Support Groups, Workshops, and Events

for Families of Autistic and Neurodivergent
Adults, Teens, and Children

February 2, 2023

All of AANE programming is currently online (with the exception of LifeNet, 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.

PROGRAMS + EVENTS FOR ADULTS & TEENS

AANE's 2023 Virtual Jody Acford Conference

LEARN MORE + REGISTER

"Closed" Social + Support Groups

Teens

Teen Artists and Makers (14-19) begins March 6
Teens (17-19) begins March 7
Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Teens (14-19) begins March 7
Teens (14-16) begins March 8
Teens/Young Adults (19-22) begins March 8
Teens (17-19) begins March 9
Teens (14-16) begins March 9

Parents of Children/Teens/Young Adults (through age 22)

Parents of High School Girls begins February 6 (moved from January 30)

Parents of Adults (23+)

Parents of Adults (23-29) begins February 14

Registration for additional closed 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 child's age:

Webinars + Workshops

Workshop: Autism and the IEP for Parents of Children/Teens/Young Adults (through age 22) February 6

Webniar: The Lost Generation of Older Autistic Adults February 7

*NEW* Workshop: Asperger's/Autism 102 - What's Next? for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Children/Teens/Yound Adults (through age 22) February 27

*NEW* Webinar: Should You Train Your Own Service Dog? March 21

Watch AANE webinars you may have missed when it's convenient for you! Choose from over 150 videos with more added each month. Click here.

Help for Parents + Families

You are one click away from all information, practical guidance, support, and connection you need. AANE is available via email, phone, and video conference. Reach us through the Contact Us page or schedule a free information and resource call, available for parents of children and teens , parents of adults , and spouses/partners in neurodiverse relationships.

Connection + Support

FREE Online "Open" Community Connection Sessions

Parents of Children/Teens/Young Adults (through age 22) February 9

FREE Online "Open" Support Groups

Tarde - Grupo de Apoyo para Padres de niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes con Autismo/Asperger (Spanish-Speaking Parents of Children, Teens, and Young Adults) febrero 16, febrero 23
Anochecer - Grupo de Apoyo para Padres de niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes con Autismo/Asperger (Spanish-Speaking Parents of Children, Teens, and Young Adults) febrero 16, febrero 23
Families of Individuals on the Spectrum February 7
Teens (15-19) (formerly Plainview, NY) February 11
Parents of Adults (formerly Providence, RI) February 15
Grandparents of Autistic Individuals (moved from 2/9) February 16
Families of Adults (formerly Greater Hudson Valley, NY) February 19 Guest speaker: Kerin Sweezey will give a historical overview of the mission of Spectrum Designs Foundation- Spectrum Designs, Spectrum Bakes, and Spectrum Suds along with some important roles and tasks within the organization.
Fathers of Individuals on the Spectrum February 22
*NEW* Partners of Autistic Individuals March 13
Partners of Autistic Individuals March 14

FREE Online "Open" Social Events

Knitting and Needlecraft Social Group February 12

FREE Online Discussion Forums

FREE ONLINE PROGRAMMING

Neurodiverse Couples/Partners

Partners of Autistic Adults Online Forum
Ex-Partners of Autistic Adults Online Forum
Couples/Partners Support + Coaching Groups
101 for Couples A Self-Paced, Online Course for Neurodiverse Couples

ALL SUPPORT GROUPS + ONLINE FORUMS

Looking to donate to AANE?

Registration is Open for Intensive Autism Coach Training

AANE’s Intensive Autism Coach Training (IACT), formerly known as AsperCoach, is a 4-day certificate program, which will be held in-person on July 10-13, 2023. Participants will learn and practice coaching methods proven to be effective to help autistic or similar neurodiverse profile teens and adults reach their personal goals. CEUs may be available.

Learn more and apply today!

Job Opportunities

AANE is currently seeking to fill the following positions:

MA, Framingham - Support Partner/Direct Support Professional - Part Time
MA, Western - Life Management Coach - LifeMAP - Part Time
NY, Queens - LifeNet Support Partner/Direct Support Professional - Part Time
NY, White Plains - LifeNet Support Partner/Direct Support Professional - Part Time
Remote - AANE's LifeMAP Program: Business Manager - Full Time

Volunteer Opportunities

If you would like to apply to volunteer for any of these positions or in any other capacity, please email volunteer@aane.org and include the volunteer opportunity you would like to pursue in the subject line of your email along with a brief explanation of your interest and experience.

AANE is currently seeking to fill the following volunteer positions:

Autistic adult mentors needed (aged 18-35 living in MA) to work with autistic mentees as part of the new pilot Simpatico Peer Mentoring Program
(CART)/closed captioning assistance for webinars and conferences
Help registrants log into virtual webinars and events