Workshop – Building Family Partnerships: Supporting Parents & Caregivers of Autistic Individuals, 11/13/25, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Amanda Bailey is a COPAA- and Federation-trained educational advocate experienced with IEPs, 504s, post-secondary transition planning, and helping families work with their school districts. In her role as an Individual & Family Services Support Specialist at the Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE), she assists caregivers through support groups, parent coaching, and IEP reviews. She is also a graduate of the Mass Families Family Leadership Series and has been a chair in her district’s SEPAC since 2014. Amanda is a professional clinician as well as a Neurodivergent parent.

AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration through the Jody Acford Memorial Fund. As long as space remains, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to [email protected]. For example: 

Hello, 

I would like to request financial assistance for (insert full title of group). 

Sincerely, (your name). 

If you are able, please consider donating the cost of an additional registration to support the financial assistance of others.

AANE will refund support group or social activity registration fees in the following circumstances: 

– AANE cancels a group.

– AANE reschedules a group and a registrant can no longer participate. 

– If a registrant requests a refund at least 3 business days before the start date of a support group or social activity.

To request accommodations prior to a group meeting, please email [email protected] with the full name of the group you are attending, including the date and facilitator name when possible. Please describe the accommodations you’re requesting.
 

All groups are online unless noted

Multi-Session – register once for multiple sessions with the same participants in groups or workshops

Single Session – register for one session or event, includes groups, webinars, workshops, or special events

LOCAL [City, State] in front of the event/group name is intended for those living in the vicinity of the indicated area. If LOCAL is not indicated, the event is available to those living anywhere

For the safety and enjoyment of all, individuals who attend AANE groups, activities, and events must follow these guidelines.

AANE recognizes and values diversity in all its forms and expects all members of our community to contribute to an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination, hate speech, harassment, or any behavior that demeans or marginalizes others based on their characteristics, identities, or lived experiences will not be tolerated. Individuals who attend AANE groups, activities, and events must follow these guidelines:

– The information discussed in support groups is considered private and confidential and is not to be shared outside of the support group. 

– All participants at AANE events are expected to respect all people’s characteristics, identities, and lived experiences.

– Speech that demeans or marginalizes others will not be tolerated.

– Participants are expected to remain sober and avoid any impairment due to alcohol or drugs while participating in AANE programs.

AANE reserves the right to deny admission, ask an individual participant to leave, or remove participants from the event/program for inappropriate or disrespectful.

If you are new to Zoom, we suggest that you visit their Help Center before your meeting to familiarize yourself with the platform.

The resources and information shared within AANE support groups are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Our hope is that these resources will provide you with useful connections as you navigate your journey of discovery and connection. AANE​ makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information shared within the group.