Autism & neurodiversity support groups
A space for autistic and neurodivergent people to talk about life as it really is for them, with people who get it.
- ✓ Small, live video groups
- ✓ Hosted by peers with lived experience, or guided by Heal Kinder
- ✓ Join online, from wherever you feel comfortable
- ✓ Small groups where people get to know each other
Upcoming autism & neurodiversity groups
Times are shown in your time zone (Eastern Standard Time).
There isn't a autism & neurodiversity group on the schedule right now.
New groups are added all the time. See every group.
Common autistic traits
For information only, not for diagnosing. This list can't tell you or anyone else whether they're autistic. Only a qualified professional can diagnose autism, through an autism assessment. Many people, especially women and adults, only find out later in life. If this sounds familiar, a doctor can tell you how to get assessed where you live.
Autism is a different way of experiencing the world, and every autistic person is different. Traits many autistic people recognise in themselves:
- Finding unwritten social rules, small talk or eye contact confusing or tiring
- Saying things directly, and taking what others say quite literally
- Deep, focused interests that you can spend hours on
- Being very sensitive (or not very sensitive) to sound, light, touch, smells or textures
- Liking routine and predictability, and finding sudden change hard
- Needing time alone to recover after socialising or busy places
- Repeated movements or habits that help you feel calm or focused (stimming)
- Feeling you have to mask or copy others to fit in, which can be exhausting
Frequently asked questions
Is the online autism & neurodiversity support group free?
Yes. Every group on Heal Kinder is free. Sign up, pick a time that suits you and save a spot. Groups are small live video calls, so there's room for everyone to be heard.
What happens in an autism & neurodiversity support group?
The host, or in a guided peer group the Heal Kinder guide, welcomes everyone and goes over a few ground rules: what's shared stays in the group, and passing is always okay. Then people take turns talking about how things have been, and others listen and share what has helped them. You don't have to speak, and many people just listen at their first group.
Can an autism & neurodiversity support group replace therapy?
No. It's peer support from people with lived experience, not therapy, medical care or a crisis service. Many members join alongside therapy or treatment and find it helps to talk with people who understand. If you are in danger, call 911 (US) or 999 (UK). In the US you can call or text 988 any time; in the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123.
Between groups, small daily habits help too. How journaling and a daily mood check-in can help with autism & neurodiversity
Struggling to get started on things? Try our free virtual body doubling session, every Monday
Heal Kinder is peer support: people who've been there, listening and sharing. Many members find it a real help alongside any care they already have, though it isn't therapy or a crisis service. If you are in danger, call 911 (US) or 999 (UK). In the US you can call or text 988 any time; in the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123.
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