About AANE

AANE supports Autistic adults and teens (14+ years old), family members of Autistic individuals of all ages, Neurodiverse couples and partners, and professionals supporting the autism community.

AANE stands for the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity.

AANE includes our staff, facilitators, coaches, Board of Directors, and advisory committee members. Our team members have varying lived experiences and professional backgrounds. AANE is made up of Autistic individuals, family members, and professionals. Bringing these varied perspectives and experiences together enriches our organization and the supports we offer our community.

• One-to-one coaching for teens, adults, Neurodiverse couples/partners, and parents
• Annual conferences
• Independent living support for adults
• Information and resources via phone and email
• Support groups for teens, adults and family members
• Social events for teens and adults
• Webinars and workshops for the entire autism community

…and more!

Most of AANE’s services are offered virtually, and we have select services in-person. Check out our Programs & Services to learn more about our services.

AANE does not require a formal, medical diagnosis to join our community and use our services. If you identify as Autistic or similarly Neurodivergent, our services may be helpful to you. 

AANE can help give you the tools to find a diagnostician. Though AANE does not offer formal diagnostic assessments, we can help guide you through the process. Check out our Diagnosis page to learn more about the diagnosis process.

AANE is primarily a service organization, providing support, community and information to those we serve. Given our community has experienced and continues to experience discrimination, marginalization, stigma, and bias, all of AANE’s work is through a disability justice and neurodiversity-affirming lens. If you are interested in legislative autism advocacy, please consider reaching out to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) or The Arc.

AANE offers one-to-one coaching for Autistic teens and adults (16+ years old) to support client-identified goals. If you or your loved one are seeking support with employment, AANE’s one-to-one coaching program, LifeMAP, may be right for you. AANE also has an Employment Bulletin where we post open positions. If you are seeking additional help with employment, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a helpful resource for information about disability employment issues.

Though all of our services support mental health and wellbeing, AANE does not provide individual, family or group therapy, ABA services, or speech and language services. If you are seeking services like these, we can help give you the tools to find a provider that meets your needs.

No, AANE is unable to offer legal advice and counsel. If you or a loved one are seeking legal advice, AANE can provide you with information about the intersection of Autism and the justice system, as well as help give you the tools to find legal counsel. AANE does provide community and support through our online discussion forums for parents and caregivers, and our support groups for adults and family members. You may find it helpful to join one or more of these spaces to connect with those who have navigated similar experiences.

On our website, AANE lists opportunities for individuals to participate in research studies. You can submit your research study here. Additionally, AANE offers sponsorship opportunities at our annual conferences. If you are interested in advertising a recently published book, available service or new program, consider purchasing a sponsorship at one of our upcoming conference events to promote your work.

Email us at [email protected] or visit our Contact Us page.