Actually Autistic SD!

Actually Autistic SD is a private, peer-led community created by and for autistic adults (18+) in the San Diego area.

I’m an autistic adult who was encouraged by my autistic peers to create and lead a community centered on authentic connection, belonging, and safety. Earlier this year, in 2026, Actually Autistic SD was born, and since then our community has continued to bloom and thrive.

Today, we have over 40 active local autistic members, ranging in age from 19 to 76, representing all walks of life, professions, backgrounds, communication styles, and support needs.

Our community is intentionally kept private. Admission into both our WhatsApp community and in-person events requires a brief application and approval process. This allows us to thoughtfully vet members so we can prioritize the values that matter most to us: safety, trust, respect, and inclusion. We believe creating a genuinely welcoming environment starts with intentionally cultivating it.

We welcome early-diagnosed, late-diagnosed, self-diagnosed, and exploring autistic adults.

We are proud to welcome autistic adults of all support needs. If someone requires a caregiver, support person, or other necessary companion in order to participate, they are absolutely welcome. Our goal is for every autistic adult to have the opportunity to experience genuine community, connection, and belonging, regardless of their support needs. We simply ask that anyone attending in a support role understands that this is an autistic-centered community, and that their role is to support the autistic individual while allowing them to remain the focus of their own experience.

Our gatherings are intentionally curated with accessibility, sensory needs, and authentic connection in mind. Throughout the year we host a variety of events, including community gatherings, support circles, game nights, watch parties, special interest meetups, picnics, seasonal celebrations, local outings, and virtual meetups.

Beyond simply getting together, we enjoy exploring all kinds of conversations, from lighthearted topics and shared interests to deeper discussions about autistic life, burnout, relationships, disability, identity, mental health, navigating adulthood, and everything in between. We laugh together, learn from one another, celebrate each other’s wins, and support each other through life’s challenges.

Our goal is to continue growing into a community that feels like a home away from home, a place where autistic adults can build meaningful friendships, find belonging, grow together, and know they have people in their corner through every stage of life.

There is never any pressure to socialize in a certain way. Whether you’re outgoing, quiet, communicate differently, stim openly, or simply enjoy being around fellow autistic people, you’re welcome here.

Actually Autistic SD is more than a Meetup group. It’s a community built on acceptance, authenticity, mutual support, and the belief that autistic adults deserve spaces where they can simply be themselves.

If this resonates with you, we’d love to welcome you. Please email ActuallyAutisticSD@gmail.com to start the application process! Our website is https://actuallyautisticsandiego.netlify.app/