.
Join On Facebook
AUTISTIC WOMEN OF COLOR
Where else can you talk about all the issues surrounding being a minority of a minority? We are a cross-cultural, global community. Come join us!
Join On FacebookAutistic Twitter
#ActuallyAutistic
Twitter is home to a community of autistic people who toss out interesting topics to chat about, tackle oppressive cultural norms, ask for help when they need it, and most important, offer help generously. It’s a beautiful thing.
To find Autistic Twitter, search the hashtag #ActuallyAutistic. You’ll find an ongoing discussion of all things at all times of day whose participants are, you guessed it, actually autistic. Friend us first @WeAreAutastic then jump in!
Go There!
Adults with Aspergers
A group for “autistics to be ourselves, without pressure to be socially acceptable. This is not meant to be a typical safe space. Most Aspies are really not socially acceptable… We aren’t like other people and this is a place for us to revel in that.”
Join On Facebook
“This is a safe place where Autistics of all sorts can come and be a family. It’s a closed group with an open door policy for any autist.
Invite whomever you like, just please remember that this is an Autistic Friendly Zone.“
Autistics Worldwide
“A community for those on the Autism Spectrum and those that love them…Freedom to be yourself to discuss whatever we will, to seek support, to rant, to meltdown or just to find someone who will listen.”
Join On Facebook
Agony Autie‘s “peer-to-peer support group for like minded friends of the Autistic Community, to meet, talk about our experiences as Autistic individuals and to learn from one another.“
Join On Facebook
THem Aspergers
A companion group to the Them Aspergers podcast. Podcast info on our ASD-Friendly Podcasts page.
ASD Podcasts Page Join On Facebook
BRITISH WOMEN WIth aspergers
This group is for women 18+ who are either self-diagnosed, formally diagnosed, in the diagnostic process or strongly suspect they may have Aspergers Syndrome/ASD/ASC. Members must reside in the United Kingdom (or be born in the UK and now living overseas as an ex-pat).
Join On Facebook
Auties and Menopause Support Group
“This is a group for autistic women who are looking for support and information about dealing with menopause. Autistic women who have been experiencing it and who have completed the cycle are welcome as well.”
Join On Facebook
WRONG PLANET
Forum
A community for the neurodiverse, their parents, and service providers.
Wrong Planet
Got Info?
If there’s a group, forum, chat, meetup or any other autistic-led community you think should be added to our picks, contact us and let us know! We review all suggestions for fit with our autistic-centric mission.