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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.

Social Gatherings for Autistic Adults

These gatherings are open to all autistic adults (ages 18 and up) in the Colorado area. They can come alone or along with their support people—such as friends, partners, family members, or caregivers. 

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These gatherings are casual and lightly structured, offering a more independent, self-paced environment. Facilitators are available to offer optional conversation prompts, icebreakers, or gentle guidance during activity-based social time. Participants are always free to choose how they’d like to engage—whether that means joining in, observing, or simply enjoying the space in their own way.

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Denver Metro Social Meetup is usually on a weekend, please check the Events Calendar for the official meetup date (*subject to change). Registration is required to help accommodate space. 

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Northern Colorado Social Meetup (Fort Collins/Loveland Area) is usually on a weekday, please check the Events Calendar for the official meetup date (*subject to change). Registration is required to help accommodate space.

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Grand Junction Social Meetup is usually on a weekday, please check the Events Calendar for the official meetup date (*subject to change). Registration is required to help accommodate space.

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Colorado Springs Social Meetup is usually on a weekend, please check Events Calendar for the official meetup date (*subject to change). Registration is required to help accommodate space.

Social Gatherings for Autistic Individuals Ages 15-22 

These gatherings are for autistic youth and young adults ages 15–22 in the Colorado area. They can come alone or along with their support people—such as parents, caregivers, siblings, or trusted friends.

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Each gathering is a structured, activity-based social event led by facilitators. We start with a welcome and brief overview of what to expect, followed by guided activities designed to support social interaction in comfortable, low-pressure ways. Facilitators help spark conversations using direct or visual communication and encourage participants to engage at their own pace. 

 

At this time, we only have a Denver Metro Social Meet Up for ages 15-22. This group usually meets on the second or third Saturday of each month (*subject to change). Registration is required to help accommodate space. â€‹

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