Getting Started: Info and FAQ

What is Autistic Adults NYC?

We’re an Autistic-run grassroots community, with members across the NYC Tri-State area. Our organization is built by and for Autistic adults, and primarily run by dedicated volunteers.

Our core focus is hosting events - everything from a halloween party, plant-walks at the park, educational workshops, crafting events, large public events, and much more! Our events are shaped by the interests and needs of our community. Check out our calendar and photo gallery to see what we’ve been up to.

We also host a Discord server where members can stay connected between events - chatting through text, playing games together, organizing member-led hangouts, forming interest groups, and more.

Lastly, we compile resources for our community on important topics like independent living, transit, housing, and adult diagnosis.

What to Expect

All Autistic folks are different!

There’s a varying degree of backgrounds, support needs, and personalities in our group. Don’t worry about needing to “fit in”! All of our regular members are very kind and excited to meet new people!

You can sign up for the event you feel is best for you!

Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to socializing, so we offer a variety of events throughout the month. We host large parties for those who are more sensory seeking and love to be in a lively environment. We host smaller crafting events for those who prefer a smaller group and an activity to focus on. We have a series called PAUSE that caters to non-speaking folks and is more accessible to those with ID. Each event includes a description so you’ll know what to expect, and you’re always encouraged to choose what feels right for you.

If you have any specific questions before attending your first event, please reach out!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Any post high-school Autistic adult (18+) who lives in the NYC tri-state area can join us and attend our events.

  • Our events are hosted on Circle, and are open to all Autistic adults, diagnosed or self-diagnosed. To attend our events, apply for membership on our site. Once your application has been manually reviewed, you will receive an invite to Circle. Simply create an account via that invite and RSVP!

    Sign up here!

    Already a member? Login here!

  • Yes! Many of our members self-identify as Autistic. We understand the struggles of getting a diagnosis as an adult. If you would like to learn more and find some resources on the diagnosis process as an adult in NYC, go to our diagnosis page.

  • We have a capacity limit for our events, as too many attendees can become overwhelming and over-stimulating. If someone changes their RSVP to “not going” a spot will open up. We recommend checking again a day or two before the event to see if any spots have opened up. If you’re unable to RSVP, unfortunately you cannot attend, but please join us at a future event!

  • Unfortunately no, our programs are restricted to Autistic adults. If you’re neurodivergent (ADHD, Dyslexic, etc) but not Autistic, check out meetup.com or similar sites for other groups, as new ones are often popping up!

  • Our group is open to Autistic adults of all support needs!

  • For most of our events, we try to keep them a safe space for Autistic adults, as many prefer to be in an Autistic-only environment. However, members can bring a family member or support worker if they have specific needs and need someone to accompany them, as long as prior notice is given.

    Some events, like our PAUSE events, or other larger public events, are open to all!

  • Our events are posted on the last Tuesday of each month at 12:00PM, announcing activities for the upcoming month.

  • Nope! Some of the events might have a suggested donation or fee to cover specific expenses (ex: ice skate rentals). But there are no regular costs or membership fees to attend our events.

  • Yes, all group members must follow our rules to be a member!

  • Learn more about supporting us here!

  • We are a social group, and do not offer any day programs or psychological services. Please check our community resources to find different providers in NYC.