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 advocating for our community, 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!
Hear it from our members! - “What would you like to share to new members about joining AANYC?”
“Attending my first few events felt scary and overwhelming. I had to work through a lot of self-stigma and learn to accept myself in a new context. But those feelings faded quickly, and the group soon became a safe and welcoming place for me.” - J
“While the opportunities that are available for new members of AANYC can feel overwhelming, this is a community where you can ask others for help; I encourage new members to reach out and find ways to participate that make sense for you.” - Evan
“I've limited mobility so I can only mostly attend online events. I found them all easy to follow, I always feel included and like I'm free to participate in any form I found most comfortable.” - Jules
“My first event was virtual. It revealed that events were structured in a safe and helpful way. My first in-person events were extremely eye-opening. You never see a group of autistic people uninterrupted by social norms. Nobody know what that looks like, and seeing it for the first time was like entering an entire autistic world. It revealed that we absolutely do not need to try to be "normal." Internalized ableism on my shoulder kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but in the end it was simply great. It is healing to go to an event with like-minded people. It reminds me that I'm human. That I'm okay.” - Manny Morales
“The Discord is invaluable and the virtual events are absolutely worth attending if you can't make it to in-person ones for any reason.” - A
“Make new friends and hang out with them” - Sammy
“I haven't been in this community very long, previously I only watched the many notifications of meetings from afar. In our world all of our experiences are so different, but for people with autism, that's one of the things we have in-common. I was pleasantly surprised to hear certain realities I've summarized of my own experiences have been bestowed upon others, consciousness in chaos.” - Aydin
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Any post high-school Autistic adult (18+) who lives in the NYC tri-state area can join us and attend our events.
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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!
Already a member? Login here!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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Our group is open to Autistic adults of all support needs!
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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!
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Our events are posted on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 12:00PM, announcing activities for the upcoming month.
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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.
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Yes, all group members must follow our rules to be a member!
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No. We are a social group, and do not offer any day programs or psychological services. Please check our community resourcesto find different providers in NYC.