Support groups are generally peer-led spaces where people can gather together in a group setting to provide and receive support from others. Groups can vary in their focus, but may include an emphasis on providing emotional support, accountability, or skill-building. Support groups differ from group therapy in their scope and focus, although some support groups are led by licensed professionals. The format can be open or closed, but generally the groups are a time-limited intervention with a unifying goal.
How to Get Involved in a Support Group
These are our recommendations for how to get involved in identity-based support groups based on our research with autistic-LGBTQ+ people.
- Identify the need and understand the benefit. Support groups can be a helpful way for people to both provide and receive support related to their identities, experiences, or goals. Although few studies have explored the effects of support group engagement for autistic adults, peer-led support groups may be beneficial for social support and interaction, seeking advice, and receiving support and information following a recent autism diagnosis.
Online groups are often identified as a space where autistic LGBTQ+ people can make connections with those with multiple shared identities. For instance, online communities may be the first place autistic LGBTQ+ people come out as queer or begin to transition socially or a place that allows members to receive advice from peers who have already navigated similar challenges.
Autistic people who are thinking about joining a support group may want to think about if they have a specific issue or challenge they are seeking support for (e.g., coming out to others, navigating workplace challenges, post-diagnostic support) or if they are seeking more general support and connection from people who are also autistic. Folks who attend a more general autism support group may find that attendees share some identities (e.g., autistic, gender), but don’t share other identities (e.g., racial, sexual orientation), which mean some session topics do not align with their own experiences or wishes for the group. More specific groups can be helpful to explore identity-related topics or specific issues, such as groups for autistic LGBTQ+ people, autistic people of color, or people pursuing a formal autism diagnosis.
- Find the right fit. When looking for the right fit, interested participants may first want to consider whether they would like to attend an in-person or virtual group. For virtual groups, there may be organized support groups that meet at a set time and provide a space for people to talk live. Online groups can be an asynchronous space for people to provide support and talk with others at a time that works best for them.
Another important consideration is whether or not groups are led by a facilitator and if the facilitator received any sort of training or support for their role. Participants in our study shared that the experience with trained facilitators was a positive one, as they were able to make the space feel helpful to all attendees, even if the topic was not something they had personally experienced.
Finally, it may be important to consider the organization that is offering the group and whether or not organizational values align with your own to determine if this will feel comfortable. An example could be looking for a group with an organization that explicitly states their groups are strengths-based or neurodiversity-affirming, an organization with autistic people in leadership roles, or a support group that allows people who self-identify as autistic to join groups (e.g., recognizing the barriers to diagnosis).
- Prepare to join. Preparing to join a support group can seem like a significant undertaking, but understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and ease the transition into the group. It may be beneficial to reach out to the facilitator in advance or review any previously shared information regarding group norms, codes of conduct, meeting logistics, and accommodations prior to the meeting. Allow yourself sufficient time to process and assimilate the information you receive. Remember, you have a right to ask clarifying questions and request reasonable accommodations.
Support groups often begin with a round of self-introductions. Practicing your self-introduction in advance can enhance your comfort level and make it easier for you to fully participate in the group. Consider preparing for common questions that may arise, such as what motivated you to join the support group, what aspects of your life feel positive or supportive, and any challenges you are facing. Having an idea about how to respond to these questions can facilitate your active participation in the group, clarify your personal goals, and help you identify potential topics for discussion, particularly if the support group is scheduled to meet over multiple sessions.
Additionally, it may be wise to schedule time for reflection, processing, and decompression following the support group. Topics discussed may unexpectedly evoke emotional responses or present challenges, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable can sometimes lead to its own set of difficulties. Setting aside time to regulate and process your experiences after the meeting can be a valuable practice.
- Participate. Participants in our study have emphasized the significance of active engagement and contribution to a support group in fostering a sense of success. It is essential to participate in ways that are comfortable for you. Establish boundaries regarding the extent to which you are willing to share and topics you feel comfortable exploring, and stick to them. Actively listen to others while permitting yourself breaks as needed, particularly during over-stimulating discussions or topics. A support group should be a space that fosters self-advocacy, so never be afraid to let the facilitator know when you need something.
Use communication tools, such as noting thoughts during discussions or using the chat feature in online groups, to ensure your voice is heard. If the group offers resources or tasks to explore between sessions, make a commitment to investigate them at your own pace and reflect on how they align with your goals. If you have resources that may benefit the group, it is a good idea to share them. Remember to be patient with yourself; participation can develop over time, and the objective is to cultivate an environment where you feel both supported and connected.
- Build connections. Support groups can be a helpful place to build connections with others. As you regularly attend groups, you might build a connection to some of the people you see often and want to connect outside of the group. For open or drop-in groups, you might meet someone one week and then not see them for a while. In either case, it can be helpful to talk with the group to see if there are norms around communication outside of the group. As groups are ending, it can be helpful to bring this up with everyone or with the members you feel closest to, to see if future contact is a possibility. Whether or not you continue a relationship outside of the group, connecting with others during the group can be a helpful way to build your confidence in making new connections or something that you think back on as you navigate similar challenges in the future.
AANE’s support groups
Since 1996, the non-profit organization, Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), has provided inclusive support for autistic and similarly neurodivergent teens and adults of all ages, their families, and the professionals who serve the community. AANE served over 12,000 people in the last year nationally and internationally, fostering connection through its extensive support and social groups and educational offerings, many of which are free or low-cost. AANE’s services provide spaces where participants can share experiences, find resources, and build community. Last year, AANE responded to an average of 564 requests for support every month, and provided an average of 188 group-based opportunities to meet each month.
AANE embraces a non-medical, strengths-based approach ensuring autistic voices are at the core of their work. This commitment is reflected in their peer-led and peer-informed support group model, designed to prioritize lived experience. Many of these groups are facilitated by autistic individuals, creating spaces where participants feel understood, valued, and empowered. By centering diverse and collaborative perspectives, AANE enables authentic connections and ensures their services align with the priorities of the autistic and neurodivergent community.
Jay Eveson-Egler is an experienced professional who has been supporting autistic individuals across the lifespan, from ages 3 to 80, since 2018. Currently, they serve as a senior manager at AANE, where they bring their expertise and lived experience to their work. They are both autistic and ADHD and identify as non-binary and queer. Their advocacy is deeply rooted in a commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ autistic individuals, autistic parents, and those pursuing higher education and vocational opportunities, whether as transition-age youth or non-traditionally aged college students.
Meredith R. Maroney, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of counseling psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston and a licensed psychologist. Her research on autistic and LGBTQ+ identities focuses on understanding minority stress and intersectional stigma, promoting well-being, and developing and evaluating interventions. She values collaborative approaches and regularly conducts her work alongside LGBTQ+ autistic community partners and organizations, including the AANE. She co-authored Gender, Sexuality, and Autism, which was honored as the 2021 Distinguished Book of the Year by the American Psychological Association’s Society for Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.
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