AANE offers four types of support groups for Parents of Children & Teens:
- Online Community Connection Sessions - General & NY Specific
- Online Support Groups
- Face-to-Face Support Groups*
- Online Discussion Forum
*Note that due to the COVID-19 situation all groups have moved online and many programs are now free. For groups with a registration fee, financial assistance of 50% or 75% off the fee is available. If you need additional financial assistance please contact Stephanie Birkdale at stephanie.birkdale@aane.org.
Raising and educating a child with an Asperger profile may be challenging at times, so it's not surprising that many parents feel stressed and isolated. AANE offers a variety of ways to help you feel less alone and more empowered. If you feel overwhelmed or don't know where to start, consider parent coaching. Looking for support in a less formal way? Consider attending an AANE conference or a family or parent event.
Free Online Community Connection Sessions for Parents During COVID-19 Situation
Parenting in the time of COVID-19 is especially difficult due to restrictions on normal activity and interaction. If you're unsure how to provide structure with kids out of school, need some self-care, or if you're feeling isolated from other adults and the community drop in to our weekly free online Community Connection Sessions to connect with other parents via the Zoom online vidoe conferencing links below. Sessions will be facilitated by AANE's Child and Teen Services staff who know firsthand the need to maintain a balance for ourselves and our children when life brings the unexpected.
Free Online Community Connection Sessions for Parents of Children and Teens - Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 PM EDT
Free Online NY Families of Teens Resource & Connection Sessions
AANE’s monthly NY Families of Teens Resource & Connection Session is an opportunity for NY state parents of high school teens with Asperger/autism profiles to connect virtually with other parents and learn from AANE’s experienced NY staff about NY-based resources to help your teen make the most of high school and the transition to adulthood.
Free Online NY Families of Teens Resource & Connection Session - third Wednesday of the month from 8:00 - 9:00 PM EDT
Online Support Groups
This year we are offering several new Online Support Groups. These groups would be ideal for those of you who live outside of the greater Boston area and who are struggling to find a local community of support. We are very pleased to be able to offer you the ability to "meet" others you can relate to over the ZOOM platform. In order to participate, you must have a strong internet connection as well as a computer with a video camera and microphone. We are looking forward to serving families with these new offerings.Upcoming Online Parent Support Groups:
Parents of Young Children (<12), facilitated by Amanda Bailey, will meet online from 7:00-8:30 PM EST for these 6 Tuesday evenings:June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28, August 11, August 25
RegisterJune 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3
RegisterJune 8, June 22, July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24
RegisterJune 15, June 22, June 29, July 13, July 20, July 27
RegisterJune 11, June 25, July 9, July 23,, August 6, August 20
The transition years bring a lot of uncertainty about the future--along with the daily challenges that come when parenting a teenager or young adult. Come connect with others wondering about the same questions regarding post-secondary education, employment, independent living, and more. This group is limited to 18 participants to allow for both peer support and sharing of resources. RegisterJune 9, July 14, August 4, September 1
Register