Stepping Up & Out
A Social Community for Autistic Adults in Chicagoland and Online
Stepping Up & Out (SUO) is Aspiritech’s long‑running social program for autistic adults. Since 2012, SUO has created welcoming, low‑pressure opportunities for people on the autism spectrum to connect, build friendships, and participate in shared activities at their own pace.
SUO offers a hybrid model of participation, with in‑person events in the Chicagoland area and virtual activities available regardless of location.
What is Stepping Up & Out?
Stepping Up & Out is a participant‑driven social program designed specifically for autistic adults. Activities are structured to reduce social pressure and uncertainty, while still creating real opportunities for connection.
The program is led by autistic staff members and shaped by participant feedback. There is no expectation to socialize in a specific way and no pressure to attend every event. Some participants attend regularly, while others join occasionally and as they are able.
Stepping Up & Out is made possible by an endowment from the Grandy Foundation, following several years of grant support. We are grateful for the foundation’s generosity and long-term commitment to building community for autistic adults.
Who Can Participate?
SUO participants include:
- Current Aspiritech employees
- Former Aspiritech employees
- Autistic adults who have participated or are interested in participating in other Aspiritech offerings, such as Aspiritech Academy
- Autistic adults from the broader community with no employment connection to Aspiritech
Participants span a wide range of ages, identities, and life circumstances.
Some live with family or in supported housing, while others live independently. Some drive, others rely on public transit or rides. Some people attend events weekly, while others participate only a few times a year.
We’ve found that our participants share a desire for autism‑affirming social connection in an environment that prioritizes their comfort level.
What is Stepping Up & Out?
Stepping Up & Out is a participant‑driven social program designed specifically for autistic adults. Activities are structured to reduce social pressure and uncertainty, while still creating real opportunities for connection.
The program is led by autistic staff members and shaped by participant feedback. There is no expectation to socialize in a specific way and no pressure to attend every event. Some participants attend regularly, while others join occasionally and as they are able.
Stepping Up & Out is made possible by an endowment from the Grandy Foundation, following several years of grant support. We are grateful for the foundation’s generosity and long-term commitment to building community for autistic adults.
Who Can Participate?
SUO participants include:
- Current Aspiritech employees
- Former Aspiritech employees
- Autistic adults who have participated or are interested in participating in other Aspiritech offerings, such as Aspiritech Academy
- Autistic adults from the broader community with no employment connection to Aspiritech
Participants span a wide range of ages, identities, and life circumstances.
Some live with family or in supported housing, while others live independently. Some drive, others rely on public transit or rides. Some people attend events weekly, while others participate only a few times a year.
We’ve found that our participants share a desire for autism‑affirming social connection in an environment that prioritizes their comfort level.
How the Program Works
Stepping Up & Out uses a hybrid format that lets participants choose what feels most doable for them.
In‑person activities (Chicagoland area)
In-person events typically take place at our headquarters in Evanston, locations in various Chicago suburbs, and sometimes places within Chicago itself. These events may include:
- Outings to concerts, theaters, arcades, malls, and museums
- Bowling nights, brewery visits, and casual group outings
- Seasonal parties and social gatherings at Aspiritech’s Evanston office
- Annual community events such as summer picnics and art fairs
Attendance at in‑person events commonly ranges from small gatherings to larger groups, depending on the activity.
Virtual activities (open to all locations)
Virtual programming allows participants to connect from home and includes:
- Weekly and monthly clubs centered on shared interests
- Online game nights and trivia
- Discussion‑based social groups
- Special virtual events and themed gatherings
Virtual participation is especially helpful for those who prefer online interaction, live outside the Chicago area, or want to interact with our community before attending in-person events.
In‑person activities (Chicagoland area)
In‑person events typically take place in Evanston or elsewhere in the Chicago area and may include:
- Outings to concerts, theaters, arcades, malls, and museums
- Bowling nights, brewery visits, and casual group outings
- Seasonal parties and social gatherings at Aspiritech’s Evanston office
- Annual community events such as summer picnics and art fairs
Attendance at in‑person events commonly ranges from small gatherings to larger groups, depending on the activity.
Virtual activities (open to all locations)
Virtual programming allows participants to connect from home and includes:
- Weekly and monthly clubs centered on shared interests
- Online game nights and trivia
- Discussion‑based social groups
- Special virtual events and themed gatherings
Virtual participation is especially helpful for those who prefer online interaction, live outside the Chicago area, or want to interact with our community before attending in-person events.
What SUO Activities Are Like
This program’s activities are designed to be:
- Low pressure. Observing quietly is always acceptable.
- Flexible. Participants can come and go as needed.
- Interest‑based. Many events are built around shared hobbies.
- Affirming. Autistic communication styles are respected.
There is no requirement to speak, perform, or participate beyond what feels comfortable to each individual.
Facilitators are present to support the group, but events are intentionally participant‑led and conversational rather than structured or instructional.
Why Stepping Up & Out Matters
Many autistic adults experience social isolation or lack autism‑affirming spaces for connection. SUO exists to address that gap.
By offering consistent, predictable opportunities to interact in a supportive environment, SUO helps participants:
- Reduce isolation
- Build friendships organically
- Increase comfort and confidence in social situations
- Develop a stronger sense of belonging and community
Over time, many participants form friendships that continue outside of SUO activities.
Many autistic adults experience social isolation or lack autism‑affirming spaces for connection. SUO exists to address that gap.
By offering consistent, predictable opportunities to interact in a supportive environment, SUO helps participants:
- Reduce isolation
- Build friendships organically
- Increase comfort and confidence in social situations
- Develop a stronger sense of belonging and community
Over time, many participants form friendships that continue outside of SUO activities.
Support Stepping Up & Out
Even small contributions help fund activities that build community and confidence.
Program Leadersip
Stepping Up & Out is led by Alex Dudasik, Aspiritech’s Community Engagement & Happiness Manager. Alex is autistic and has been involved with SUO since 2016, first as an assistant and now in a leadership role.
The program is supported by other autistic staff members who help plan events, facilitate activities, and guide the program’s ongoing evolution.
SUO Paricipant Testimonial
Frequently Asked Questions
Stepping Up & Out is open to autistic adults age 18 and older.
No. While some participants are current or former Aspiritech employees, many participants have no employment connection to Aspiritech.
No. Participants are welcome to attend as often or as rarely as they choose.
Most events are lightly structured to provide clarity, but there is plenty of flexibility. Participants are never required to speak or participate in a specific way.
Virtual events are designed to be just as social and welcoming as in‑person events, with formats adapted for online participation.
Most SUO activities are offered at no cost or low cost to participants. Specific events may have limited capacity or require advance registration.
Participants must be able to attend without the assistance of a parent or aide.
Interested in joining the Stepping Up & Out community?
We’d love to connect with you!
Contact us today to see if our program would be a good fit for you or a loved one.
Remember: Participants must be at least 18 years old and be able to participate without the assistance of a parent or aide.
Get in Touch!
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