Finding Connection Over Coffee: AuSM’s Coffee Club Builds Community

For many autistic and neurodiverse adults, finding spaces that feel comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive can be challenging. Socializing in traditional settings can often feel overwhelming or inaccessible. Recognizing this need, AuSM launched Coffee Club in 2023, a monthly gathering designed to provide a relaxed and supportive environment where autistic adults can connect, share experiences, and build community over a favorite beverage.

Held at Dogwood Coffee in St. Paul, Coffee Club has quickly become a cornerstone of AuSM’s mission to foster belonging and inclusion. Participants are encouraged to engage in whatever way feels right for them—whether that means chatting with others, parallel play, stimming, or simply observing. Comfort is a priority, and AuSM provides social narratives, parking details, and menus to help participants feel at ease before they even step through the door.

For some attendees, Coffee Club is more than just a monthly meet-up—it is a transformative experience. Jon, a regular participant, travels more than two hours each month to attend. Diagnosed with autism in 2016, Jon had spent much of his life struggling with social interactions and finding spaces where he felt understood. That changed when he found Coffee Club.

“It is so very difficult to socialize and communicate with people. I have become rather desperate, and that is why I go such a long way for the Club,” Jon shared. Since his first Coffee Club visit, Jon has become a dedicated Coffee Club member, forming new connections and growing more confident with each visit. “Being at Dogwood is downright liberating,” he said. “Coffee Club is important because of the sense of unity I feel there. Autism is our common bond.” One of the most important elements for Jon is finding common ground with people who have very different experiences. “I am at a below average level of intelligence, but we Autistics share some commonalities. The guy next to me that had just retired has an excellent memory but struggles to converse with his partner in a way I totally get and understand. It was refreshing listening to him.”

Jon’s story is just one example of the impact Coffee Club has had. The group continues to grow, offering a welcoming environment where autistic adults can foster friendships and find community in a world that often feels isolating. Whether it’s through a conversation, a shared hobby, or simply being in a space where autism is understood and celebrated, Coffee Club is making a profound difference in the lives of those who attend.