09/18/2026
By Isabella MacCaffrie

Professor Ashleigh Hillier (Department of Psychology; Center for Neurodiversity Education, Support and Training) is conducting a study researching safe spaces and communities for autistic LGBTQ+ adults. The research team is interested in whether and how autistic LGBTQ+ individuals find or develop safe, accepting and affirming spaces where they can express their authentic selves. We hope to identify opportunities for positive change.

How this study will support the autistic community

We hope these insights will be of practical value and help better understand how autistic individuals, as well as practitioners and educators, can develop safe spaces. Importantly, autistic voices are central to this research. Autistic adults have worked with the research team to develop the study’s goals, research questions and methodology.

Next steps

We are currently recruiting adults who are interested in sharing their experiences of finding, creating and participating in safe and affirming spaces and communities.

Participants will take part in an online focus group. During the focus group, participants will have the opportunity to discuss topics such as:

  • What makes a space feel safe and welcoming
  • Experiences within LGBTQ+ and autistic communities
  • Finding or creating communities that support both identities
  • Experiences with acceptance, belonging, discrimination or exclusion
  • Online and in-person communities
  • Sources of support
  • How practitioners, educators and others can help create more inclusive spaces

Who can participate?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
  • Have a formal autism diagnosis or self-identify as autistic

Participants will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

We will be accepting participant applications until Oct. 12, 2026, and plan to conduct a focus group based on participant availability in November 2026. Interested in participating? Please contact Professor Ashleigh Hillier for more information: Ashleigh_Hillier@uml.edu.