“Virtual is easier for everyone.”

That’s what we’ve all been told. No travel. No crowds. No fluorescent lights or unfamiliar waiting rooms. Just click a link and show up from the comfort of your own space.

But for a lot of autistic people, virtual events and online meetings aren’t easier. They’re just different hard.

We’re not saying in-person is always better (it has its own minefields too). But the idea that remote equals accessible isn’t the full picture—especially if you’re neurodivergent.

Let’s talk about why virtual spaces can be overwhelming, and what accommodations actually help.

Why Virtual Can Be So Overwhelming

🧠 Sensory Overload (Yes, Even Through a Screen)

Virtual meetings come with their own sensory chaos:

Screens full of faces that feel too close
Echoes, mic crackles, and random background noises
People talking over each other or reacting out of sync

Even though the body is at home, the brain is still doing a ton of processing—tracking voices, facial expressions, tone, chat messages, slides… all at once. It’s exhausting.

💬 Communication Pressure

A lot of communication is nonverbal. In person, we pick up on subtle cues like body language, posture shifts, or someone leaning in to speak. On Zoom? Those cues are murky—or totally missing.

Plus, the pressure to “unmute fast” or jump in at the right moment can be really hard for people who need more time to process language or who struggle with interrupting. Add a laggy connection and it’s a recipe for panic.

🔄 Structure? What Structure?

Virtual meetings can feel like a free-for-all, especially if there’s no clear agenda or turn-taking system. Without physical transitions (like walking into a room, sitting down, or noticing when someone is about to speak), it can be hard to follow what’s happening—or to know when it's okay to speak.

For autistic folks who rely on predictable structure or need time to organize their thoughts, virtual meetings can feel like chaos in a Brady Bunch grid.

What Actually Helps: Real Accommodations

Okay, now for the good part—things that make a difference. These are small changes that can make virtual spaces less stressful and more inclusive:

✅ Let people keep their cameras off

Seriously. For many autistic people, being on camera is distracting, draining, or anxiety-inducing. It’s not a sign of disinterest—it’s a coping strategy. Respecting that can go a long way.

✅ Share agendas or topics in advance

Knowing what to expect helps people prepare mentally and emotionally. Surprises are not always fun.

✅ Offer text-based participation options

Let folks type in the chat, send follow-ups after the meeting, or submit responses by email. Real-time talking isn’t everyone’s best mode of communication.

✅ Use clear turn-taking

Instead of saying, “Jump in whenever,” try “Let’s go around,” or assign a moderator to guide the flow. This removes the guesswork.

✅ Check if the meeting is necessary

Could it be an email? A recorded video? A one-on-one? Offering options shows respect for people’s time and energy.

✅ Be explicit about expectations

Say things like, “You’re welcome to keep your camera off,” or “We’ll take a 5-minute break halfway through.” Don’t make people guess what’s allowed.

Virtual Meetings Aren’t Automatically More Accessible

They just come with different expectations—and different challenges.

For many autistic people, these challenges are invisible to others but very real and very draining. With a few thoughtful adjustments, we can make virtual spaces more inclusive, less chaotic, and way more human.

Because no one should have to mask or meltdown just to sit through a Zoom call.

Why Virtual Meetings Are Hard for Autistic People (and What Can Help)