ASO Region 8
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 – In Person Meetings:
For All Ages
Connection Club Fun with Legos! – In partnership with The Autism Society of Oregon. Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of each month, from 5:00 – 8:00pm at Unified Art Studio in Beaverton. This is a fun evening to come build a project with Legos (which you get to take home and keep). Legos and pizza/light snacks/drinks will be provided. Click the LINK HERE to register. For questions, contact ED@connectionclub.com.
Connection Club Game Night – In partnership with The Autism Society of Oregon. Meetings are on the 1st Friday of each month, from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Unified Art Studio in Beaverton. Enjoy video and board games, make new friends, and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere where all ages are welcome and everyone belongs. Dinner is provided. Click the LINK HERE to register. For questions, contact ED@connectionclub.com.
Autism Society of Oregon Cosplay Group: Meetings are on the 3rd Friday of each month, from 5:00 – 8:00pm at Unified Art Studio in Beaverton. An all ages 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. Click the LINK HERE to register. For questions, contact us at 503-636-1676 or Events@AutismSocietyOregon.org.
For Children & Youth
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 11-22 (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.
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.
For more support and social group listings, please see the Support Groups by Region on the ASO website at LINK. Click on each region for listings in that region. We list the groups that ASO sponsors first, then all of the groups that we’re aware of in that region.
Not Sponsored by ASO:
Other Support Groups & Activities:
For Children
NeuroConnect – A Neurodiverse Community Alliance- For children and families with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Happens in Scappoose on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30pm at Scappoose FourSquare Church. Support groups for 12-17 year olds, 18-25 year olds, and Caregivers & Adults. Free dinner, free childcare provided, transportation assistance provided. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, contact Elise M. at 458-261-8036.
Running Wild PDX Running Club – Free all inclusive track and running club for ages 5-14 in SW Portland.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 at the PCC Sylvania campus track. Questions? Contact ashleymayling@gmail.com, bxmx.consultinginterventions@gmail.com OR dm on Instagram @runningwildpdx.
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
PEACE NW Vancouver Parent Support Group- 6:00–7:30 PM on the first Wednesday of the month. A casual, welcoming space for parents raising children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and/or Special Health Care Needs. Take a moment each month to recharge and connect with other parents who share a similar journey. Bring a snack to share or your own dinner if it’s mealtime. We’ll provide water and a sweet treat! Location: Bridgeview Resource Center, 505 Omaha Way, Vancouver, WA 98661. Contact Theresa Van Pelt, Parent to Parent Program Manager at TheresaV@peacenw.org ☎ 360-823-2247 | ? 360-513-6682.
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.
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.
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.
Families United | Familias Unidos: Third Saturday 11am to 12:45pm Tercer sábado 11am a 12:45pm. A support group for families with children facing behavioral, mental, and disability challenges. Un grupo de apoyo para familias con niños que enfrentan desafíos de conducta, salud mental y discapacidades. THIS BILINGUAL SUPPORT GROUP IS LIMITED TO 8 CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE WITH THEIR ADULT(S) IN WASHINGTON COUNTY. ESTE GRUPO DE APOYO BILINGÜE ESTÁ LIMITADO A 8 NIÑOS ACOMPAÑADOS POR SU(S) ADULTO(S) EN EL CONDADO DE WASHINGTON. Register at LINK HERE. Contact OFSN at https://ofsn.org/.
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)
NeuroConnect – A Neurodiverse Community Alliance- For children and families with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Happens in Scappoose on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30pm at Scappoose FourSquare Church. Support groups for 12-17 year olds, 18-25 year olds, and Caregivers & Adults. Free dinner, free childcare provided, transportation assistance provided. Register at LINK HERE. For questions, contact Elise M. at 458-261-8036.
PEACE NW Dungeons and Dragons! (online)- Wednesdays at 5:00-6:00 PM online via Zoom. Join us for an inclusive adventure led by Heather, a dedicated parent volunteer. Build friendships, spark creativity, and experience the magic of storytelling! Register at LINK HERE. Questions? Contact 360-823-2247 or Info@peacenw.org.
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.