Support Groups
AANE offers a wide variety of support groups specific to the identity of our community members.
Support groups offer a safe environment where participants can talk with like-minded peers, share similar issues and concerns, and celebrate successes.
Groups are led by facilitators who have the professional and lived experience to bring the greatest level of understanding and empathy.
Financial assistance is available for all groups by emailing [email protected]
Click on the links below for more information, and be sure to review the guidelines for groups and events on our FAQ page.
Questions about autism or AANE’s services?
Schedule a call to speak with a member of AANE’s staff, or fill out a form to be contacted by email.
Support Group Details
Groups are facilitated by AANE staff, adjunct facilitators, or volunteers who are Autistic, have Autistic family members, or have worked extensively with the autism community.
Please note that AANE support groups are not intended to be therapy.
*All Community Connections and Support Groups are online unless noted and registration is required.*
Multi-Session or “Closed” Groups
- Registration covers six to eight sessions
- Each session is 90 minutes
- Groups run weekly, every other week or monthly
- Have the same participants for all 8 sessions.
- Cost $100 – 180 depending on the type of group.
Single Session or “Open” Groups
- Registration covers one session
- Each session is 90 minutes
- Groups are ongoing weekly, every other week or monthly
- Have varying participants per session.
- Cost $10 for most Open Groups, some FREE
Groups or events with LOCAL [City, State] in their title are intended for those living in the vicinity of the indicated area. If LOCAL is not indicated, the event is available to those living anywhere.
Financial assistance is available by emailing [email protected].
Community Connections
Community Connection sessions are a great way to meet our staff and join a conversation with others on issues relating to autism. These sessions are FREE, online, single session discussion groups meant to be a one-time introduction to the support group experience. Community Connections are held once a month and organized by audience type.
Adults
Connect with other Autistic adults in a casual, 60-minute online session facilitated by our experienced AANE staff. Ask questions, listen to others, join the community!
Parents of Children, Teens & Young Adults
Join our free online Community Connection Session to connect with other parents online. Sessions are facilitated by AANE' staff who know firsthand the need to maintain a balance for ourselves and our children when life brings the unexpected.
Support Groups for Adults
AANE has a wide variety of groups for adults of various ages and identities. Click the blocks to see all of the options for each audience type.
Sign up below to receive an email to access registration before the general public for Multi-Session “Closed” Groups.
All Adults
Many "Closed" and "Open" groups are offered for Adults. In addition, specialized Adult groups are offered for, Autistic parents, Adults age 18-30, Adults Age 19-22, and Adults Over Age 50
Men
Groups for men include "Open" Men Age 18-30, and Gay Men.
Women
Many "Closed" and "Open" groups are offered for Women. Groups for Women Age 18-35, Women Age 35-50, Women Age 40-60, and Women Age 50+ are available.
LGBTQ+
AANE offers support groups for LGBTQ+ adults including Gay Men, Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults.
BIPOC
AANE offers an "Open" BIPOC support group.
Age 50+
There are several "Open" Adults Over Age 50 groups.
Social / Support Groups for Teens
Teen groups are a combination of social / support and are age and interest specific so that participants are comfortable with their peers. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.
Sign up below to receive an email to access registration before the general public for Multi-Session “Closed” Groups.
All Teens
AANE offers one "Open" social / support group for teens 15-19 years old and many "Closed" social / support groups based on age for teens age 14-16, 17-19, and 19-22. AANE also has groups for Teen Artists and Makers and Teen Gamers.
Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Teens
This is an "Closed" social / support group for ages 14-19.
Support Groups for Parents of Adults
AANE offers many groups for parents of post-high school Autistic adults. Parents who are members of our support groups gain perspective and practical suggestions from peers who understand. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.
Sign up below to receive an email to access registration before the general public for Multi-Session “Closed” Groups.
Parents of Adults
These groups provide support to parents of Autistic individuals. The aim of the group is to provide feedback, strategies, support, and perspective on a variety of common issues.
Parents of Neurodivergent Transgender Adults (18-22)
People who do not identify with the gender they are assigned at birth are three to six times more likely to be Autistic than cisgender people. Because autism and gender identity are central to their adult child’s identity and evolution, many parents are looking for a single support group where they can share the whole story and get feedback from other parents in similar situations.
Parents of Transition Age Adults (post high school)
These closed groups are designed for parents and family members of transition-age, post high school, Autistic adults. The small group size allows for discussion and support for all members.
Families of Autistic Individuals
This group provides support to family members of Autistic individuals. This includes grandparents, extended family, and siblings who have taken over the parental role or provide support to the Autistic individual. The aim of the group is to provide feedback, strategies, support, and perspective on a variety of common issues.
Support Groups for Parents of Children & Teens
Raising and educating an Autistic child is a unique journey, so it’s not surprising that many parents benefit from sharing with and learning from others who understand. Join an AANE support group to find community and feek more empowered. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.
Sign up below to receive an email to access registration before the general public for Multi-Session “Closed” Groups.
Parents of Young Children & Tweens
Closed groups for Parents of Young Children (<12); Parents of Tweens (4th – 9th grades).
Families of Autistic Individuals
This group meets on the first Tuesday of the month and provides support to family members of Autistic individuals. This includes grandparents, extended family, and siblings who have taken over the parental role or provide support to the Autistic individual. The aim of the group is to provide feedback, strategies, support, and perspective on a variety of common issues.
Parents of High School Youth
Closed support groups include Parents of High School Teens; Parents of High School Boys; Parents of High School Girls; and Parents of Gender Diverse Teens (14-18).
Parents of Transition Age Youth (18-22)
AANE offers both an Open, single-session, Parent of Transition Age Youth Support Group as well as Closed, multi-session Parent of Transition Age Youth Support Groups.
Support Groups for Neurodiverse Couples & Partners
This group is for the neurotypical (non-Autistic) individual married to or in a partnership with an Autistic individual. Participants will have the opportunity to offer and receive support and share experiences with others who relate to your situation. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.
There are no Multi-Session “Closed” Groups at this time to signup for early notification.
Partners of Autistic Individuals
AANE offers "Open" groups for neurotypical partners of Autistics individuals. The group is held monthly during the lunch hour.
Family Member Support Groups
AANE offers groups for grandparents of Autistic individuals of any age, fathers of Autistic individuals, and adults who think their parent or parents are Autistic. Click the blocks to see all of the upcoming groups for that audience type.
Fathers
This monthly group is a space where fathers can share their experiences, support one another, and acquire tools to parent their children more confidently.
Grandparents
Open and closed group for grandparents of Autistic or similarly Neurodivergent children, teens and adults are offered. This small group setting allows grandparents to connect with each other and delivers a wealth of information as well as a learning how to love grandchildren better.
Familes of Autistic Individuals
This open group meets on the first Tuesday of the month and provides support to family members of Autistic individuals. This includes grandparents, extended family, and siblings who have taken over the parental role or provide support to the Autistic individual. The aim of the group is to provide feedback, strategies, support, and perspective on a variety of common issues.
Related Programs
If these groups don’t seem right for you, here are other ways to connect to AANE.
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