Services for Families of Children

AANE (the Asperger’s Association of New England) serves families of children with Asperger Syndrome (AS), High-Functioning Autism (HFA), Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), or Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD or NVLD). We also serve the teachers and other professionals who work with this population.

AANE Information Line: Brenda Dater, AANE's Coordinator of Children’s Services, is there to answer your calls and e-mails. Parents may call her at any time, and as often as necessary, for information, support, or referrals to help in raising a child with Asperger Syndrome.

“Dear Brenda, I wanted you to know that our telephone conversation a week ago was quite simply the most pragmatically helpful and emotionally uplifting conversation I have had to date about my 6-year-old son and our family. What a gift! Thank you!”
— Parent of a child with AS

Families with very limited budgets may request a one-year dues scholarship, and may also contact AANE to enquire about our family grants.

Our extensive child information packet includes our Family Networking List, our 90-page book An Introduction to Asperger Syndrome: Information for Families of Children and Adolescents, an article about special education law and booklet with our Parent Workshops.

AANE members also receive two issues a year of the AANE Journal anda monthly e-newsletter listing upcoming events.

Members who live in New England can also join our on-line support group for parents of children, which Brenda moderates. Members who live close enough are welcome to attend one of our support groups or topic night discussions.  Please contact Robin Lurie-Meyerkopf if you are interested in helping to start a new support group in your area; we can help with training, speakers, and materials.

AANE families who wish to host a small house party for teens and parents may contact Stephanie for help with planning and invitations.

At AANE, we feel that parents and teachers learning about AS is key to each child’s’ success. AANE members receive discounted admission to our conferences and other educational events.

  • Every year we offer Asperger Connections, a full one or two day fall conference with top experts in Asperger Syndrome.
  • Every month we offer Understanding Asperger Syndrome, a one-evening class for parents whose children have recently been diagnosed.
  • Every other month we offer a one-session class on Advocating for Your Child with AS in the Public Schools.
  • Several times throughout the year we offer the two-day seminar “What Can I Say?” “What Did You Say?” Using Language to Teach Social Skills.
  • We also offer classes on parenting, and classes on promoting your child’s success in school.
  • Some of the classes offered are: AS: The Big Picture, Advocating for Your Child with AS in the Public School, Making Daily Life Work at Home, and a class in Spanish taught by Yolanda Kolinski  our Director of Programs for the Latin Community.