AANE social activities, events, and interest series give post-high school adults with Asperger/autism profiles the opportunity to meet face-to-face with peers in a welcoming environment, have fun, pursue special interests, and evolve relationships. We offer social activities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. Some of these activities are facilitated by an AANE staff member, but some events, such as going to a Red Sox games are not. Check the event description for details, and learn more about the guidelines and code of conduct for adult groups and events on the Adult Support Group and Event FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page.
To keep up with events and social activities at AANE, subscribe to the AANE Newsletter and bookmark the AANE Events Calendar.
- Interest Series Groups – Designed for 10 or more group members who want to share a special interest in a series of group meetings. Registration is currently open for these AANE Interest Series Groups
- Ongoing Activities
- Special Events
Special Events & Annual Traditions
- AANE Adult & Family Barbeque – Watertown MA - A get together at Watertown Arsenal Park for adults on the spectrum. Family and friends are also invited.
- Red Sox Game – AANE usually goes to two Red Sox games in early and late summer.
- AANE at Tanglewood
- Rodman Ride for Kids – Usually the 3rd Saturday in September. Bike 25, 50, or 100 miles to raise money for AANE, sponsor a biker, and come cheer for Team AANE.
- AANE Halloween Party – Watertown MA – The AANE social event of the year. Time to show off your best cosplay and ghoulish humor. – 10-22-2020.
- Financial Literacy Series with PwC
- AANE at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston – AANE goes to the MFA several times a year
- AANE Holiday Party – Watertown MA – – Holiday cheer, connect with your AANE friends, and be part of an AANE Yankee Swap. Save the date. Save the date
Book Clubs
Book Club for Adults on the Spectrum at the Boston Public Library
AANE and the Boston Public Library have partnered together to offer a free book club for adults on the spectrum. The group meets for 90 minutes once every 4 weeks to discuss a book that they have all read and to pick a book to discuss at the next meeting. Cost: Free. Facilitators: Katie Devine (BPL) and Stephanie Birkdale (AANE). Although this group is free and open to any adult on the spectrum, we recommend that you register in advance so that you know what book will be discussed and so that we can contact you in case the group needs to be rescheduled due to inclement weather.
Learn more and register for the next AANE/BPL book club meeting.
Book Club for Adults on the Spectrum at the Nashua NH Public Library
AANE and the Nashua Public Library have created a book discussion group for post-high adults with an Asperger/autism or related profile. This group meets monthly usually on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-7 PM. Cost: Free. Facilitators: Stephanie Goodner (book connoisseur) and Michele Cantara, Co-Director of Adult Services AANE Although this group is free and open to any adult on the spectrum, we recommend that you register in advance so that you know what book will be discussed and so that we can contact you in case the group needs to be rescheduled due to inclement weather.
Learn more and register for the next AANE/NPL book club meeting.
Meetup Group
AANE Meetup Group for Adults in the Metro-Boston Area
AANE has started a Meetup group for adults with an Asperger/autism profile to get together socially approximately once a month. Each activity will be led by an AANE host and will be for post-high school adults to connect with other community members. Examples of Meetup events are talk/performance at a library or bookstore, a comedy show, or an evening at a board game cafe. Activities are appropriate for individuals who are able to attend independently. Learn more and register for the next AANE Meetup event.Women’s Social Events
The Boston Evening Clinic grant provides funding for a monthly women’s social event, open to women of any age on the spectrum. Upcoming events include:
- January 2020 - Free Chocolate Festival
- February 2020 - *Cancelled* Workshop for Healthy Eating
- March 2020 - Movie Night
Contact Stephanie Birkdale (stephanie.birkdale@aane.org) for more details.
Keene NH Social Activities for Adults
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 PM (subject to change due to holidays, vacations or weather) Location: Varies– depending on the scheduled social event. Contact the facilitator, Joanna Andros (joannaandrosmsw@gmail.com) 603-852-8168, to find out where the next social/recreational event will be held. Cost: Attending the group is free, but there may be fees for food or event registration. Newcomers are welcome, but they should contact Joanna Andros, 603-852-8168 to arrange an orientation and to find out what activities are scheduled. Note: AANE does not handle registration for the Keene, NH group.Port Jefferson, (Long Island), NY Friends & Family Bowling
Monthly friends and family bowling, Sundays, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
- Location: Port Jeff Bowl, 31 Cherub Lane, Port Jefferson Station, NY
- Cost: $10 for 2 games including shoe rental. For ages 3+. Must RSVP via phone, 617-393-3824 x77, or email, suffolkbowling@ahany.org to attend
- Dates: March 8, April 12, May 3
Autism Awareness Day at Citi Field
- When: Sunday, May 3rd • 1:10 pm
- Cost: $50
- Where: Mets vs. Atlanta Braves at Citi Field
Learn more and register for Autism Awareness Day at Citi Field