Support Groups

AANE offers a wide variety of support groups specific to the identity of our community members.

Support groups offer a safe environment where participants can talk with like-minded peers, share similar issues and concerns, and celebrate successes.

Groups are led by facilitators who have the professional and lived experience to bring the greatest level of understanding and empathy.

Click on the links below for more information, and be sure to review the guidelines for groups and events on the Adult Support Group and Event FAQ page.

Financial assistance is available for all groups by emailing [email protected]

Questions about autism or AANE’s services?

Schedule a call to speak with a member of AANE’s staff, or fill out a form to be contacted by email.

Support Group Details

Groups are facilitated by AANE staff, adjunct facilitators, or volunteers who are Autistic, have Autistic family members, or have worked extensively with the autism community.

Please note that AANE support groups are not intended to be therapy.

*All Community Connections and Support Groups are online unless noted and registration is required.*

Multi-Session or “Closed” Groups
  • Registration covers six to eight sessions
  • Each session is 90 minutes
  • Groups run weekly, every other week or monthly
  • Have the same small group of participants every session.
  • Cost $100 – 180 depending on the type of group.
Single Session or “Open” Groups
  • Registration covers one session
  • Each session is 90 minutes
  • Groups are ongoing weekly, every other week or monthly
  • Have varying participants per session.
  • Cost $10 for most Open Groups, some FREE

Groups or events with LOCAL [City, State] in their title are intended for those living in the vicinity of the indicated area. If LOCAL is not indicated, the event is available to those living anywhere.

Financial assistance is available by emailing [email protected].

Community Connections

An Autistic woman of color is typing on a laptop in an office. She is signing up for an AANE Community Connection session.

Community Connection sessions are a great way to meet our staff and join a conversation with others on issues relating to autism.  These sessions are FREE, online, single session discussion groups meant to be a one-time introduction to the support group experience. Community Connections are held once a month and organized by audience type.

Adults

Connect with other Autistic adults in a casual, 60-minute online session facilitated by our experienced AANE staff. Ask questions, listen to others, join the community!

Parents of Adults

Join other parents and caregivers of Autistic adults in an online discussion facilitated by experienced AANE staff. Discuss topics such as keeping the lines of communication open, accessing services, facilitating independent living, and many more.

Parents of Children, Teens & Young Adults

Join our free online Community Connection Session to connect with other parents online. Sessions are facilitated by AANE' staff who know firsthand the need to maintain a balance for ourselves and our children when life brings the unexpected.

Support Groups for Adults

An Autistic adult is sitting in front of their laptop while holding a dark mug of coffee. They are attending an AANE group.

AANE has a wide variety of groups for adults of various ages and identities. Click the blocks to see all of the options for each audience type.

Sign up below to receive an email to access registration before the general public for Multi-Session “Closed” Groups.

 

All Adults

Many "Closed" and "Open" groups are offered for Adults. In addition, specialized Adult groups are offered for, Autistic parents, Adults age 18-30, Adults Age 19-22, and Adults Over Age 50

Men

Groups for men include "Open" Men Age 18-30, and Gay Men.

Women

Many "Closed" and "Open" groups are offered for Women. Groups for Women Age 18-35, Women Age 35-50, Women Age 40-60, and Women Age 50+ are available.

LGBTQ+

AANE offers support groups for LGBTQ+ adults including Gay Men, Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults.

BIPOC

AANE offers an "Open" BIPOC support group.

Age 50+

There are several "Open" Adults Over Age 50 groups.

Social / Support Groups for Teens

Two Autistic teenagers are sitting outside, back to back. One of them is turned to look at the peer's laptop.

Teen groups are a combination of social / support and are age and interest specific so that participants are comfortable with their peers. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.

Sign up below to receive an email to access registration before the general public for Multi-Session “Closed” Groups.

All Teens

AANE offers one "Open" social / support group for teens 15-19 years old and many "Closed" social / support groups based on age for teens age 14-16, 17-19, and 19-22. AANE also has groups for Teen Artists and Makers and Teen Gamers.

Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Teens

This is an "Closed" social / support group for ages 14-19.

Support Groups for Parents of Adults

The mother of an Autistic adult is sitting on a sofa with a laptop in front of her. She is smiling at the camera.

AANE offers many groups for parents of post-high school Autistic adults. Parents who are members of our support groups gain perspective and practical suggestions from peers who understand. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.

Sign up below to receive an email to access registration before the general public for Multi-Session “Closed” Groups.

 

Parents of Adults

These groups provide support to parents of Autistic individuals. The aim of the group is to provide feedback, strategies, support, and perspective on a variety of common issues.

Parents of Neurodivergent Transgender Adults (18-22)

People who do not identify with the gender they are assigned at birth are three to six times more likely to be Autistic than cisgender people. Because autism and gender identity are central to their adult child’s identity and evolution, many parents are looking for a single support group where they can share the whole story and get feedback from other parents in similar situations.

Parents of Transition Age Adults (post high school)

These closed groups are designed for parents and family members of transition-age, post high school, Autistic adults. The small group size allows for discussion and support for all members.

Families of Autistic Individuals

This group meets on the first Tuesday of the month and provides support to family members of Autistic individuals. This includes grandparents, extended family, and siblings who have taken over the parental role or provide support to the Autistic individual. The aim of the group is to provide feedback, strategies, support, and perspective on a variety of common issues.

Support Groups for Parents of Children & Teens

The father of an Autistic child is laying on a bed with his child. He is virtually attending an AANE's support group.

Raising and educating an Autistic child is a unique journey, so it’s not surprising that many parents benefit from sharing with and learning from others who understand. Join an AANE support group to find community and feek more empowered. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.

Sign up below to receive an email to access registration before the general public for Multi-Session “Closed” Groups.

 

Parents of Young Children & Tweens

Closed groups for Parents of Young Children (<12); Parents of Tweens (4th – 9th grades).

Familias que hablan español de niños, adolescentes y adultosren, Teens, & Adults

Grupo de Apoyo en Línea para Padres de niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes

Families of Autistic Individuals

This group meets on the first Tuesday of the month and provides support to family members of Autistic individuals. This includes grandparents, extended family, and siblings who have taken over the parental role or provide support to the Autistic individual. The aim of the group is to provide feedback, strategies, support, and perspective on a variety of common issues.

Parents of High School Youth

Closed support groups include Parents of High School Teens; Parents of High School Boys; Parents of High School Girls; and Parents of Gender Diverse Teens (14-18).

Parents of Transition Age Youth (18-22)

AANE offers both an Open, single-session, Parent of Transition Age Youth Support Group as well as Closed, multi-session Parent of Transition Age Youth Support Groups.

Support Groups for Neurodiverse Couples & Partners

A neurodiverse couple is looking into each other's eyes while facing each other. The man's hand rests on his wife's shoulder.

This group is for the neurotypical (non-Autistic) individual married to or in a partnership with an Autistic individual. Participants will have the opportunity to offer and receive support and share experiences with others who relate to your situation. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.

There are no Multi-Session “Closed” Groups at this time to signup for early notification.

 

Partners of Autistic Individuals

AANE offers "Open" groups for neurotypical partners of Autistics individuals. Each month one group is held during the day and another takes place in the evening.

Family Member Support Groups

Two grandparents are happily gathering around a picnic table with their Autistic grandchildren.

AANE offers groups for grandparents of Autistic individuals of any age, fathers of Autistic individuals, and adults who think their parent or parents are Autistic. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.

Fathers

This monthly group is a space where fathers can share their experiences, support one another, and acquire tools to parent their children more confidently.

Grandparents

Open and closed group for grandparents of Autistic or similarly Neurodivergent children, teens and adults are offered. This small group setting allows grandparents to connect with each other and delivers a wealth of information as well as a learning how to love grandchildren better.

Adults Who Think Their Parents are Autistic

This group will explore the following issues: Should I suggest to my parent (or adult family member) that they may be Autistic? Should I urge my parent to get a diagnosis? What kinds of programs and services are available to help my parent or family member?

Familes of Autistic Individuals

This open group meets on the first Tuesday of the month and provides support to family members of Autistic individuals. This includes grandparents, extended family, and siblings who have taken over the parental role or provide support to the Autistic individual. The aim of the group is to provide feedback, strategies, support, and perspective on a variety of common issues.

Related Programs

If these groups don’t seem right for you, here are other ways to connect to AANE.

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