ASO Region 5
Serving Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties
Chapter Representatives:
Cassidy Weisz (Yamhill County)
Crystal Dickinson (Marion County)
Dan Dickinson (Marion County)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with your Region 5 Reps, please give us a call at 503-636-1676, or CLICK HERE to send an email to ASO.
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ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – In Person Meetings:
For All Ages
ASO’s Salem Cosplay Group: Meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Ike Box, located at 299 Cottage St. NE Salem, OR 97301 – from 5pm to 7pm. An Autistic run social group for all ages with a light structure. Everyone is allowed to socialize as they wish. Supplies and snacks are provided – nothing is required to bring. Come to discuss pop culture and/or design costumes together. Register at LINK HERE. Questions? Email Events@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.
For Adults
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – Virtual/On-line Meetings:
For Children & Youth
(Online) Friendship Group for Autistic Kids (suggested ages: 7 – 13): Meets Every Monday from 6 – 6:45 PM. We play online games, alternating between Minecraft and Jackbox. This group is meeting online, with occasional in person meetups. To register and get a Zoom link, please go to LINK.
New Description! (Online) Supported Teen & Young Adult Club. This group meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-2 PM online. This group is for Autistic teens and young adults who may need a parent, guardian, or caregiver to participate. Our group enjoys miniature environments like toy trains, watching clips together mostly of animated short films and shows, music and dance videos. They also enjoy drawing together. This group is led by Danitza Galvan who has a Master’s Degree in Early Intervention/Special Education and who is the parent of a young Autistic adult. For questions or more info, call us at 503-636-1676 or email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org. Register for the Zoom link at LINK.
For Adults
Sorry, this group is now full! (Hybrid) Women and Non-Binary Friendship Group for Those on the Autism Spectrum (based in Portland). Meets on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, from 3:30 – 5 PM. For female-identifying and non-binary Autistic people, ages 18 and up, looking for an accepting environment in which to hangout with other female-identifying or non-binary Autistic adults. Come chat, relax, or just chill. Participate in great discussions and/or activities (or not) of your choosing!
(Online) Women & Non-Binary Friendship Group #2. Meets online only every other Sunday from 5:30 – 7 PM. For female-identifying and non-binary Autistic people, ages 18 and up, looking for an accepting environment in which to hangout with other female-identifying or non-binary Autistic adults. Come chat, relax, or just chill. Participate in great discussions and/or activities (or not) of your choosing! This group is facilitated by Erika, an Autistic adult who identifies as nonbinary. To register for this group, click LINK. For additional information call 503-636-1676 or email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org.
NEW TIME! New Link (Online) Intersectional Identity Group – Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults with Intersectional Identities, age 18+ Meets online every Monday, from 1:30 – 3:00 PM. The purpose of this group is to cultivate a safe space to process and discuss what it’s like to have an intersectional Autistic identity in the world (e.g., Autistic people who are also: people of color, trans, queer, gender queer, assigned female at birth, etc). Please note, this is not to assume that we will all understand each other’s experience, but that we do understand having an intersectional identity comes with extra complexities. This is a peer support group facilitated by an Autistic Trans and Queer person. To register contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org for link.
NEW TIME! (Online) Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults – Wednesday Edition, age 18+ Meets online every Wednesday from 3:30 – 5 PM. The purpose of this group is to cultivate a safe, affirming space to process and discuss what it’s like to be Autistic in the world. This is a peer support group facilitated by Rae (he/him), an Autistic person. This group is a stand alone support group. Click here to REGISTER. For more information contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org or 503-636-1676.
(Online) Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults – Thursday Edition, age 18+ Meets online every Thursday from 5:30 – 7 PM. The purpose of this group is to cultivate a safe, affirming space to process and discuss what it’s like to be Autistic in the world. This is a peer support group facilitated by Lisa, an Autistic person. This group is a stand alone support group. Click here to REGISTER. For more information contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org or 503-636-1676.
(Online) Autistic Parents Parenting Group. – Meets every other Thursday from 1:30-2:30 PM. This support group is for parents who are Autistic themselves. Our aim is to create a supportive space where you can share your experiences, challenges, and insights as Autistic individuals raising children. This group is facilitated by an Autistic adult who is a parent of both Autistic and non-Autistic children. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.
(Online) Autistic Professional Support Group: Meets every other Friday from 6 – 7 PM. This support group provides a welcoming community for Autistic adults employed in professional positions to share business-related experiences and to solicit feedback and advice. This group is for Autistic, career-focused individuals who hold or have held mid to senior level positions and/or a position with at least 2 years of experience in their field. The group offers an overall sense of belonging, group mentorship, and social connection. At each meeting there will be a guided topic to start the conversation which can lead to bigger discussions. This group is led by Dan Dickinson, an Autistic adult who works in a mid-level professional position. If you are unsure if this group is for you, please contact us to discuss and we’ll figure it out. Contact the ASO office at 503-636-1676 or Click to Email. To register and get a Zoom link, please go to LINK.
(Online) “Happy Hour” for Autistic adults (age 40+). An Autistic run social group for Autistic adults age 40+.This time is to chat, support each other and forge new friendships. Meetings are the 4th Friday of each month from 7:30 – 8:30 PM. For questions or more information contact Info@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call our office at 503-636-1676. Click the LINK HERE to register.
Online Young Adult Social Group (Ages 18–30). Meets on the 2nd Saturday and 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 PM. This peer-led social group is for young adults ages 18–30 who are no longer in school. Participants must be at least 18 years old; the group is not open to minors. Two group consultants attend each session to help create a socially safe environment by mediating conflict when needed and supporting participants in making connections. Saturday meeting registration at LINK HERE. Monday meeting registration at LINK HERE. Please note: This is not a skill-building class. For more information, please email Peggy Piers at LINK.
For Parents & Caregivers
(Online) Autism Parent Support Group: Join our Autism Parent Support Group, an online community for parents and caregivers of Autistic children (ages 0-22). We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 -7:30 PM to share experiences, resources, and encouragement. Facilitated by Lori Ball, Programs Director at the Autism Society of Oregon and a parent of an Autistic child, our sessions provide a safe space to connect, discuss strategies, and gain insights. Parents can share triumphs and concerns, seek guidance on school systems, and find emotional support. Join us to empower each other and celebrate parenting an Autistic child. To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.
(Online) Autistic Parents Parenting Group. – Meets every other Thursday from 1:30-2:30 PM. This support group is for parents who are Autistic themselves. Our aim is to create a supportive space where you can share your experiences, challenges, and insights as Autistic individuals raising children. This group is facilitated by an Autistic adult who is a parent of both Autistic and non-Autistic children. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.
Grupo de Apoyo para Padres de Autismo: Grupo de apoyo padres que hablan español. Reunión virtual mensual. Primer sábado de cada mes. 10-11 AM. Inscríbase en el ENLACE AQUÍ. ¿Preguntas? Póngase en contacto con info@AutismSocietyOregon.org o llame al 503-636-1676.
(Online) ASO/Synergy Autism Support Group Meeting for Parents: Meets 4th Saturday each month from 10 – 11:30 AM. Our on-line group for parents of Autistic children (birth-adult) living in Oregon. This group is facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center. Cozy up with a morning beverage and your computer! The group looks at a different topic each month including self-care, safety considerations, understanding your child’s processing, social engagement and challenging your child productively. To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.
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Other Support Groups & Activities:
MARION COUNTY:
Sensory Storytime- Free, drop-in. Happens 4-4:30 PM on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month in Story Room A of the Salem Public Library. For more info, contact the Salem Public Library at LINK HERE or 503-588-6315.
Friends on the Spectrum- This group is for children 6-12 with ASD to connect with one another, have fun, make new friends, and have new experiences. Let’s build community within families and safe spaces to connect together. Disclaimer: This group is not led by professionals but rather the parents of an amazing, kind, unique 8 year old. This is a non-religious or affiliated group. This group is all inclusive of every gender identity and expression, orientation, race, and family dynamic. This group has a zero tolerance policy around bullying, inappropriate language, or abuse of the inclusivity standards. *All attendees must be accompanied by a guardian* Sign up at LINK HERE.
Moms of Hope – (Salem): meets every Thursday from 9:15am-11am at Salem Alliance Church – 555 Gaines St NE, Salem, OR 97301. Note – Meetings are held during the school year only, and are for mothers of any special needs child. For more information, contact Melody Swift at swift1235@comcast.net. This group is currently taking a break from meetings.
Silverton Mainstay– Meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 PM upstairs at Silverton Methodist Church, 203 W Main St. A community space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Register in person or online. For more info, visit www.silvertonmainstay.org. Questions? Contact silvertonmainstay@gmail.com.
Navigating Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities Support & Resource Group: Has your child been referred for or received an autism diagnosis? Are you concerned that your child has a developmental delay and want to know what to do next? When: 3rd Friday of every month from 6 pm to 8 pm. Where: Community Health Education Center (CHEC) Building D, First Floor, Classroom 2, 939 Oak Street, SE, Salem OR 97302. Register by emailing Kathy Schnebly at kgschnebly@gmail.com or Tahleah Clark at tahleahc@autismsocietyoregon.org or text/call 503-400-8177.
Reach Out Oregon Family Discussion: Meets online every Friday from 4pm to 5pm. A space for parents and caregivers who are raising a youth experiencing behavioral, emotional, and/or other mental health challenges. Join at LINK HERE. THIS SUPPORT GROUP IS OPEN TO PACIFICSOURCE FAMILIES IN MARION AND POLK COUNTIES. Contact at www.reachoutoregon.org or call 1-833-732-2467.
Empathy Adviser Bowling Club- Meets every other week on Thursday from 2:30-5 PM at The Rec in Keizer. Cost is $4.50 per game. Oct 9th & 23rd, 2025 are next dates. Contact michael@empathyadviser.com for more info.
OFSN Parent’s Night Out Respite- Happens in Salem on the Third Saturday of the Month. For children ages 3 and up. Enjoy your night out while we watch your children. RSVP Required. For questions & to RSVP, contact 503-363-8068.
Online Groups:
Grandparent Support Group – Meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 10-11 am & the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6-7 pm. “We cover topics such as boundaries, trauma, parenting, grief, and more. Grandparents and other caregivers of relative children are welcome.” For more information, call 833-201-5557. Online: meet.google.com/swz-uorx-jkj Phone: +1 314-666-1828 PIN: 291 586 204#. Presented by Oregon Kinship Navigator, a statewide program to help grandparents and other relatives raising children to find resources to support their caregiving efforts. For their mailing list, sign up at LINK HERE.
Oregon Special Needs Group – Salem: Parents and families with special needs often feel disconnected and alone. Come and connect, vent, make friends and meet other parents with the same challenges that you are facing. You don’t have to live in Oregon to participate in the FB support group. Join on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/603976759679413
Families Flourishing Together – A place for family and friends who “Get It”. This is a judgment free place because let’s face it we live our lives being judged every day. Let’s share our laughter, our cries, our rants, and our raves. It does wonders to know that we are not alone and someone “Gets It”. This group is open to anyone who wants to join. Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FFTConnect/
Santiam Parent Network – Stayton/Sublimity: Santiam Parent Network is a group of parents in the greater Stayton-Sublimity and Santiam Canyon area that work together to actively engage the challenges that arise in raising children living with disabilities. Join us in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/santiamparentnetwork/
Rainbow Family Support Group: Supporting Parents with youth in the LGBTQ+ Community – Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6 PM. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, contact 503-363-8068.
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POLK COUNTY
FLIP Friendship Laughter and Incredible People: In association with Partnership in Community Living, providing advocacy and support to individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). For events, see their Facebook page LINKED HERE.
Creating Opportunities: Regional Family Network for Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. Supporting children & adults with disabilities, their families and communities in Creating Opportunities Together. Training on various topics including: advocacy, education, disability services, person-centered planning, technology, and wellness. Call or Text: 503-559-0424. Join our network and register for events at www.creatingops.org. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2CreateOpportunities
Open Swim Time – (Dallas): Every Wednesday from 4:15pm-5:15pm for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities of any age or group affiliation. (A lifeguard will be on duty, but individuals are required to have supervision if necessary). Dallas Aquatic Center 1005 S.E. LaCreole Drive, Dallas, OR 97338. For questions or concerns, please call Ruth at (541) 223-3261. From 4:15pm-5:15pm the cost is $5 for the individual and NO CHARGE for their care provider.
Reach Out Oregon Family Discussion: Meets online every Friday from 4pm to 5pm. A space for parents and caregivers who are raising a youth experiencing behavioral, emotional, and/or other mental health challenges. Join at LINK HERE. THIS SUPPORT GROUP IS OPEN TO PACIFICSOURCE FAMILIES IN MARION AND POLK COUNTIES. Contact at www.reachoutoregon.org or call 1-833-732-2467.
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YAMHILL COUNTY
OFSN Parent’s Night Out Respite- Happens in McMinnville on the First & Third Tuesdays of the Month. For children ages 3 and up. Enjoy your night out while we watch your children. RSVP Required. For questions & to RSVP, contact 503-363-8068.
OFSN Parent’s Night Out Respite- Happens in Sheridan on the Second Wednesday of the Month. For children ages 3 and up. Enjoy your night out while we watch your children. RSVP Required. For questions & to RSVP, contact 503-363-8068.
We are currently looking for a support group for Yamhill County. If you are interested please contact ASO at 503-636-1676.
ONLINE GROUPS
Yamhill County Group for Parents/Caregivers of Special Needs Children – This group is for Parents/Caregivers of special needs children. Anyone can see the group and who’s in it. Only members see posts. Join us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/297632026939989/
Charla entre padres en linea – Nos reunimos cada segundo miércoles de cada mes puedes unirte entre las 6:00 pm a 8:00 pm. Tiene preguntas? Contacte a Rosa Belem Ochoa! Para español: (541) 414-4958 – rosa@bcoregon.org. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm over Zoom. A way for parents across the state to connect and share in Spanish. Contact Rosa Belem Ochoa for the Meeting ID at (541) 414-4958.
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SPANISH-SPEAKING PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS
Familias Unidas (Independence, McMinnville, Woodburn) – in partnership with Fostering Hope Initiative. For families with children with special needs. Have moved and are working on starting up again. Information will be released soon.
SALEM:
We are currently looking for a support group for Salem. If you are interested please contact ASO at 503-636-1676.
Grupo Arcoiris de apoyo Famillia: Apoyo a los padres con jóvenes de la comunidad LGBTQ+ – Se reúne el tercer miércoles de cada mes a las 6 PM. Inscríbase en el ENLACE AQUÍ. Si tiene preguntas, póngase en contacto con 503-363-8068.