When it is and why it matters
Autistic Pride Day is celebrated on June 18 each year. It was established in 2005 by the autistic-led organization Aspies For Freedom and is observed internationally by autistic people and their allies.
The day is grounded in a neurodiversity framework: the understanding that neurological variation, including autism, is a natural part of human diversity, not a disorder to be corrected. Autistic Pride Day affirms that Autistic people deserve respect, inclusion, and access to support on their own terms.
A note on language: this article uses identity-first language (“Autistic people”) because this is what much of the autistic self-advocacy community has chosen. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and many Autistic people prefer identity-first language as a reflection of their identity, not a descriptor that can be separated from who they are. We follow the community’s lead.
What the research says
Research on autism and mental health consistently shows elevated rates of co-occurring conditions, alongside evidence that supportive environments make a significant difference:
- A 2024 clinical study found that 68.8% of high-functioning Autistic adults presented with at least one psychiatric comorbidity, most commonly depressive and anxiety disorders (PMC, 2024).
- Systematic reviews estimate that between 27% and 42% of Autistic adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and between 23% and 37% experience a depressive disorder (Lugo-Marin et al., 2019).
- Research suggests that many of the mental health challenges Autistic people face stem from navigating a world that was not designed for them, including ableism, lack of accommodations, and social exclusion, rather than from autism itself (Embrace Autism, 2024).
- Among Autistic employees in workplaces with neurodiverse-friendly policies, 84% report feeling valued for who they are and 78% report improved well-being, compared to 44% in general workplace settings (Auticon, 2024).
These findings reinforce a key point: the goal of support is not to change who Autistic people are. It is to reduce the external pressures that create distress, and to build community where Autistic people can feel genuinely understood.
Groups for Autistic people in our directory
Our directory includes support groups for Autistic adults and teens, as well as groups for families and caregivers of Autistic people. Some groups are facilitated by Autistic people. Others are led by professionals who specialize in neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
Neurodiversity-affirming groups do not approach autism as a problem to solve. They offer a space for Autistic people to connect with others who share their experiences, without the pressure to mask or conform to neurotypical norms.
Browse by topic, age group, or format to find groups that fit. Many groups meet online, which can be especially accessible for Autistic people who find in-person social settings more demanding.
How to choose a group
- Is the group neurodiversity-affirming? This matters. Some groups are built on older, deficit-based models of autism. Look for language in the listing that reflects a neurodiversity lens: support, community, and self-advocacy rather than skills training or behavior modification.
- Who is in the group? Some groups are for Autistic adults only. Some include teens. Some are for parents or caregivers. Make sure the group is for the person who needs support.
- What is the format? Text-based or chat-based groups may be more accessible for some Autistic people than video or in-person groups. Check the format before committing.
- Sensory and communication considerations. Online groups often offer more control over sensory environment. Some groups also accommodate different communication styles, including written check-ins or asynchronous participation.
Other resources
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): autisticadvocacy.org: led by Autistic people, for Autistic people; policy, resources, and community
- Autism Women and Nonbinary Network (AWN): awnnetwork.org: support and community for Autistic women, girls, and nonbinary people
- GRASP (Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership): grasp.org: peer support network for Autistic adults
- Autism Society of America: autismsociety.org: resources, advocacy, and local affiliates
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is in crisis
Frequently asked questions
Why does this article use “Autistic people” instead of “people with autism”?
The autistic self-advocacy community has broadly chosen identity-first language to reflect that autism is not separate from who a person is. Organizations led by Autistic people, including ASAN, use “Autistic people” as the preferred term. We follow the community’s lead on this. Some individuals prefer person-first language (“person with autism”), and their preference is equally valid for their own self-description. When in doubt, ask the person how they want to be referred to.
What is a neurodiversity-affirming support group?
A neurodiversity-affirming group starts from the premise that autism is a natural variation in human neurology, not a disorder to be corrected. These groups focus on helping Autistic people navigate a world that was not built with them in mind, build community with others who share their experiences, and advocate for the accommodations and support they need. They do not focus on making Autistic people appear more neurotypical.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to join an autism support group?
It depends on the group. Many groups welcome self-identified Autistic people alongside those with formal diagnoses. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can be a long and expensive process, and many Autistic adults have not pursued one. Check the group description or ask the facilitator.
Are there groups for late-diagnosed Autistic adults?
Yes. Late diagnosis is increasingly common, and many Autistic adults receive their diagnosis in their 30s, 40s, or later. Some support groups are specifically for people navigating a late or adult diagnosis, which can involve its own particular mix of relief, grief, and reorientation. Browse the directory for groups that mention late diagnosis in their description.
Can parents or caregivers of Autistic people also find support here?
Yes. Our directory includes groups for parents and caregivers of Autistic children and adults. These are separate from groups for Autistic people themselves, and they focus on the experience of the parent or caregiver, including the practical and emotional aspects of supporting an Autistic family member.
References
Lugo-Marin, J., et al. (2019). Prevalence of DSM-5 mental disorders in adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(12), 4705-4730.
PMC. (2024). Autism in adulthood: Psychiatric comorbidity in high-functioning autistic adults in an outpatient clinical population. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12641857/
Autistic Self Advocacy Network. (n.d.). About ASAN. https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/
The Group Guide is a directory. Group leaders write their own listings, and we do not vet, supervise, or endorse the groups listed here. We are not a clinic and we do not provide clinical services or guarantee outcomes. That is the group’s work, not ours. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.