ASO Region 9
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups – Virtual 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 the website for the Autism Society of Washington (ASW), please click here
- SEPTSA – Special Education PTsA of SW Washington – Join the email list for updates SEPTSAinfo@gmail.com.
In-Person Support Groups:
Amazing Moms, A Faith-Based Life Group. Meets every Thursday from 10:00am – 12:00 noon at 13308 NE 34th Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682. This is a Life Group for Moms with children experiencing special needs. They also have a virtual library. In the future they may have occasional Skype meetings as not all moms can physically attend. For information, call Roberta at 360-253-5209 or Click Here to visit their website.
Autism Empowerment SW WA Adults on the Spectrum Support Group: Meets the 2nd Friday of most months, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Location: Stephens Place: 501 SE Ellsworth Rd. Free, pizza and beverages provided. Please bring a snack to share. To confirm monthly meeting, please visit our website or call (360) 852-8369 or email karen@autismempowerment.org
Autism Social Club/ Teen Autism Game Club: A time for children to play games and hang out. It is also a place where parents can relax, share information and support each other. Meets the 3rd Saturday of most months, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Cost is $10 per family: pizza, games, and fun included! Location: Northwest Gospel Church: 305 NE 192nd Ave. Parents can stay for a parents and facilitators support group from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Please bring a snack to share. For more information, please contact John Krejcha at (360)-601-4678 or through his email. Click here to visit the website.
Café con PEACE NW: Jueves, 10:00 – 11:30 AM Ubicación: 9414 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA. Grupo en Español para familias que viven la experiencia de tener un hijo o familiar con discapacidad intelectual y/o del desarrollo. Conozca a otras familias, forme una comunidad, aprenda y comparta recursos y maneras de abogar por su ser querido. Registrese/Register. Póngase en contacto con Tanya English, (360) 487-0776, tanyae@peacenw.org.
Hispanic Disability Support SWWA (Pasitos Gigantes)– Get the support to help your children and/or family members to obtain a better quality of life. All are welcome! You will learn how to help your children in difficult situations at home or in public, how to advocate for your children so that they are accepted and included. You’ll learn how to advocate for school services, medical services, therapies, county, state services and much more. We host a hybrid support group on Tuesdays from 10 AM – 12 PM at 4th Plain Community Commons, 3101 E 4th Plain Blvd #101, Vancouver, WA. For more info & the Zoom link, call or email 360-583-0792 info@pasitosgigantes.org. Note: Hours change during the Summer and during school closures, please call and ask for hours. Thank you!
Hispanic Disability Support SWWA (Pasitos Gigantes)– Obtén el apoyo necesario para ayudar a tus hijos y/o familiares a obtener una mejor calidad de vida. Todos son bienvenidos. Aprenderás cómo ayudar a tus hijos en situaciones difíciles en casa o en público, cómo abogar por tus hijos para que sean aceptados e incluidos. Aprenderás cómo abogar por servicios escolares, servicios médicos, terapias, servicios del condado, del estado y mucho más. Organizamos un grupo de apoyo híbrido los martes de 10 AM – 12 PM en 4th Plain Community Commons, 3101 E 4th Plain Blvd #101, Vancouver, WA. Para obtener más información y el enlace Zoom, llame o correo electrónico 360-583-0792 info@pasitosgigantes.org. Nota: Las horas cambian durante el verano y durante el cierre de las escuelas, por favor llame y pregunte por las horas. Gracias.
Vancouver Faith-Based Support Group: Free – please RSVP to attend. Meets on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Vancouver Community Library, Klickitat room (fourth floor), 901 C Street, Vancouver, 98660. We are continuing an adult support group for those who deal with social awkwardness and isolation due to disabilities that make it difficult to connect with others. Or just simply for anyone who would like a different type of gathering. It will be based on biblical principles, and will be a safe place for people to have no expectations of themselves or one another. People are also free to leave whenever they’d like. For more information or to RSVP, please send an email to Wes at ASDFaithConnection@gmail.com.
Vancouver (WA) Mom’s Autism Support Group – Mom’s Autism Group in Vancouver, WA. Very informal, just moms getting together to laugh, cry, vent….whatever. Mom’s need support and why not make some friends while doing it. Meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Location: Stephens place: 501 SE Ellsworth Rd. Does not offer child care. Click here for more information.
On Line Communities:
Washington Autism Alliance (WAA): Extends access to healthcare, education and services for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s) & related intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Washington State. https://washingtonautismalliance.org/
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.
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.
Activities:
Regal Cinema – Sensory Movies: Location: Regal Cinema Vancouver Plaza 10. Sensory movies on select Saturdays and Tuesdays each month. For more information, click the LINK HERE.
If you know of other support groups or activities that you would like ASO to list, please click here to contact us.