Where can I find autistic communities?

Here are some places you can find autistic communities:

  • Local meetup groups.
    Some autistic groups meet using a site called meetup.com.
    You can search “autism group” on that website to find groups near you.

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network affiliate groups.
    ASAN has a list of groups that we work with.
    You can check and see if there is one near you.
    The list is at https://autisticadvocacy.org/get-involved/affiliate-groups/
  • People First groups.
    Most states have People First groups.
    They are for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
    People First groups work on self-advocacy.
    They fight for our rights.
    You can find a list of People First groups at https://www.peoplefirst.org/usa/
  • College groups.
    Some colleges have groups for disabled people.
    Some groups include all disabled people.
    Some groups are just for autistic people.
    Most colleges have a website for groups.
    People who aren’t students can’t always get to these websites.
    If you are a student, it is a good place to look.
    If not, you can try to call or email the colleges and ask.

Sometimes there are conferences for autistic people.
A conference is when people from many different places get together.
They all talk about a specific thing, like autism.
Conferences usually happen once a year.