Social life and community

In short

• Making friends takes time. Start with activities you already enjoy, and choose settings that feel manageable.
• Autistic-led groups can offer understanding without the need to explain yourself.
• Many cinemas, museums and venues offer relaxed or sensory-friendly times. Check before you go.
• Online communities can be helpful. Protect your privacy and check how they are moderated.

Finding social and peer groups

Think about what you enjoy: hobbies, games, walking, arts, learning, faith, or volunteering. A shared activity can make conversation easier than meeting with no structure.

Look for:

• groups run by autistic people, or with autistic members
• hobby clubs with clear routines and low-pressure options
• community centres, libraries and local charities
• peer support groups, which may meet in person or online

Before you go, ask practical questions. How long does a session last? Can you leave early? Is there a quiet space? What is expected of members? A good group will be able to answer these.

Autistic-led communities

Autistic-led groups are run by autistic people. Many are small and run by volunteers, so check what is available locally and online. Ask whether the group has a code of conduct and how it handles problems.

Relaxed and sensory-friendly events

Many venues run relaxed screenings, quiet hours or sensory-friendly times. Cinemas, museums, galleries, theatres, sports venues and attractions may all offer these. Times and rules change, so check the venue's website or call ahead.

It helps to ask:

• whether sound levels or lights are lower
• whether there is a quiet room or area you can step into
• whether the venue publishes a guide to the layout
• what the ticket policy is for a support person

Venues that serve the public must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 sets out this duty for service providers.

Staying safe online

Online communities can offer friendship and useful information. A few simple habits help:

• Use a nickname, and keep personal details private, such as your address, school, workplace or daily routine.
• Check whether the community has moderators and clear rules.
• Be cautious if someone moves the conversation to private messages quickly, or asks for money or images.
• Take a break if a space leaves you feeling overwhelmed.
• Report anything that worries you to the platform. In an emergency, call 999.

If a venue or group does not help

Keep a note of what you asked for, when, and what the response was. If a service refuses reasonable adjustments, the Equality Advisory and Support Service can give advice in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland can help.

This guide is general information, not professional advice.