Social Gatherings

​​​Our social gatherings are intentionally designed to be accessible, low-pressure, and affirming of different ways of socializing— allowing participants to explore their social side in different environments.

 

Once a month, we offer an in-person social gathering at rotating locations in Colorado. These social gatherings are designed with neurodivergent affirming ways in mind. We know that socializing can look different for everyone, and there is no “right” way to connect. These events usually involve an activity with flexible, low-pressure opportunities to spend time with others in ways that feel comfortable and supportive.

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Some people come to chat, others prefer to listen, and some just enjoy being in a shared space without needing to talk. You are welcome to bring a support person, stim freely, take breaks, or leave early if you need to.

 

​Our goal is to create low-pressure, accessible, and respectful opportunities to connect and meet others in person. To create an environment where autistic people can build community—on their own terms and engage in whatever way feels right for them, and without having to mask who they are. 

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Our program recognizes that traditional group outings may not often meet everyone's sensory, communication, or pacing needs and aims to do things differently. 

 

Here’s what that usually means:

• Predictability: We provide clear details in advance—what’s happening, when, where, and what to expect.

• Flexibility: There’s no pressure to talk, stay the whole time, or participate in any specific social facilitation activity such as icebreakers, conversation starters, etc. You can engage in the way that works best for you.

• Sensory Awareness: We choose locations with lower sensory load, offer quiet spaces or breaks, and support stimming or sensory tools.

• Consent & Boundaries: We emphasize consent in conversations, touch, and interactions. There’s no expectation to “perform” or mask.

• Supportive Spaces: Participants can bring a trusted support (friend, family, caregiver) if it helps them feel comfortable.

• Interest-Based Activities: Outings may include visits to museums, nature walks, cozy cafés, accessible activities, or other places that are enriching without being overwhelming.​​​

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Our social gatherings are peer-led, which means they’re guided by individuals from the community who have lived experience, not by therapists, clinicians, or outside “experts.”

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Peer facilitators are here to:

• Welcome people in a low-pressure way

• Help create a safe, respectful space

• Support group conversations and agreements around accessibility, consent, and inclusion

• Model comfort with different communication and social styles

• Offer gentle structure (like letting people know what’s happening or helping someone join an activity—only if they want to)

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Cost of Attendance: Most of our social meetups have a low-cost or activity-based fee, usually between $10 and $25. 

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We’ve learned from experience that when events are completely free, attendance tends to drop or become unpredictable. This makes it harder for us to plan and can create challenges for participants who are expecting a certain kind of group experience.

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Charging a low-cost fee helps us:

• Keep events consistent

• Cover basic costs like programming— facilitators, space, activity costs, or supplies

• Support reliable attendance

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You can utilize your HCBS waivers to help cover the cost. We keep fees as low as possible and are happy to talk if cost is a barrier. Please email groups@autismcolorado.org to assist.