Support Groups, Activities, and Events

for Autistic and Similar Neurodivergent Adults & Teens

May 17, 2022

All of AANE programming is currently online (with the exception of some LifeNet programs, local MeetUp programs, and special events listed) and registration is required. Blue text links to further information and registration pages. The following terms indicate the event's structure and intended audience.

"Open" programs may have different participants joining from session to session.
"Closed" programs have the same participants for a set number of sessions.
LOCAL [City, State] programs are intended for those living in the vicinity of the indicated area. If LOCAL is not indicated, the program is available to those living anywhere.

For programs that require a fee, financial assistance is available and no one will be turned away for the inability to pay. To inquire about financial assistance or for general inquiries, please email events@aane.org.

FAMILY & PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS + EVENTS

Featured Events

Online "Open" PwC Financial Literacy: Creating and Following a Budget - A Workshop for Adults June 8

Webinar: Special Needs Trusts - Planning for Your Future June 14

Webinar: Driving with Autism - Five Things Your Driving School Won't Teach You June 21

*NUEVO* Educación financiera de PwC: Prevención del fraude financiero - un taller para adultos (PwC Financial Literacy: Preventing Financial Fraud - A Workshop for Adults) June 30

Community Chat with AANE Executive Director July 19

Recordings available to rent: AANE's 2022 Virtual Jody Acford Conference MA Edition & NY Edition

Social Activities + Events

FREE Online "Open" Activities and Events

Meetup (Science + Technology Discussion) May 19, May 26
Meetup (Modern + Ancient Science, Philosophy, and Consciousness Discussion) May 19, May 26
Social/Game Night (formerly Fitchburg, MA) May 25
Social/Game Night (formerly Holyoke, MA) May 26
Netflix Watch Party "The Shawshank Redemption" May 26
Social/Game Night (formerly Springfield, MA) June 1
Social/Game Night (formerly Westwood, MA) June 6
Knitting and Needlecraft Social Group June 12
Virtual Game Night June 13, June 27
Virtual Book Club "Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant" by Daniel Tammet June 14

FREE LOCAL "Open" Activities and Events

In-Person: Outdoor Enthusiasts Club May 21
Salem, MA Social/Game Night June 2
Framingham, MA Social/Game Night June 20

Registration for additional closed interest groups will begin on a rolling basis. If you want to receive early notification when groups are forming, please fill out the form linked below based upon your age:

Adults (18+)

Connection + Support

Adults + Teens

FREE Community Connection Sessions

Adults June 7

FREE Online "Open" Support Groups

Gay Men (formerly Boston, MA) May 23, June 6
Adults (formerly Providence, RI) May 25
Adults (50+) (formerly Watertown, MA) June 6
Women (21-35) (formerly Watertown, MA) June 7
Adults (50+) June 10
Adults (formerly Brentwood, NY) June 11
Adults (formerly Westwood, MA) June 13, June 27
BIPOC Adults June 20, June 27
Adults (formerly Manhattan, NY) June 21
Women (50+) June 27
Women (formerly Manhattan, NY) June 28
Gender Identity for Adults This group is for post-high school adults on or near the spectrum who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, and/or who are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender required. Led by an autistic/trans peer facilitator. July 7

FREE Online LOCAL "Open" Support Groups

Danvers, MA - Adults May 19
Watertown, MA - Women May 25
Portland, ME - Adults June 4
Florence, MA - Adults June 5, June 19
Watertown, MA - Gender Identity for Adults This group is for post-high school adults on or near the spectrum who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, and/or who are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender required. Led by an autistic/trans peer facilitator. June 21

FREE ONLINE PROGRAMMING

Registration for additional closed social/support groups will begin on a rolling basis. If you want to receive early notification when groups are forming, please fill out the form linked below based upon your age:

Teens (14-19)
Adults (18+)

Neurodiverse Couples/Partners
Click to join a supportive online community moderated by AANE staff

FREE Spouse/Partner in a Neurodiverse Relationship Online Forum
FREE Co-Parenting with an Ex-Spouse/Partner with Asperger's Online Forum
Couples/Partners Social + Coaching Groups
101 for Couples A Self-Paced Online Course for Neurodiverse Couples

ALL SUPPORT GROUPS + ONLINE FORUMS

Training for Professionals

With AANE's individualized training, therapists can learn how to apply a neurodiversity lens to effectively understand and support their diverse clientele. Given 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent, all therapists need to be able to use a neurodiversity lens to treat their patients effectively.

Learn more about training for professionals today!

Scholarship Funds and Grants

AANE is pleased to provide financial assistance for a limited number of individuals and families who need a little help paying for services thanks to the generous support of the:

Daniel Braun Scholarship Fund (for adults age 22+ living in the United States)

Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism (for families with an autistic child, up to age 22 living in New England)