Table 2.

Overview of social participation themes

Theme	Description	Example
1) Vocational contexts	Employment, educational or volunteer experiences	“It’s work. It’s my practice ground. Social interaction practice.”
2) Neighborhoods	Interaction with neighbors	“I guess I am part of a neighborhood community. I wouldn’t be if I didn’t walk the dog. But you meet a lot of people.”
3) Common interest groups	Activities involving shared interests	“[Improv is] great for social skills. Oh my gosh, it’s so good for social skills.”
4) Support services and inclusive environments	Disability support services	“I was diagnosed with autism at [autism organization]. And then they had an adult support group there, too, monthly and I would go there. Originally, I would go there by myself, and there would be a few other guys with autism that I got friendly with there too.”
5) Online networks and apps	Internet-based platforms	“I think that’s [online communities] just as significant really. It’s still, you know, a community. It’s still a group of people that you share interests and ideas with.”