About Sideways Social

Sideways Social is a Canberra-based, neurodivergent-led project creating low-pressure social spaces for adults.

It exists for people who want social connection, but find many social settings overwhelming, unclear, or exhausting.

Sideways Social was created from lived experience. It is designed around clarity, consent, and respect for individual limits, with the understanding that participation looks different for everyone.

The focus is not on therapy, self-improvement, or teaching social skills. Sideways is simply about making it easier to spend time around other people — gently, predictably, and on your own terms.

Sideways Social is not

  • A therapy or support service

  • A social skills program

  • A networking group

  • A requirement to talk, participate, or “put yourself out there”

  • A place where you’re expected to stay if you’re uncomfortable

Empty white wall with shadows cast on the lower right corner.