Written by Emma Marsh with Helen Said
Autistic people’s authentic social differences – such as reduced eye contact – have historically been misinterpreted as evidence of a lack of social interest.
However, we know through the testimonies of our Autistic neurokin that we have the same innate desire for dignity, autonomy, connection, love and welcome as any other human.
The danger of assuming Autistic social disinterest is that Autistic people have their right to be included in the community unfulfilled – and when we’re not visibly active in the community, the myth of social disinterest becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. So how do we ensure Autistic people – the change-makers and innovators, the people who bring valuable contributions such as passion, paradigm shifts and a sense of social justice – are offered a seat at the table?
Below, based on her extensive experience as an Autistic community activist, Helen Said explains why Autistic people have so much to offer our communities, and how they can bring their own seat!
“Over the years, I have met many older adults who I think are probably on the spectrum, who have built a social life, identity, passion, meaning and routine out of participating in community groups and activities,” Helen says. “In fact, I believe groups and activities which enrich our community are highly dependent upon the contribution and leadership of Autistics.”
So why are Autistic people, in particular, so well suited to community participation?
“Many social and community groups can be very diverse and welcoming, and offer niche roles well suited to our unique attributes.”
“The structured flow of meetings, knowing when it’s your turn to talk, the focused nature of discussion, all make meetings halls an ideal place for many Autistics to gather.”
“Community groups welcome the drive and zeal typically possessed by many Autistics. Fundraising, politicking, awareness raising and cause-based groups can benefit from Autistics’ focus and provide an outlet for our natural zeal. Our leadership capabilities and attention to detail are welcomed.”
“Our original thinking can guide new groups and activities. Our loyalty and honesty are welcomed. Our differences and idiosyncrasies become our greatest asset and society’s gain.”
“I am a great fan of Greta Thunberg. All Autistics have a bit of Greta in us. We have a strong social conscience and see past social expectations. We know how the world should be and we want to change it.”
“We can strive for recognition and leadership as well as acceptance in community groups and activities. We can see the difference we’re making and so can others.”
So where do I start as an Autistic individual seeking community engagement?
“Autistic people are, by nature, generous with our knowledge and expertise. Sharing our passions is our way of forging organic, genuine friendships – so focused interest groups and volunteering opportunities are a great place to start.”
“Trainspotters, many of whom are Autistic, congregate at model train exhibitions or at opening days for new train stations. Through exhibiting model train sets, they bring joy to themselves and others, especially children. Some rail enthusiasts volunteer as drivers or ticket sellers at miniature and antique railway and tramway adventures for tourists where they meet each other, meet new people, talk endlessly about their special interests, attract tourists to country areas and are admired for their work and expertise. Some otherwise introverted train and tram spotters come to the fore during campaigns to save public transport services, contributing all sorts of abstruse facts about public transport reports, vehicles and timetables, often becoming brave and vocal public transport campaigners.”
“Many Autistics have a special affinity with animals. Centrelink now allows some people on welfare to volunteer at animal shelters or with wildlife. This could lead to careers in animal care or you could inspire change through joining an animal advocacy group. Doing a wildlife count can help scientists save species from extinction. Some suburbs have dog-walking clubs where you could meet other animal lovers.”
“Art is indispensable for many people’s wellbeing. If you are arty, you have a lot to give and receive from the community, from sand sculptures to murals to art and craft classes or donating old art materials to kindergartens … Many groups would appreciate your design skills for their publications, display boards and decorating their meeting spaces.If you’re into crafts, you could make pouches for rescued joeys or mittens for koalas burned in bushfires. You could connect with other crafters online or ask for support at your local neighbourhood house to get crafty people together for these activities.”
If singing, acting or performing lights you up, community arts groups can be a wonderful place to find connection and belonging. Community choirs, amateur theatre companies and musical theatre groups often welcome people of all skill levels – whether you love being centre stage or prefer helping behind the scenes with costumes, lighting or sound. Singing together can reduce stress, build confidence and create a strong sense of shared purpose. If theatre is more your style, the Association of Community Theatre can help you find amateur theatre groups near you. Many Autistics flourish in performance spaces because scripts, rehearsals and structured roles can make social interaction feel clearer and more predictable.
Gaming communities can offer rich opportunities for friendship, teamwork and shared passion. Many libraries now host board game afternoons, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, coding clubs, puzzle groups and Minecraft meetups for young people and adults alike. Trading card game communities such as Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering and Warhammer can also provide structured, interest-based social connection where conversation naturally centres around a shared passion. Stores such as Good Games regularly host beginner-friendly community events, tournaments and hobby nights that welcome people of all experience levels. Gaming spaces can be especially affirming for Autistics because they often value deep knowledge, strategy, creativity and authenticity rather than small talk.
Many Autistic people enjoy building, repairing, designing and problem-solving — and community workshop spaces can provide a meaningful outlet for these strengths. Across Australia, Men’s Sheds offer welcoming environments where people can work on practical projects, learn new skills, share knowledge and connect with others side-by-side, without the pressure of constant conversation. Some Sheds focus on woodworking or metalwork, while others restore bikes, repair computers, garden, cook or support local community projects.
Find your local shed at the Australian Men’s Shed Association.
“Tech-savvy people can have very rewarding online community connections. Their skills can also open doors to in-person connection, for example, helping older people or newer immigrants adjust to technology. Nearly every community group needs help keeping pace with technology. If you donate a skill to a community group, you are valued for your contribution, not your conversation … I supported two young people with intellectual disability. One had an ABI and enjoyed computers. I took him to a men’s shed initiative where they had old computers donated by businesses. The person I supported upgraded them with new software then we would deliver the computer to its very grateful new owner.”
A library is the perfect refuge for avoiding sensory overwhelm. Helen supported an Autistic person with a learning disability who rarely spoke. When he started volunteering at his local library, he built up a good relationship with regular librarians and enjoyed sharing his special interests with them. He was thrilled to be invited to the council’s annual volunteers dinner dance and receive a certificate. He was regularly thanked for his contribution and the librarians took pride in making accommodations for him and expanding his volunteer role.
Note: Reframing Autism does not have any formal affiliation with the services and directories we’ve linked to in this article. We cannot guarantee that all services or opportunities offered on these websites will be affirming or inclusive.
The Reframing Autism team would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we have the privilege to learn, work, and grow. Whilst we gather on many different parts of this Country, the RA team walk on the land of the Awabakal, Birpai, Whadjak, and Wiradjuri peoples.
We are committed to honouring the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this Country, and the diversity and learning opportunities with which they provide us. We extend our gratitude and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to all Elders past and present, for their wisdom, their resilience, and for helping this Country to heal.
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