NYC Area & Online

Autism Organizations

A list of Autistic-serving organizations in the NYC area. Although many of these have been recommended by our own group members, we do not personally endorse any of these organizations.

Know of any other NYC autistic organizations? Reach out to info@autisticadultsnyc.org

Social Groups/Programs

  • Community member groups such as Zine making, LGBTQIA+ discussion groups, Book discussion groups, Cooking Demos, and more virtual and in-person groups.

    Learn more by clicking here!

  • Adaptations at Marlene Meyerson JCC: “Adaptations is a dynamic, supportive, social community for adults that provides low-cost programs and classes to the public and members at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.”

  • EPIC Classes: All classes are FREE for EPIC company members and range in topics from performing arts, design, and professional development. EPIC offers hybrid and in-person classes.

  • Fast Feet NYC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides inclusive running and health programs for youth and adults with developmental and physical disabilities by partnering with communities, schools and hospitals.”

  • Adaptive Climbing Group provides affordable climbing experiences for individuals with disabilities, aiming to transform their perspectives.

  • Pure Vision Arts (PVA): ”Pure Vision Arts (PVA) is Manhattan’s first specialized art studio and exhibition space for artists with autism and other developmental disabilities. PVA provides studio space, art materials, exhibition opportunities, and career development for beginning, emerging and established artists. Pure Vision Arts also serves as a resource and consultation center for artists, educators, art collectors and curators.”

  • “This Meetup group is shared by seven overlapping autistic peer-led groups of autistic adults (18+). Each group is led or facilitated by members of the Autistic Peer Leadership Group (ApLEG).”

    Meetup Page

  • “Our robust arts program at ADAPT includes poetry, painting, media arts, and other opportunities for self-expression. Children and adults can take elective classes and work on independent projects. Individual’s art is showcased in galleries and art shows, displayed on the walls of businesses and within our own programs.”

    Learn more by clicking here!

  • Broader Horizons: The program offers the opportunity for people to make friends and socialize through group activities. Must be 21+

    OPWDD eligibility and residing at home with family in Nassau or Suffolk counties are required to enroll in this service.

    Coffee House - New Jersey: The program provides an environment where participants can expand their social circles and become active members of the community. Must be 21+

    Coffee House - Hudson Valley: A year-round program for adults (21+) that involves community based activities include sporting events, dinner theatre, restaurant outings, at local sites and in New York City, based on the preferences of the groups.

    Friday Night Live: Friday Night Live is a weekly socialization program for young adults aged 18-28 living at home. Activities occur on-site as well as at various community locations and include dinners out, bowling, movies, etc.

    OPWDD eligibility and residing at home in Rockland county with family are required to enroll in this service.

    Hankering for More: Members attend social outings in the community, like walking over the Brooklyn Bridge, art tours at the Museum of Modern Art, trying dim sum in Chinatown, and eating our way through a pizza food tour. In between outings, social coaches work with members over the phone, in person, or via email to identify and work toward personalized social goals, encouraging and supporting members to overcome their social barriers.

    Queens Adult Recreation Services:

    • Leisure Action & Adult Weekend Respite: The program offers recreational programs for adults with a high level of independence. The goal of the program is to provide intellectually and culturally stimulating social and educational opportunities that encourage meeting new people, making friends, and developing life-long social skills with minimal staff support.

    • Saturday Recreation: There is a morning, afternoon, and evening group with an array of community activities and socialization opportunities offered. Members are paired with the group that best matches their needs and interests. Must be 16+

    • Friday Night Dance: Two Fridays per month members are provided with an opportunity to listen to music, socialize and, enjoy good food. Applicants must have OPWDD eligibility and reside at home with their family in Queens to enroll in this service.

    You and I: Social and Networking Skills: This group offers adults the opportunity to learn social and dating skills in a structured setting. Monthly events are open to people who are 18 and older living at home with their family in Manhattan and are eligible for OPWDD services.

    YAI’s You And I program meets for three hours on the first Friday of each month in Manhattan. Groups, known as “Getting To Know You” socials, provide a safe and supportive environment for socialization, making new friends, and exploring the potential for dating and relationships.

    At each social, you will be able to attend classes designed to help you develop some new social skills and fine-tune some old ones. After attending these classes, everyone will get a chance to practice as they talk, laugh, and dance the night away with other You And I members. We are committed to providing you with a number of fun ways to meet new people in a safe and supportive environment while helping you learn some new ways to experience and enjoy your life. The rest is up to you.

    OPWDD eligibility and residing at home with family in Manhattan are required to enroll in this service.

Support Groups

One-on-One Programs

  • Best Buddies “Offers One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in New York.”

Career Coaching Groups

  • QSAC Job Club (Virtual): “This group provides support, guidance, networking opportunities, and training for individuals with disabilities who are currently employed or are searching for employment. QSAC's Job Club is a free service that meets weekly.”

    Job Club meetings take place on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Discussions are currently being held via Zoom.