Free Programming
AANE recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic has made significant changes to the social environment and financial situation for many in our community, which is why we have prioritized creating ways for you to connect easily and safely with no financial burden.
Free Community Connection Sessions
Whether you are a family dealing with an uncertain school year or an adult who may be experiencing increased anxiety and isolation, our staff is here to help. Our Free Online Community Connection Sessions are single-session discussion groups and a great way to meet our staff and connect with the community for the first time. All times listed are in the Eastern Time Zone. Please click the date for more info and to register.
For more sustained support opportunities, please see our support group options below.
Adult Community Connection Sessions
Online “Open” Community Connection Session for Adults, 4/4/23, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Online “Open” Community Connection Session for Adults, 5/2/23, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Parent of Adults Community Connection Sessions
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Parents of Children & Teens Community Connection Session
Free Informational Workshops & Events
The following is a list of all upcoming free Online Workshops and Events for parents and adults.
Online “Open” 2-Part Workshop – Leisure for Adults, 4/3/23 + 4/10/23, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET
Online LifeMAP Clinical Hour, 4/4/23, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
FILLED – Online “Open” PwC Workshop – Creating and Following a Budget for Adults, 4/6/23, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET
Free Support Groups
All Online Open Support Groups have new people joining from session to session and are FREE. The groups are facilitated by AANE staff, consultants, or volunteers who themselves are on the autism spectrum, have family members on the spectrum, or have worked extensively with the Asperger/autism community.
Support Groups for Parents and Families of Adults (23+)
Support Groups for Parents and Families of Children, Teens, and Young Adults (through Age 22)
Free Discussion Forums
All AANE Online Google Group Discussion Forums are facilitated by AANE staff. Online forums are a great way to connect with us and the larger community.
Discussion Forum for Parents of Adult
Discussion Forum for Parents of Children
Discussion Forum for Parents of Teens
Discussion Forum for Spouses/Partners in a Neurodiverse Relationship
Discussion Forum for Co-Parents with an Ex-Spouse/Partner with Asperger's
Social Activities and Events for Adults
Please view our complete list of Online Social Activities and Events for adults. Many are free, and financial aid is available for any event requiring a fee. Please contact events@aane.org for more information.
AANE Events
To see all of the events AANE has to offer, check out the event calendar regularly for updates, or email us at events@aane.org if you would like information about a particular activity or event.
Family Grants-New England
Thanks to the generous support of the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, AANE has the pleasure of providing financial assistance for a limited number of families who need a little help paying for services. If you are in a crisis where a cash grant for essential expenses could help, please email grants@aane.org for consideration.
Recreational Scholarship Fund - Teens & Adults age 14+
Thanks to the generous support of the Daniel Braun Memorial Camp and Recreational Activities Scholarship Fund, AANE is pleased to provide financial assistance for a limited number of teens and adults age 14+ who need help paying for recreational activities or services. If you'd like to apply for a grant, please email grants@aane.org for consideration.
Additional Ways AANE Can Help
- AANE’s Child & Teen Services has provided Special Education Advocacy Tips to help families prepare for in-person and remote learning.
- If you prefer to talk with someone individually, schedule a free call.