AANE Online Support Groups

We invite members of AANE to join one of AANE's Online Support Groups for parents of children or teens with Asperger Syndrome. (Take a look at our membership benefits.) If you ever feel like you need to find other parents who "get" what your life is like raising a child (or children) with AS, these groups are for you! Both AANE parents groups (Google Groups) are forums where you can share your concerns, questions and successes with other parents. If you are looking for an understanding community of parents who are also "walking in your shoes" and who can offer support, empathy and information to ease your stresses and celebrate your successes, please join the age-appropriate group today. Both groups are moderated by AANE staff to ensure the building of a strong support community for all parents to feel that they are not on this journey alone.

Individuals or families in financial need may request an AANE membership for free.

Call Lisa at (866) 597-AANE x0 or email Lisa.Graffeo@aane.org for details.

AANE-Children-Parents Group
(for parents of elementary and middle school children)

Brenda Dater, Coordinator of Children’s Services and a parent of three boys, two of whom have an Asperger Syndrome diagnosis, moderates this on-line group. Brenda’s children with AS attend elementary and middle school. In addition to her parenting experience with AS, Brenda has worked in Early Intervention for many years developing and providing training and consultation for families, educators and therapists.

To join AANE-Children-Parents, please make sure your AANE membership is current. If not, you may join AANE online. Once your membership is current, you can email Brenda at Brenda.dater@aane.org. Please include your full name, street mailing address, and year of birth of your child. Please let Brenda know if you prefer to receive individual emails as they are posted or one daily email digest. Welcome!

Ongoing AANE-Teens-Parents Group
(for parents of high school and older teens)

Stephanie Loo, Director of Teen Services and the parent of a college-age son with AS, will continue to moderate this already existing group. She has worked for AANE for the past 8 years and has expertise in teen issues, transition planning, college and other post high school issues.

To join AANE-Teens-Parents, please send an email to Stephanie at Stephanie.Loo@aane.org. Please include your full name, your street mailing address and the year of birth of your teen. Please let Stephanie know if you prefer to receive individual e-mails as they are posted or one daily e-mail digest.

Ongoing AANE-Spouse/Partners Group
(for women in relationship with men with Asperger’s)

Grace Myhill, LICSW, is a clinical social worker who specialized in working with adults with Asperger’s or their spouses. She will moderate this fairly new group. She has facilitated the Spouse / Partners Group at AANE since 2004 and has expertise in working with depression, anxiety, and other challenges adults face.

To join AANE-Spouse/Partners, please send an email to Grace at gmyhill@gmail.com. Please include your full name, your street mailing address and the year of birth of your partner with AS. Please let Grace know if you prefer to receive individual e-mails as they are posted or one daily e-mail digest.

Support Groups

Also be sure to check out face-to-face support groups, or contact AANE if you are interested in starting a new group in your area.

 

"I wanted to thank you again for everything that you have done and for leading the group. I tend to complain a lot and not focus on the good things- so I wanted to make sure that you know that I am happy that there is a group. I don't say it often, but I am really glad that AANE exists.

Adult Group Member