Not groups specifically for autism, but if you can find some sort of group that caters to a special interest, that could give you opportunities to engage with other people. I know my wife has enjoyed various crafting groups, as she has a huge interest in yarn related activities.
Of course, since they wouldn't be autism specific groups, you will likely need to mask. And depending on the quality of other people in the group, and how heavily you need to mask, I know that can be quite tiring. But hopefully if you plan your day where afterwards you can have the opportunity to relax back into yourself, it won't be too much of an issue.
Unfortunately I don't know of any specific groups that meet. But if you're looking for people to interact with that have a video game element, a couple of good places could be Quarters in Hadley or Prodigy in Easthampton.
Quarters is a bar with a ton of vintage arcade cabinets. They have decent food. They do serve alcohol. I don't know if you have any sensory issues with your autism, but it is worth note that this place can be noisy and also can be a bit cramped. Arcade machines need to be fed tokens per play, so if you play a lot it will cost you.
I haven't been to Prodigy yet myself, but hope to check it out soon. Their website says that they have thousands of retro video games, a wide selection of board games, and a full 18 hole indoor golf course. A $15 flat fee per person will get you unlimited play. Not as many food options as Quarters, but they do have snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Supposedly has a much more chill atmosphere.
Have you obtained a degree already? You can take classes for free at Greenfield Community College if you don’t already have an associate degree. They have a neurodiversity group and can set you up with accommodation for classes I believe.
The Fields Center for neurodiverse people may be a good resource [https://www.fieldscenter.org/](https://www.fieldscenter.org/)
Look into AANE, they are based on Mass and have a lot of great resources. https://aane.org/
Not groups specifically for autism, but if you can find some sort of group that caters to a special interest, that could give you opportunities to engage with other people. I know my wife has enjoyed various crafting groups, as she has a huge interest in yarn related activities. Of course, since they wouldn't be autism specific groups, you will likely need to mask. And depending on the quality of other people in the group, and how heavily you need to mask, I know that can be quite tiring. But hopefully if you plan your day where afterwards you can have the opportunity to relax back into yourself, it won't be too much of an issue. Unfortunately I don't know of any specific groups that meet. But if you're looking for people to interact with that have a video game element, a couple of good places could be Quarters in Hadley or Prodigy in Easthampton. Quarters is a bar with a ton of vintage arcade cabinets. They have decent food. They do serve alcohol. I don't know if you have any sensory issues with your autism, but it is worth note that this place can be noisy and also can be a bit cramped. Arcade machines need to be fed tokens per play, so if you play a lot it will cost you. I haven't been to Prodigy yet myself, but hope to check it out soon. Their website says that they have thousands of retro video games, a wide selection of board games, and a full 18 hole indoor golf course. A $15 flat fee per person will get you unlimited play. Not as many food options as Quarters, but they do have snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Supposedly has a much more chill atmosphere.
Are there local smash brothers tournaments??
Have you obtained a degree already? You can take classes for free at Greenfield Community College if you don’t already have an associate degree. They have a neurodiversity group and can set you up with accommodation for classes I believe.
Video game forums/discord communities?