🗓️ Date: July 12th, 2025
📍 Location: Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
🕚 Time: 11:00 am-1:00 pm
📔 Event Description: Join ASC young people as we explore the museum together! The museum provides programming in six main areas. The exhibitions, Infinity Theater films, lectures, classes, and programs. We don't have a scheduled program, but come ready to share your favorite spots (or not) or find a new one with our group! 
Please feel free to bring any sensory supports that help you feel comfortable, as it may be loud inside the exhibit.
💵 Cost: $15 per person — includes admission to the event. Additional food, drinks, or items are available for purchase separately.
You're welcome to bring guests — please purchase one ticket per guest.
✅ Registration: To join us for this event, please register and pay online in advance. This helps us with attendance, information for emergency contact, and planning for space. Registration is required to attend.

Questions/concerns: please email groups@autismcolorado.org or shannoncallan@autismcolorado.org

You can utilize your HCBS waivers to help cover the cost. We try to keep fees as low as possible and are happy to talk if cost is a barrier. Please email groups@autismcolorado.org to assist.

The purpose of our autistic social meetups is to provide an affirming space for autistic youth and young adults ages 15–22 to meet others, build connections, and just be themselves, with no pressure to mask or perform.

Each gathering is a structured, activity-based social event led by facilitators. We start with a welcome and brief overview of what to expect, followed by guided activities designed to support social interaction in comfortable, low-pressure ways. Facilitators help spark conversations using direct or visual communication and encourage participants to engage at their own pace. 

Our goal is to create low-pressure, accessible, and respectful opportunities to connect and meet others in person. To create an environment where autistic people can build community on their own terms and engage in whatever way feels right for them, and without having to mask who they are. 

Our program recognizes that traditional group outings may not often meet everyone's sensory, communication, or pacing needs and aims to do things differently. 

Here’s what that usually means:

• Predictability: We provide clear details in advance—what’s happening, when, where, and what to expect.
• Flexibility: There’s no pressure to talk, stay the whole time, or participate in any specific social facilitation activity such as icebreakers, conversation starters, etc. You can engage in the way that works best for you.
• Sensory Awareness: We choose locations with lower sensory load, offer quiet spaces or breaks, and support stimming or sensory tools.
• Consent & Boundaries: We emphasize consent in conversations, touch, and interactions. There’s no expectation to “perform” or mask.
• Supportive Spaces: Participants can bring a trusted support (friend, family, caregiver) if it helps them feel comfortable.
• Interest-Based Activities: Outings may include visits to museums, nature walks, cozy cafés, accessible activities, or other places that are enriching without being overwhelming.​​​