About
Kaboose is an inclusive community platform created specifically for autistic and neurodivergent adults (18+). Developed by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people, Kaboose provides a safe, stigma-free online space to connect, learn, and thrive. Users set up a personal profile with their interests, location, and age to be matched with like-minded individuals. From there, they can add friends and build or join special interest groups — both public and private — centred around shared passions. The app's 'Divergent Discussions' feature helps members develop specific skills and confidence to navigate real-life situations, from social interactions to workplace challenges. Kaboose also connects users with neuro-affirming organisations, making it easier to explore employment opportunities and community services tailored to neurodivergent needs. For organisations, the platform offers a dedicated channel to engage and support the neurodivergent community. Backed by the RMIT Activator Program and delivering projects under the NDIS Peer Support and Capacity Building (PSCB) grant, Kaboose has a strong foundation of community trust and institutional support — particularly for Australian NDIS participants. Available for free on both iOS and Android, Kaboose is ideal for anyone with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other forms of neurodivergence who seeks genuine community, connection, and practical life support.
Key Features
- Interest-Based Friend Matching: Create a profile with your interests, location, and age to be matched with neurodivergent individuals who share your passions and then add them as friends.
- Special Interest Groups: Build or join private and public groups centred around shared special interests, fostering authentic connection within the neurodivergent community.
- Divergent Discussions: Participate in focused skill-building conversations designed to help neurodivergent adults build confidence and navigate a variety of real-life situations.
- Neuro-Affirming Organisation Directory: Explore and connect with organisations that are openly supportive of neurodivergent individuals, including employment and community service opportunities.
- NDIS Peer Support Integration: Kaboose delivers projects under the NDIS Peer Support and Capacity Building grant, providing structured community support for NDIS participants.
Use Cases
- An autistic adult looking to make friends with people who share their special interests joins Kaboose to find and connect with like-minded individuals in their area.
- A neurodivergent job seeker uses Kaboose to discover neuro-affirming employers and organisations that are openly supportive of neurodiversity in the workplace.
- A newly diagnosed ADHD adult participates in Divergent Discussions to build confidence and practical skills for navigating social and professional situations.
- An NDIS participant engages with Kaboose's peer support community to meet others with shared lived experiences and access capacity-building resources.
- A neuro-affirming support organisation registers on Kaboose to increase its visibility among neurodivergent adults and connect with the community it serves.
Pros
- Built by the Community, for the Community: Kaboose was created by neurodivergent people, ensuring the platform authentically reflects and meets the needs of its users rather than being designed by outsiders.
- Completely Free to Use: The app is available at no cost on both iOS and Android, removing financial barriers and making inclusive community access available to everyone.
- Safe and Stigma-Free Environment: The platform is purpose-built as a welcoming, inclusive space where neurodivergent adults can engage openly without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
- Practical Support Beyond Socialising: Beyond friendship, Kaboose actively helps users build real-world skills and connects them with employment opportunities and neuro-affirming support services.
Cons
- Adults Only (18+): The platform is restricted to users aged 18 and over, meaning younger neurodivergent individuals who could benefit are excluded.
- Niche User Base: As a specialised community app, the pool of users in specific geographic areas or interest groups may be small, particularly outside of Australia.
- Limited AI-Driven Features: Kaboose is primarily a community and social platform and does not appear to offer advanced AI-powered features such as intelligent recommendations or conversational assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kaboose designed for?
Kaboose is designed for autistic and neurodivergent individuals aged 18 and over who want to find friends, join special interest communities, develop life skills, and connect with neuro-affirming organisations.
Is Kaboose free to download and use?
Yes, Kaboose is completely free to download from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
How does Kaboose match me with other users?
After setting up your profile — including your interests, location, and age — Kaboose shows you other users who match your criteria. You then choose whether to add them as friends and can collaborate to build or join special interest groups.
Can organisations join Kaboose?
Yes, Kaboose has a dedicated offering for organisations, allowing neuro-affirming businesses and services to list themselves and be discovered by neurodivergent community members seeking support or employment.
Is Kaboose available outside of Australia?
Kaboose is available to download globally on iOS and Android. However, its current institutional partnerships — including the NDIS PSCB grant and RMIT Activator Program — indicate a primary focus on the Australian neurodivergent community.
