ASO Region 6
Coronavirus Update: Each of our support/social groups is deciding when, or whether, to meet in-person. Check with each group for up-to-date information.
Serving Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah & Wasco counties
Chapter Representatives:
Lori Ball: (503) 636-1676 (Multnomah and Clackamas counties)
Dori Fenech: (929) 422-9830 (Clackamas county – Habla Espanol)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with your Region 6 Reps, please give us a call, or use the form at the bottom of this page to send us an email.
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups –
Friendship Group for Autistic Kids (suggested ages: 7 – 13): Meets Every Monday, from 6:00pm – 6:45pm. A place to meet, get to know each other, be silly, explore common interests, and make friends. On alternating Monday meetings, the group plays Minecraft. This group is meeting on-line, with occasional in person meetups. To register and get a Zoom link, please go to LINK.
(Online) Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults, ages 18+. Meets online every Thursday, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. We would like to hold space for Autistic adults in Oregon who want to meet and talk with other adults about life on the spectrum. We will be reviewing books, talking about neurodiversity, and openly talking about life on the spectrum in general. This group is for Autistic adults. If you are a parent, please be sure to check out parent groups. Facilitated by Shawn Sullivan, an Autistic adult and ASO Board member (See bio at LINK). This group is temporarily full and not accepting more participants at this time. If you have registered previously you are still welcome to attend. If you have never registered for the group, please contact ASO at info@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676 to be placed on a waitlist.
Teen & Young Adult Club – This group meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-2 PM online. The program is for young Autistic adults that need a parent, a guardian or caregiver to meet with success, and some of the activities may require participation from the accompanying adult. Register for the zoom link at LINK HERE. 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.
Autism Parent Support Group (based in Durham/Tigard): Free! All parents of children from 0-21 are welcome. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30. This group is facilitated by Lori Ball, ASO’s Programs Coordinator and parent of an autistic child. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month. To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.
ASO/Synergy Autism Online Support Group Meeting for Parents: Meets 4th Saturday each month, from 10:00 – 11:30am. Our on-line group for parents of children (birth-adult) on the autism spectrum 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. Notice!! This group will be on a temporary hiatus for June, July & August. It will resume in September at the usual time.
Autism Society of Oregon Cosplay Group: Meets 2nd Sunday of the month, from 2-4 PM. For all ages, beginners or experienced cosplayers are welcome. A free in-person cosplay group for making new friends, designing and creating costumes together. 9320 SW Barbur Blvd Suite 240, Portland OR 97219 (ASO’s office). To register, contact us at 503-636-1676 or events@AutismSocietyOregon.org.
NEW!!! Additional meetings in Beaverton – Autism Society of Oregon Cosplay Group: Meetings are on the 3rd Friday of each month, from 5:00 – 8:00pm at Artful Autism in Beaverton. An Autistic run social group with 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. Contact ASO by email to register: Events@AutismSocietyOregon.org.
Club EMU’s Game Club (West Linn) – Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30pm – 9:30pm at West Linn Lutheran Church, 20390 Willamette Drive. Video games for All Ages plus Teen Room, and Adult Room. Board games in the Dining Hall. Family and friends are welcome. Pizza and beverage provided but please bring something to share. $10 suggested donation per family. The Autism Society of Oregon provides sponsorship to offset the costs.
Autistic Professional Support Group: Meets Every Other Friday, from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, starting Sept 22 2023. This support group provides a welcoming community for Autistic adults employed in professional positions to meet and share experiences. The group offers an overall sense of belonging, group mentorship, social connection and networking. 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. This group is for Autistic, career focused individuals who hold mid to senior level positions and/or a position with at least 2 years of experience in their field. If you are unsure if this describes 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.
Grupo de Apoyo en Español- Reunión Virtual Mensual, 1er Martes de cada mes. 6:00-7:00 pm. Evento Gratuito. Propósitos del grupo: Información sobre Autismo y recursos disponibles; crear una red de apoyo para familias latinas; y oportunidad de interactuar con otros padres. Para registrarse o para tener más información envié un correo electrónico a MariaA@AutismSocietyOregon.org. Enlace para unirse via zoom https://tinyurl.com/GrupoenEspanol.
“Happy Hour” for Autistic adults: This time is to chat, support each other and forge new friendships. Meetings are the 4th Friday of each month, from 7:30 – 8:30pm. An Autistic run social group for Autistic adults age 40+. For questions or more information contact: Rhonda at RhondaS@AutismSocietyOregon.org, an ASO Chapter Rep in Southern Oregon. Or call our office at 503-636-1676. Click the LINK HERE to register.
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 3:30-5:00pm. 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 temporarily full and not accepting more participants at this time. To be placed on a waitlist, please contact ASO at info@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.
Women & Non-Binary Friendship Group #2. Meets online only every other Sunday, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, starting Sunday, March 24, 2024. 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 Kraft, an Autistic adult who identifies as nonbinary. To register for the online only group, call 503-636-1676 or email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org.
Young Adult Social Group (based in Portland). This is a peer-led group for young adults, ages 18-30, who have graduated from high school. Sorry but this group is not open to people younger than 18. There are 2 group consultants who are there to provide a level of social safety by mediating conflict and supporting participants to make connections. NOT a skill building class. Meets 2nd Saturday and 3rd Monday of each month, from 6:30-7:30pm. To sign up, email Pam S at pamsmith.business@gmail.com
Other Support Groups & Activities
For Parents
AWE (AWEtism We Embrace) meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm via Zoom. AWE is a group for adults (18 and older) for those on AND off the spectrum. No diagnosis is required. Each participant, no matter where they are in their journey, shares an interest in forming an environment of mutual respect to gain fresh outlooks. This creates better tools to understand our situations, our loved ones and ourselves. This group supports and respects members in their individual paths toward acceptance no matter where they are on the “human spectrum.” To get on the listserv, or to obtain the Zoom link for meetings, please email Shasti McLaughlin at shastim@autismempowerment.org or text 503-781-2461. AWE also has a Facebook group, linked HERE.
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.
“Talk it Over” Family Support Group (Portland): “If your child is struggling with a mental or behavioral health challenge or is abusing substances, please visit our support group and get that help you need”. Now meeting online. For more information, contact Margaret Puckette at 503-737-9971 or raisingtroubledkids@comcast.net
Coming Together: Families in Focus Support Group (online only): This support group from OFSN (Oregon Family Support Network) is to encourage families to elevate their voices and discuss barriers they face while navigating local systems of care such as: School/Special Education, ODHS, Mental Health, Juvenile Justice and more. Meets the 4th Thursday of every month, from 6:30 – 7:30pm, on Zoom. To register, contact Chelsea Mersereau, Support Group Facilitator, at Click for Email or 971-500-3494. This Support Group is for Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah County Families only.
Better Together Parent Online Café. Meets on most Thursday evenings 6-7:30 pm. We are “Parents Helping Parents” For families of children with social, behavioral, emotional, and physical challenges. Meet other parents in a confidential, supportive setting. Share experiences, successes, and frustrations. Exchange ideas, learn parenting skills and find new tools. For more information and to sign up, contact Signe Miller at signem@ofsn.net or (541) 505 2511.
Living with Loss – 1st Monday of the month, 6:00-7:00pm. This group aims to offer support for grieving parents, primary caregivers or individuals navigating the grieving process following the loss of a loved one. This is a space for parents to connect and offer support. For more information, contact Heather Fife at heatherf@ofsn.net and (503) 509-8139.
Family Connection Group – 3rd Thursday of the month, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Except holidays. Are you a parent or caregiver of a youth experiencing mental, developmental or behavioral health challenges? This support group is currently happening online. An opportunity for families to connect with families. Please note, we understand that accessing an online support group may be challenging and new. We are here to help you. If you would like more information, or assistance in accessing our support group please reach out to Nita Likes at NitaL@Ofsn.net or 971-900-7126. Dinner and child care are provided, please RSVP. Located at the Wichita Center 6031 SE King Rd. Milwaukie, OR 97222 For any questions or to RSVP please call Oregon Family Support Network at 503-430-0917.
On-Line Communities
ASO – Autism Society of Oregon – Business Page. Open Facebook group where we post information about events and items of state-wide interest related to autism. Click here to access.
ASO – Autism Society of Oregon – Group Page. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “The ASO Facebook page is a place to share information about non-commercial autism and autism-related events occurring in Oregon and SW Washington.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
Oregon Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “A group for parents looking to connect with other local [Portland area] parents to support one another in the daily joys and struggles of having a child on the autism spectrum.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
Oregon Teen and Adult Disability and Advocacy Group. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “This group was formed with the intent to bring together cross disability discussions with a focus for teens and adults. Those who are caregivers, parents, differently abled and other family members are encouraged to find resources here.” Click here for more information on joining this group.
PAN – Portland Aspergers Network Private Facebook group. From the group description: “We assist families with youth and teens mildly affected by Autism, PDD-NOS and an umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. PAN’s Facebook page is for friendly, respectful discussion of issues related to autism.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
PAM – Portland Autist and Allied Moms (formerly known as Portland Autism Moms) – Private Facebook group. Mission Statement: “A group that respects Neurodiversity and provides support, understanding and connection to our community of MOMS with autistic children who live in the Portland/Vancouver Metro areas. We strive to be respectful at all times to the autistic community while recognizing the need to provide moms support.” If interested please request to join by sending an email to: PortlandAutismMoms@gmail.com
PAP – Portland Autism Parents (PAP) – Private Facebook group. From the group description: “Open to all caregivers of people on the autism spectrum in the Portland, OR area.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
PDX Autistic Adults – Private Facebook group. From the group description: “This group is aimed at Portland, OR area adults who on the Autism spectrum. This page is open to any adult on the spectrum regardless of race, religion, and LGBTQ+” Click here for more information about joining this group.
SEPTOP-Special Education PTO of Portland. Private Facebook group. From the group description: “Founded by families raising children (K-12) who experience varying disabilities in the Portland Public School District, This group is open to parents, teachers, and other community members who are interested in improving the education of students with disabilities.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
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: click the LINK HERE 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 Grandparents and Relatives Raising Kids Facebook Group “This is a private group for relative caregivers in Oregon. Ask questions, find resources, and connect with other Grandparent and relative caregivers throughout the state.”
Support Group for Parents or Relatives caring for Children/Adults on the Autism Spectrum: Held the first Thursday of the month from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. This online group offers a place for parents or caregivers to give/ receive support. The facilitator is Shelley Sauer, the mother of a young adult on the autism spectrum. Guest experts will attend on occasion. To join on Zoom, please send e-mail to shelhenn@comcast.net.
For Children
Sensory Storytime Live! from Multnomah County Libraries, held on Tuesdays from 3:30 – 4:00 pm. “This preschool storytime is especially welcoming for children on the autism spectrum and families who are looking for a more adaptive virtual storytime experience.” Free, but need to register for the Zoom link. To view calendar and register for sessions go to LINK. For more information, please see the Multnomah County Library webpage.
Oaks Park Sensory Skate. Every Wednesday from 10-11:30 AM during our Chipper’s Preschool Skate session. Starting in January of 2024 we will be offering a sensory-sensitive skating time for kids 10 and younger and their families each. Music volumes will be reduced, disco lights turned off, and a quiet sensory play space will be provided. Information and ticketing can be found at LINK HERE.
For Grandparents & Other Relatives
Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children Support Group – Meets the 1st Monday of the month, from 10:00-11:00am at the Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N. Foss, Portland. Please join us for a support group for Grandparents and other relatives (such as aunts and uncles) raising and parenting children. The group is for those who were most likely not expecting to be raising children at this time in their lives. Call 503-288-8303 for more information.
Grandparent Support Group – Meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 10-11 am & the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7-8 pm. “We cover topics such as boundaries, trauma, parenting, grief, and more. Grandparents and other caregivers of relative children are welcome.” Online: meet.google.com/swz-uorx-jkj Phone: +1 314-666-1828 PIN: 291 586 204# Presented by Oregon Kinship Navigator.
Oregon Grandparents and Relatives Raising Kids Facebook Group “This is a private group for relative caregivers in Oregon. Ask questions, find resources, and connect with other Grandparent and relative caregivers throughout the state.”
FOR Teens & Adults (with or without an ASD diagnosis)
ClubEMU (Everyone, Me & You) This is an activity group for teens and adults (recommended age 16 – adult, but all welcome) for all abilities. “Where you can be a friend and make a friend; with acceptance, understanding, and kindness.” Find out about monthly social events including Taco Tuesdays, TGIF meetings, R.A.O.K. Craft Nights, and special activities, on their Facebook page (click), or contact by email at info@clubemu.org.
We do not currently have the bandwidth to respond to new members or questions. Sorry. Adult Asperger and Autism Portland Support Group (SE Portland)- Meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month, Portland, OR. The longest running peer run adult support group. The focus is on adults and adult interactions. Ages 18 plus. Members range from 18 to retirement age. For more information go to the website to fill out the group contact form. A volunteer will contact you. www.aasapdx.org.
NAMI Multnomah– NAMI Multnomah is the Multnomah County affiliate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with mental health conditions and their families through support, education, and advocacy. NAMI hosts support groups, including walking groups, writing groups & more. To see all of our events, see our Events Calendar here.
Club Impact (SE Portland) Club Impact is a social club for young adults with disabilities and meets every Monday night from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the SE Multicultural Service Center. Participants are welcome to drop by as often as they wish for all or part of a session. For more information, call Ralph Gilliam at 503-453-6412 or click here to email.
NEW! Deaf Autism and Friends (various locations). This support group is for Deaf-Autism persons and their friends/family supporters. Come join us for social time and “support topic”. The group is team-lead by two Deaf-Autism members, a Deaf counselor, and a Hearing Life Skills coach. Language: ASL (non-signing family members are welcome, please RSVP to request voice interpreting). ”Cost: $5. For more information on meeting dates and locations, please contact: OR.Deaf.Autism@gmail.com
Dorks on Parade – A social group by and for autistic adults 18+, runs monthly events: a coffeehouse chat group on the third Saturday of the month, New Seasons get together the last Sunday of the month, and a Westside meet-up the second Wednesday of the month. DoP also plans other activities such as movie nights and museum outings. If you are on the autism spectrum and are interested in receiving event announcements, please join the Meetup group at: http://www.meetup.com/Dorks-on-Parade-A-Social-Group-for-Portland-Autistic-Adults/
Edwards Center – has been serving adults with developmental disabilities for over 40 years. They have special events, socialization and recreation classes for any individual 18 or older with a developmental disability. They can coordinate transportation for a small fee. Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Two locations: Aloha Community Center, 4375 SW Edwards Place, Aloha, OR 97006 (503) 642-1581 and Milwaukie Center, 4287 SE International Way, Suite A, Milwaukie, OR 97222 (503) 653-2381
Fire Circle (Youth 14-18) & (Young adult 18-26) . FIRE: Family, Independence, Relationships and Empowerment. Fire Circle, is a therapeutic group that sparks conversations among youth who identify as being on the Autism Spectrum. The group is led by Kimberly Zeszutek, LPC and creates space for youth to process presented topics while intentionally cultivating peer support and social skills. Six weeks meeting via Telehealth! – Adolescents meeting Wednesday 5pm-6:20pm. Young Adult meeting Thursday 10am-11:20am. Call 503-558-6809 to register. Group Fee: $240.00 for the total 6 weeks/$40.00 per session.
“Off the Couch Events” (NE Portland) Meets the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $7 for participant, companion(1) is free. Activity Night is a socialization opportunity for differently abled young adults age 18 and over in a non-competitive, hostile free environment. Events held in Gethsemane Lutheran Church 11560 SE Market St, Portland, OR 97216. For more information, call 503-702-2394. or click here for email. If you would like to visit the Facebook page click here.
Pacific NW Adult Support (Portland) An informal social/support group for adults. These meetings are usually scheduled on the weekend of the 1st Saturday of the month. Location vary, but mainly in the Portland Metro area. Send and email if you are interested, state your availability and how far you can travel, put ASP in subject line (srsr12@yahoo.com or ksab96@hotmail.com). See website for more details: http://srsr1212.tripod.com/autismasperger.htm
U Say Hello (Portland metro area) Empowering young adults with special needs to establish social connections, independently manage their social lives and get together to change the world. (Age range: 15-26) For more information call 503-453-0005 or visit their Facebook page linked here.
HOME SCHOOLING SUPPORT
- ASDHomeschoolersPDX.com – A web site with lots of information on how to homeschool your ASD child in the Portland area (or anywhere in Oregon). Homeschool methods, pros and cons, Oregon laws, curriculum ideas, how to get started for any age. With links to many, many resources.
- Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN): 503-893-2744. From their webpage, “OHEN supports families with critical information, resources, helpful suggestions, and words of encouragement from homeschool families and professionals in Oregon. We encourage you to explore all possibilities with a view toward developing your own learning philosophy and homeschooling style. This website will provide the information you need to be a successful homeschooling family in Oregon.”
- Video: “So You’ve Decided to Homeschool, Now What?“ billed as a “crash course” on homeschooling, with general information provided in a video format.
Facebook groups – just a few – there are many more! - ASDHomeschoolersPDX – A small group just for those with kids on the spectrum in the greater Portland area. Ask questions, get help!
- Homeschooling in Oregon: Talk with OHEN Support and sharing ideas for homeschooling all kids in Oregon, statewide.
- Autism & Homeschooling: A private group on Facebook that is “available to everyone who is interested in home educating kids on the autism spectrum. We are here to help and to share, to motivate and to encourage. This group is inclusive and not affiliated with any religion, philosophy or political ideology.” Not limited to Oregon.