ASO Region 8
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 Clatsop, Columbia Tillamook & Washington counties
Chapter Representatives
Connie Gunn (Columbia County)
Lori Ball by email (Washington County)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with your Region 8 Reps, please give us a call at 503-636-1676, or click here to send an email to ASO.
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – Virtual/On-line Meetings:
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.
Virtual Support Group Meeting for Parents: Meets 3rd Saturday each month, from 10-11:30am. Free! Our on-line group for parents of children (birth-adult) on the autism spectrum living in Oregon meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10am – 11:30am. Facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center. Cozy up with a morning beverage and your computer for the FREE on-line group for parents of autistic children living in Oregon. The group will look 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.
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. Additional meetings take place on the 2nd Sunday of the month, from 2-4 PM at 830 NE 47th Ave, Portland, OR 97213. For all ages, beginners or experienced cosplayers are welcome. A free in-person cosplay group for making new friends, designing and creating costumes together. To register, contact us at Events@AutismSocietyOregon.org. Notice!!! This month, Cosplay Club will not meet, due to a scheduling conflict with Artful Autism’s Fundraising Gala on October 18th.
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: 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.
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.
New Autistic Parents Parenting Group (online) – Meets every other Thursday from 1:30-2:30 PM, starting on Aug 29th, 2024. This support group is for autistic parents. Our aim is to create a supportive space where you can share your experiences, challenges, and insights as autistic individuals raising children. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.
(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. 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.
(Online) Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults – Tuesday Edition, age 18+ Meets online every Tuesday, from 5:30 to 7:00pm. Due to the popularity of the Thursday night group, we’ve opened this version that meets as a separate group on Tuesday evenings. 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.
New (Online) Intersectional Identity Group – Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults with Intersectional Identities, age 18+ Meets online every Wednesday, from 5:30 to 7:00pm. 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: trans, people of color, 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. No registration needed. Click here for Zoom LINK. For more information contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org or 503-636-1676.
New (Hybrid) – Autistic Young Adults of Oregon, 18-30. A Support Group for Autistic Adults 18-30 who are seeking community. Meetings are held every other week on Monday, alternating between Zoom & hybrid. When in-person, we met in SW Portland. Facilitated by Sadie, an Autistic person. Click here to REGISTER. For more information contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org or 503-636-1676.
Forest Grove Game Club (based in Forest Grove). Meets on the first Friday of each month from 5:00-6:45 pm. This group is is designed to facilitate opportunities for mentorship and empowerment with neurodivergent individuals aged 15-22 (along with any responsible support person or parent who attends with game club members). A support person must be present if they are usually present with the game club member. How to RSVP: click here for the Facebook page or click here to send an email to ForestGroveGameClub@gmail.com.
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.
“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. Please also consider our other groups.
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 Children
Spectra Gym – (971) 202-1414 11959 SW Garden Place, Tigard, OR. Open Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm, Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm. All inclusive open gym, open to the public for open play. For more information, email info@spectrapdx.com.
Adaptive Open Play at OGA Gym – 16305 NW Bethany Ct. Suite 109, Beaverton, Oregon 97006; (503) 531-3409. Open on Sundays 2:45– 3:30 am, $8 per child who is a member and non-members $10. Adaptive Open Play is a parent-child playtime designed for families of children affected by sensory processing disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, or any other disabilities. Come share quality time with your family, and promote sensory integration while bouncing, climbing, and jumping at OGA. Meet other families experiencing similar challenges and make new friends in a safe and fun environment. Adaptive Open Play is limited to specific equipment. SPACES ARE LIMITED and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to register, click the LINK. Email: info@ogagym.org
Mighty Minds Playgroup for neurodivergent kids ages 6-11. (Warrenton) Meets Every Monday at 3 PM . With a mix of creative crafts, interactive games, and cooperative challenges, Mighty Minds helps kids embrace their individuality while forming lasting bonds with peers. Contact First Steps at (503) 861-8104 or firststepscfa@gmail.com.
Toddler Tuesday (Warrenton) is a weekly playgroup tailored for neurodivergent children ages 0-5. Meets every Tuesday 11 AM. Offering a gentle introduction to social play and sensory-friendly activities. Each session is designed to help little ones explore, engage, and grow at their own pace in a safe and welcoming environment. Contact First Steps at (503) 861-8104 or firststepscfa@gmail.com.
OFSN Families United: Stronger Together Support Group: Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 pm via Zoom. For families that live in Washington County only. An emotional support group for families in search of building relationships amongst other families who are experiencing difficult times raising a child with mental, behavioral health or disability challenges. Registration not required, please JOIN HERE! Questions or Concerns? Text or call Daisy Montague 541-740-6306 daisym@ofsn.net. Familias que hablan español e inglés son bienvenidas. ¿Preguntas o inquietudes? Text or llame Priscilla Gomora 503-509-8139.
For Parents & Caregivers
Neurodiversity Support Group: Meets over Zoom on the 1st Saturday of each month at 12PM, over Zoom. Neurodiversity Support Group is a space created to offer hope and a place of belonging by an amazing tribe that supports each other with neurodiversities. Contact: Sharrie Kreins, Facilitator (503) 396-3361 Follow us on Facebook at: Neurodiversity Support Group.
Sip and Support (Warrenton) Held Every Thursday at 11 AM. A welcoming gathering space for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children to relax, recharge, and connect over coffee. Contact First Steps at (503) 861-8104 or firststepscfa@gmail.com.
ASD Parents Support Group: Meets the first Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Zoom. Potential participants should contact the office of Dr. Leslie Carter at frontdesk.ttc@outlook.com or call 503 206-5578 to get the link.
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 https://forms.gle/gmY4VGo1YAgqtDvk7.
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.
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.
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 (over 13) and adults. Those who are full-time 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: Portland Asperger’s Network is a parent support organization in Portland, Oregon.” Click here for the Facebook 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.
WAM – Washington County Autism Moms – Private Facebook Group. From the group description: “This group is for moms that have children on the autism spectrum AND live in Washington County in Portland Oregon.” Click here for more information about joining this group.
For Teens & Adults (with or without a diagnosis of ASD)
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.
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; Milwaukie location – 4287 SE International Way, Suite A, Milwaukie, OR 97222-8225. (503)653-2381. Aloha location: 4375 SW Edwards Pl, Aloha, OR 97078-2116. (503)642-1581.
Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District Inclusive Yoga class– Wednesdays from 10:45-11:45 AM at Garden Home Recreation Center. Drop in rates apply.
This group is currently on hiatus – Tea & Talk for SPD, HSP, & ASD Moms on the Westside (Forest Grove). Mondays noon to 1 pm. Neurodiversity is beautiful! Are you a mom who has a sensory processing disorder? Or are you a highly sensitive mom? Or are you a mom on the autism spectrum or within the broader autism phenotype? Tea & Talk for SPD, HSP, & ASD Moms on the Westside is an opportunity to make new friends, build community, and share challenges, strategies, and resources. RSVP; repeating monthly event capped at 10 people. $5 donation suggested. Childcare not provided. Hosted by Charlotte Lumae, M.Ed., 2328 Pacific Ave #200, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116; https://www.facebook.com/events/953388444850798/
Pacific NW Adult Support Group (Portland) An informal social/support group for adults. Meetings are usually scheduled on the 1st Saturday of the month. Locations vary, but mainly in the Portland Metro area. Send an email to both addresses if you are interested, state your availability and how far you can travel, put ASP in subject line (srsr12@yahoo.com, ksab96@hotmail.com). See LINK HERE for more details.