Services for Families of Children and Teens

AANE (the Asperger’s Association of New England) serves families of children and teens with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and related conditions such as High-Functioning Autism (HFA), Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD or NVLD). We also serve the teachers and other professionals who work with this population.

AANE Information Line is staffed by Brenda Dater (Director of Children and Teen Services), Erika Drezner (Coordinator of Child and Teen Services), Stephanie Loo (Senior Information/Support Specialist), and MaryAnn McCabe (Coordinator of Child and Teen Services) who are there to answer your calls and e-mails. Parents may call them at any time, and as often as necessary, for information, support, or referrals to help in raising a child or teen with Asperger Syndrome.

“Dear Brenda, I wanted you to know that our telephone conversation a week ago was quite simply the most pragmatically helpful and emotionally uplifting conversation I have had to date about my 6-year-old son and our family. What a gift! Thank you!”
— Parent of a child with AS

Beyond our Information line, AANE Membership Benefits include:

  • On-line support groups for parents of children and parents of teens (New England residents only).
  • Free, members-only Parent Topic Discussion Nights (generally held in Watertown, MA).
  • Email notification about upcoming AANE workshops, conferences, and events.
  • Discounts for AANE conferences, workshops, and seminars.
  • Asperger Syndrome Information Packets, to download or read online, including our original book, An Introduction to Asperger Syndrome: Information for Families of Children and Adolescents.
  • The AANE Journal, published twice a year.

 “I remember the very first conversation I ever had with Stephanie Loo, and how after that phone call I didn't have to feel bad when others didn't understand. It was such a weight lifted off of my heavy heart. Thanks again!”
— Parent of a teen with AS

At AANE, we feel that parents and teachers learning about AS is key to each child’s’ success. AANE members receive discounted admission to our conferences and other educational events.

  • Every year we offer Asperger Connections, a two day fall conference with top experts in Asperger Syndrome.
  • Every other month we offer Understanding Asperger Syndrome, a one-evening class for parents whose children have recently been diagnosed.
  • We also offer classes on home, school and community issues such as:
    • Understanding the Asperger Syndrome IEP Process
    • Fewer Meltdowns! Practical Strategies for Fostering Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with AS
    • Helping Your Child or Teen Make Friends
    • Welcome to the Teen Years: Is it Asperger’s or is it Adolescence?!
  • Special programs designed to educate you and your teen about life after high school include:
    • Perspectives on College Life panel presentation includes college students with AS, parents, and college personnel. See video of our fall 2010 panelists.
    • Transition Planning for Teens with AS. Learn about your teen’s legal right to services during the high school years to prepare him or her for an independent adulthood in tune with the teen’s own vision of the future life he or she wants. Be prepared to make the most of these years, as few services are available after high school graduation!
    • Asperger Academy: Success in College for Students with AS

Families with very limited budgets may request a one-year dues scholarship, and may also contact AANE to enquire about our family grants.