DESCRIPTION: This is our Open Support group for people of color (18+) with an Asperger/Autism profile. These spaces are peer-led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another. We are running these meetings through the Winter and then will determine the next steps for future programming based on interest and feedback. WHEN: Monday, January 30, 2023 TIME: 6:00 PM –…

DESCRIPTION: (formerly Westwood, MA) Come join other post-high-school adults (ages 18+) with an Asperger/autism spectrum or similar neurodiverse profile in an atmosphere of support and understanding. WHEN: Monday, January 30, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Stephen Nadel COST: Free CAPACITY: 18 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24…

DESCRIPTION: Socialize, and play games!  This is a great FREE opportunity to catch up with old friends and to welcome many new AANE members! WHEN: Wednesday, February 1, 2023 TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Linda Manning COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours…

DESCRIPTION: A closed support group has the same group members (up to 12) for a set number of sessions (8). Closed support groups are ideal for adults who are looking for deeper connections and more extensive peer support from group members. For the best support group experience, closed group members should plan on attending all 8 meetings in the series. This group offers a safe environment where adults on the spectrum can talk with like-minded people, share issues and concerns, and…

DESCRIPTION: This group always meets on the first Thursday of the month and is for post-high school adults on (or near) the autism spectrum who are interested in discussing and exploring their gender in a supportive setting.  Most people who attend identify as transgender, nonbinary, and/or genderfluid, and some are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. Join us to share stories and perspectives, and to get support. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender identity is required to attend. This is a safe…

DESCRIPTION:  This open group meets on the first Saturday of each month and is for post-high school adults who are on the autism spectrum or who suspect that they are and live within commuting distance of Portland, ME. WHEN:  Saturday, February 4, 2023 TIME:  1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET WHERE:  Online via Zoom FACILITATORS:  Robert Lagos (207) 846-3063,  robert.lagos@aane.org, Wilma Wake (207) 985-8776,  wilma.wake@aane.org COST:  Free CAPACITY: 20 participants REGISTRATION:  Email or call Wilma Wake (207) 985-8776,  wilma.wake@aane.org, to register so that she can send you the…

DESCRIPTION: This group is for post-high school adults with an Asperger/autism spectrum profile living within commuting distance of Florence, Massachusetts. Adult support groups are designed to create a community of support where participants can share similar issues and concerns, and celebrate successes.  Groups are designed for adults on the spectrum.  Parents and other adult family members should not attend the groups. WHEN: Sunday, February 5, 2023 TIME: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR: Trish Huff COST: Free CAPACITY: 15 participants REGISTRATION: You must…

DESCRIPTION: Socialize, and play games! This is a great FREE opportunity to catch up with old friends and to welcome many new AANE members! WHEN: Monday, February 6, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR: Stephen Nadel COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours…

DESCRIPTION: Are you an adult, over age 50, who identifies as an individual with an Asperger or related autism spectrum profile?  This group is a place for those over 50, to discuss a previously agreed to topic and share the unique concerns and issues that come with later awareness, in an atmosphere of support and understanding. WHEN: Monday, February 6, 2023 TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (social hour), 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET (meeting) WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATORS:  Anastasia O’Melveny and Victor Skowronski Newcomers: Prior…

DESCRIPTION OF PART 1: Learning how to keep your space comfortable and conducive to personal needs (topics covered: cleaning, laundry, daily chores, etc.). DESCRIPTION OF PART 2: Debriefing session to discuss how it felt to implement concepts from last week’s topic, home management, into your life. Come to share your experience and learn from others! WHEN: February 6 + February 13, 2023 TIME: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Rachel Semple COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration…

DESCRIPTION: This community connections discussion session is for adults on the spectrum. Participate in this free online discussion to connect with other adults with Asperger/autism profiles. Online sessions are hosted on the Zoom platform and are facilitated by AANE’s Adult Services staff who have years of experience with Asperger’s and who understand the challenges that this pandemic can pose. WHEN: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 TIME: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Google Meet COST: Free Thanks to the generosity of The…

DESCRIPTION: The Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education, is generously offering free group lessons to adults on the autism spectrum. Traditional instrument options include: Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trombone, or Trumpet. Virtual or digital instruments available from the Bandlab for Education platform may also be used. For Fall 2022, lessons are both free and totally online. Adults with an Asperger profile who live anywhere can participate! This interest series lets up to 15 participants explore and grow as independent and…

DESCRIPTION: Are you interested in science or technology and looking for other people to discuss these topics with? Come join us for an AANE Virtual Meetup Event! More details and RSVP can be found on the AANE Meetup Group: AANE Adults WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2023 TIME: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom COST: Free MORE INFORMATION + REGISTRATION AVAILABLE HERE AUDIENCE: AANE Adult Support Groups, Social Groups, and events are intended for post-high school adults on the spectrum who are able…

  DESCRIPTION: Are you interested in contemplating deep questions about life, nature, and the universe? Come join us for AANE Meetup Event! We explore the answers given by modern and ancient science, philosophy and consciousness. More details and RSVP can be found on the AANE Meetup Group: AANE Adults WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2023 TIME: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom COST: Free MORE INFORMATION + REGISTRATION AVAILABLE HERE AUDIENCE: AANE Adult Support Groups, Social Groups, and events are intended for post-high…

DESCRIPTION: This is an hour-long social group for queer folks on the spectrum ages 18-30. This is a safe space to socialize, share stories with, or gather support if needed from folks of similar experiences. This group hopes to provide community, comfort, and fun. The group is facilitated by a trans person on the spectrum. No autism (or related) diagnoses are required, nor is certainty about your queer identity. This is a safe space to explore all those things. WHEN: Thursday,…

DESCRIPTION: Come join other adults age 50+ with an Asperger/autism spectrum or similar neurodiverse profile in an atmosphere of support and understanding. The group meets on the second Friday of every month. WHEN: Friday, February 10, 2023 TIME: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATORS:  Wilma Wake COST: Free CAPACITY: 20 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check…

DESCRIPTION: This open group (formerly “Brentwood, NY“) meets on the second Saturday of the month and is for post-high school adults (ages 19+) who are on the autism spectrum or who suspect that they are. WHEN: Saturday, February 11, 2023 TIME: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Branden Plank COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the…

DESCRIPTION: This is our Open Support Groups for people of color (18+) with an Asperger/Autism profile. These spaces are peer led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another. We are running these meetings through the Winter and then will determine next steps for future programming based on interest and feedback. WHEN: Monday, February 13, 2023 TIME: 12:00 PM – 1:00…

DESCRIPTION: Join us for camaraderie and fun! We will be playing three games: Quiplash from Jackbox Games – This game is a cross between Mad Libs and Apples to Apples. Players fill in the blank in a phrase with the craziest answer and then the group votes to choose the best response. (8 players max) Fibbage from Jackbox Games – Bluff your way to victory playing Fibbage. Fill in the blank with your own creative, convincing answer. Everyone tests their skill by voting…

DESCRIPTION: (formerly Westwood, MA) Come join other post-high-school adults (ages 18+) with an Asperger/autism spectrum or similar neurodiverse profile in an atmosphere of support and understanding. WHEN: Monday, February 13, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Stephen Nadel COST: Free CAPACITY: 18 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24…

DESCRIPTION: Come join other post-high-school adults (ages 18+) with an Asperger/autism spectrum or similar neurodiverse profile in an atmosphere of support and understanding. WHEN: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 TIME: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR: Olive Gallop COST: Free CAPACITY: 25 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours…

DESCRIPTION: The group meets online every month to discuss a specific book (fiction or nonfiction). Post-high school adults on the spectrum are welcome to attend the meetings, whether or not they have finished the book selected for the meeting. Books for the currently planned meetings are: February 14: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee March 14: The Birthday Party: A Memoir of Survival by Stanley N. Alpert April 11: Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price…

DESCRIPTION: A presentation and discussion for autistic adults to come and explore their understanding of autism through a neurological lens. We will discuss common misconceptions, the autistic identity, and common autistic traits, strengths, and challenges. This presentation is given by an autistic adult and a neurodivergent ally. You might enjoy this presentation and discussion if you are newly diagnosed (medically or self), or if you have only explored autism through a deficit lens in the past. WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2023…

DESCRIPTION: This group is geared towards adults who live within commuting distance of Danvers, MA. Come join other adults with an Asperger/autism spectrum or similar neurodiverse profile in an atmosphere of support and understanding. WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATORS:  Olive Gallop and Bob Waters COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the…

DESCRIPTION: This group is for post-high school adults with an Asperger/autism spectrum profile living within commuting distance of Florence, Massachusetts. Adult support groups are designed to create a community of support where participants can share similar issues and concerns, and celebrate successes.  Groups are designed for adults on the spectrum.  Parents and other adult family members should not attend the groups. WHEN: Sunday, February 19, 2023 TIME: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR: Trish Huff COST: Free CAPACITY: 15 participants REGISTRATION: You must…

DESCRIPTION: This open group (formerly Manhattan, NY) meets on the third Tuesday of the month and is for post-high school adults (ages 19+) who have an Asperger/autism spectrum profile or who suspect that they are on the autism spectrum. WHEN: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATORS: Dr. Kate Cody & Pat Schissel, LMSW COST: Free CAPACITY: 25 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is requbheir email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event. Early registration is highly recommended as…

DESCRIPTION: This group always meets on the third Tuesday of the month and is for post-high school adults on (or near) the autism spectrum, who live within commuting distance of Watertown, MA, and are interested in discussing and exploring their gender in a supportive setting.  Most people who attend identify as transgender, nonbinary, and/or genderfluid, and some are questioning their gender identity or gender roles. Join us to share stories and perspectives, and to get support. No autism diagnosis or certainty about gender…

DESCRIPTION: (formerly “Fitchburg, MA”) Socialize, and play games! This is a great FREE opportunity to catch up with old friends and to welcome many new AANE members! WHEN: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR: David Duval COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration…

DESCRIPTION: (formerly “Providence RI”) This FREE group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. When it is safe to resume in-person meetings the group will be held in the Conference Room at Bradley Hospital, Providence, RI. WHEN: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Toby Liebowitz COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the…

DESCRIPTION: Are you interested in science or technology and looking for other people to discuss these topics with? Come join us for an AANE Virtual Meetup Event! More details and RSVP can be found on the AANE Meetup Group: AANE Adults WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2023 TIME: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom COST: Free MORE INFORMATION + REGISTRATION AVAILABLE HERE AUDIENCE: AANE Adult Support Groups, Social Groups, and events are intended for post-high school adults on the spectrum who are able…

DESCRIPTION: This is an hour-long support group for LGBTQIA+ folks on the spectrum. It is a safe space to find community, share stories with, or gather support if needed from folks of similar experiences. This group hopes to provide support and comfort. The group is facilitated by a trans person on the spectrum. No autism (or related) diagnoses are required, nor is certainty about your queer identity. This is a space to explore all those things. It is also for…

DESCRIPTION: Are you interested in contemplating deep questions about life, nature, and the universe? Come join us for AANE Meetup Event! We explore the answers given by modern and ancient science, philosophy and consciousness. More details and RSVP can be found on the AANE Meetup Group: AANE Adults WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2023 TIME: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom COST: Free MORE INFORMATION + REGISTRATION AVAILABLE HERE AUDIENCE: AANE Adult Support Groups, Social Groups, and events are intended for post-high school…

  DESCRIPTION: Calling all movie lovers! Join us for a discussion on all things movies! Each month we will have a question in the description that will guide our group for the evening. Bring popcorn and opinions. TOPIC: What movies do you hate? WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2023 TIME: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR: Olive Gallop and Bodhi Breese COST: Free CAPACITY: 15 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is…

DESCRIPTION: This is our Open Support group for people of color (18+) with an Asperger/Autism profile. These spaces are peer-led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another. We are running these meetings through the Winter and then will determine the next steps for future programming based on interest and feedback. WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2023 TIME: 6:00 PM –…

DESCRIPTION: Socialize, and play games!  This group is geared to those who live within commuting distance of Framingham, MA, and is a great FREE opportunity to catch up with old friends and welcome many new AANE members! WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom HOST:  Olive Gallop COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not…

DESCRIPTION: (formerly Westwood, MA) Come join other post-high-school adults (ages 18+) with an Asperger/autism spectrum or similar neurodiverse profile in an atmosphere of support and understanding. WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2023 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Stephen Nadel COST: Free CAPACITY: 18 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24…

DESCRIPTION: This is our Open Support Groups for people of color (18+) with an Asperger/Autism profile. These spaces are peer led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another. We are running these meetings through the Winter and then will determine next steps for future programming based on interest and feedback. WHEN: Monday, March 6, 2023 TIME: 12:00 PM – 1:00…

DESCRIPTION OF PART 1: Discussion and practice in considering and planning how to give your body the nourishment it needs to support you in daily life. DESCRIPTION OF PART 2: Debriefing session to discuss how it felt to implement concepts from last session's topic, nutrition planning and management, into your life. Come to share your experience and learn from others! WHEN: March 6 + March 20, 2023 TIME: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Rachel Semple…

DESCRIPTION: Join us for camaraderie and fun! We will be playing three games: Quiplash from Jackbox Games – This game is a cross between Mad Libs and Apples to Apples. Players fill in the blank in a phrase with the craziest answer and then the group votes to choose the best response. (8 players max) Fibbage from Jackbox Games – Bluff your way to victory playing Fibbage. Fill in the blank with your own creative, convincing answer. Everyone tests their skill by voting…

DESCRIPTION: The group meets online every month to discuss a specific book (fiction or nonfiction). Post-high school adults on the spectrum are welcome to attend the meetings, whether or not they have finished the book selected for the meeting. Books for the currently planned meetings are: March 14: The Birthday Party: A Memoir of Survival by Stanley N. Alpert April 11: Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price May 9: TBD WHEN: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 TIME: 6:00…

DESCRIPTION: This is an hour-long support group for LGBTQIA+ folks on the spectrum. It is a safe space to find community, share stories with, or gather support if needed from folks of similar experiences. This group hopes to provide support and comfort. The group is facilitated by a trans person on the spectrum. No autism (or related) diagnoses are required, nor is certainty about your queer identity. This is a space to explore all those things. It is also for…

DESCRIPTION: A presentation and discussion for autistic adults to come and explore their understanding of autism through a neurological lens. We will discuss common misconceptions, the autistic identity, and common autistic traits, strengths, and challenges. This presentation is given by an autistic adult and a neurodivergent ally. You might enjoy this presentation and discussion if you are newly diagnosed (medically or self), or if you have only explored autism through a deficit lens in the past. WHEN: Thursday, March 23, 2023…

DESCRIPTION: This is our Open Support Groups for people of color (18+) with an Asperger/Autism profile. These spaces are peer led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another. We are running these meetings through the Winter and then will determine next steps for future programming based on interest and feedback. WHEN: Monday, March 27, 2023 TIME: 12:00 PM – 1:00…

DESCRIPTION: Join us for camaraderie and fun! We will be playing three games: Quiplash from Jackbox Games – This game is a cross between Mad Libs and Apples to Apples. Players fill in the blank in a phrase with the craziest answer and then the group votes to choose the best response. (8 players max) Fibbage from Jackbox Games – Bluff your way to victory playing Fibbage. Fill in the blank with your own creative, convincing answer. Everyone tests their skill by voting…

DESCRIPTION: This is our Open Support Groups for people of color (18+) with an Asperger/Autism profile. These spaces are peer led and provide an opportunity for participants to explore how their multiple identities show up and address their specific needs, by sharing experiences and offering support to one another. We are running these meetings through the Winter and then will determine next steps for future programming based on interest and feedback. WHEN: Monday, April 3, 2023 TIME: 12:00 PM – 1:00…

DESCRIPTION OF PART 1: Brainstorming and identifying different ways to plan for ways to relax, feel restored, and enjoy free time. DESCRIPTION OF PART 2: Debriefing session to discuss how it felt to implement concepts from last week’s topic, leisure, into your life. Come to share your experience and learn from others! WHEN: April 3 + April 10, 2023 TIME: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom FACILITATOR:  Rachel Semple COST: Free CAPACITY: 30 participants REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required.  After…

DESCRIPTION: The group meets online every month to discuss a specific book (fiction or nonfiction). Post-high school adults on the spectrum are welcome to attend the meetings, whether or not they have finished the book selected for the meeting. Books for the currently planned meetings are: April 11: Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price May 9: TBD June 13: TBD WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 2023 TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET WHERE: Online via Zoom HOSTS:  Stephanie Goodner and Michele…