Autists Online

What Autists Online is

Autists Online is a calm, text-first social network made for autistic people. Calm mode is on by default, posts can carry content warnings and tone tags, and profiles can say how each person prefers to communicate.

You can write short posts, add photos or videos, reply to posts, like posts and follow people. The home page lists the newest posts from everyone, newest first. There are no adverts and no list of “trending” topics.

Please read the community guidelines. They explain what is allowed on this site.

Calm mode, font and text size

Calm mode is on when you arrive. It turns off animations, uses softer colours and stops videos from playing by themselves. You can change these settings here at any time. They are also under “Display and comfort” in the menu.

Content warnings

When you write a post, you can add a content warning. Choose the triangle button below the text box and write a few words about the subject, for example “hospital visit” or “loud video”.

Readers first see only the content warning. The text and media of the post are shown only after they choose “Show post”.

Tone tags

A tone tag says how a post is meant, so readers do not have to guess. Choose the tag button below the text box to add up to 3 tone tags to a post. On a post, move the pointer over a tone tag, or select it with the keyboard or a tap, to see its explanation.

/j (joking)

This post is a joke. It is not meant seriously.

/hj (half-joking)

This post is partly a joke and partly meant seriously.

/srs (serious)

This post is meant seriously. It is not a joke.

/gen (genuine question)

This is a real question. The writer wants an answer and is not being sarcastic.

/pos (positive)

The writer means this in a positive, friendly way.

/neg (negative)

The writer means this in a negative way.

/nm (not mad)

The writer is not angry or upset, even if the words are short.

/lh (light-hearted)

This post is meant to be relaxed and friendly.

/s (sarcastic)

This post is sarcastic: the writer means the opposite of what the words say.

/info (information)

This post shares information. It is not an opinion.

/nbr (not directed at anyone reading)

This post is not about anyone who is reading it. It is not a hidden message.

Communication preferences

Your profile can show how you prefer to communicate. Other people see this list on your profile page. To choose, open your profile and select “Edit profile”. The choices are:

• Prefers text over calls
• May reply slowly
• Direct communication is welcome
• Reads words literally, so please say exactly what you mean
• Tone tags help me understand posts
• Prefers to skip small talk
• Happy to hear about your special interests
• Please ask before giving advice