What is Autistic-Led Peer Support?
Peer support is built on the idea that some of the best understanding comes from people who share your lived experiences. For autistic people, that means connecting with others who simply “get it” and understand much of what you have been experiencing.
Research shows that many challenges autistic people face in communication with others, aren’t about having a “deficit,” but about the differences between autistic and non-autistic ways of relating. This is known as the Double Empathy Problem (Milton, 2012).
In autistic-led spaces, those barriers to communication are reduced. Conversations flow more naturally, and people often feel more understood and less isolated.
Why it matters?
• Community reduces loneliness: Autistic adults are at higher risk of social isolation (National Autistic Society, 2016).
• Shared experience builds resilience: Autistic adults report feeling more empowered when supported by peers who understand sensory differences, burnout, or masking (Crompton et al., 2020).
How Aupeer provides this
Aupeer is an autistic-led, volunteer-run community interest company. All our sessions are:
• Autistic-facilitated: Led by people with lived experience, who understand autistic communication and needs.
• Accessible and online: We meet on Zoom, making it easier to join from home, wherever you are.
• Flexible and supportive: There’s no set agenda to follow. Conversations evolve naturally around what matters to the group. We always find something to talk about.
Our sessions aren’t therapy and don’t replace medical or psychological support. Instead, they offer something different: a safe, non-judgmental space to share, listen, and connect with others who genuinely understand.
Why join Aupeer?
When you come to Aupeer, you’re not just joining a meeting, you’re joining a community.
Whether you want practical advice, solidarity, or simply to be yourself without judgement, you’ll find peers ready to listen and support you.
Since 2021 we have been providing support, and many of our peers choose to stay with us for the long term. Some have been with us since the beginning!
Testimonials
I find Aupeer more structured, better facilitated and more accessible than another community I belong to. I also find the format on zoom better for me.
Aupeer member
(Thursday Group)
Aupeer is one of the only places I speak openly about being autistic
Aupeer Member
(Saturday Group)
I find Aupeer essential for understanding and healing myself. Being able to share my experiences and feelings with an non-judgemental, amazing, kind, encouraging group of people makes me feel seen and appreciated for who I am.
Aupeer Member
(Wednesday Group)
Get In Touch
We’re here to help you take the first step