Autism Society of Oregon

Running Wild PDX Running Club
2024-01-18 17:30 - 18:30, 2024-01-23 17:30 - 18:30, 2024-01-25 17:30 - 18:30, 2024-01-30 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | PCC Sylvania Campus Track, 12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR, 97219, United States
Presented by Running Wild PDX
Free all inclusive track and running club for ages 5-14 in SW Portland.
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-6:30 at the PCC Sylvania campus track.
Questions? Contact ashleymayling@gmail.com OR dm on Instagram @runningwildpdx

Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults Thursday Edition, age 18+ (Online)
2024-01-18 17:30 - 19:00, 2024-01-25 17:30 - 19:00
Presented by The Autism Society of Oregon
(Online) Support and Discussion Group for Autistic Adults – Thursday Edition, age 18 + Meets online every Thursday, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm.
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.
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. This group is a stand alone peer support group.
Register for the Zoom meeting at the LINK HERE
Questions? Contact us at 503-636-1676 or LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org
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.
Due to the popularity of the Thursday night group, we’ve opened a version that meets as a separate group on Tuesday evenings. Registration for the Tuesday group can be found at the LINK HERE
For more information contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org or 503-636-1676.
These support groups are intended to create a safe environment for Autistic adults, whether formally diagnosed or not. If you do not identify as Autistic, kindly do not join this group.

Guardianship Alternatives: Online Training
2024-01-18 17:30 - 19:30
Presented by Creating Opportunities
Guardianship Alternatives: Online Training
Thursday, January 18th 2024 | 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Creating Opportunities is hosting this online training workshop presented by Em Braman, Executive Director of The Arc Oregon.
Join us for an interactive online training! Find essential information for parents of children with developmental disabilities. Ever wonder how to support your child into their adult life? Learn about limitations of guardianship, other options and how to foster your child’s self direction.
Register online at LINK HERE
If you have any questions about any of our activities, please call/text 503-559-0424 or email support@creatingops.org
Información disponible en español.

Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Virtual Listening Session
2024-01-18 18:00 - 20:00
Presented by the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS)
This message is posted online in اللغة العربية, English, Русский, Soomaali, Español, 简体中文 and Tiếng Việt. LINK HERE
Share your feedback with ODDS leadership Jan. 18
The ODDS leadership invite you to meet with us at virtual listening sessions in January. We welcome your feedback and experiences.
We will host three meetings Jan. 18 on Zoom. All members of the community are welcome to attend two of the meetings. The third meeting is for personal support workers (PSWs) and direct support professionals (DSPs).
These meetings are part of our larger series of statewide community listening sessions. This series will last into early 2025. The January 2024 meetings are virtual, so all may attend. We will resume in-person meetings across the state in April.
Jan. 18 meetings for all community members:
10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 18 – Join the meeting by QR code or via THIS LINK
Meeting ID: 160 138 8348
Passcode: [REDACTED]
6 to 8 p.m., Jan. 18 – Join the meeting by QR code or via THIS LINK
Meeting ID: 160 351 8476
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Jan. 18 meeting for PSWs and DSPs – 3 to 5 p.m.
PSWs and DSPs, please attend this meeting to share your feedback.
Join the meeting by QR code or via THIS LINK
Meeting ID: 160 641 2473
Passcode: [REDACTED]
We want everyone to feel welcome and safe. We will provide support for you to fully participate, including:
American Sign Language
Spanish interpreter
Live captioning
If you need other languages or supports, call 503-945-5811 or email ODDS.Questions@odhs.oregon.gov by Jan. 11. We accept relay calls.
Future sessions
The schedule for future meetings is in development. We hope to meet in-person at different locations across the state. We will meet in family friendly spaces.
Our next session will be in Roseburg April 10‒12. All people who live in Roseburg and the surrounding counties are welcome to attend. We’ll update you when the schedule is finalized. We’ll also post updates on the ODDS website LINK HERE

Teen & Young Adult Group (online)
2024-01-20 13:00 - 14:00
Presented by The Autism Society of Oregon
The program is geared for those 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.
Age- late teens/early to mid twenties.
This group meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1-2 PM online.
Register for the Zoom LINK HERE
Activities include:
drawing with a tutorial
casual club to share interest
watching short YouTube videos
open to new ideas
The young autistic adult 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

Tryon Creek Nature Walk (SW Portland)
2024-01-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 Southwest Terwilliger Boulevard, Portland, OR, 97209, United States
Presented by The Autism Society of Oregon
Tryon Creek Nature Walk
Who- These walks are meant to be a safe space for Autistic individuals, their families, friends, and supporters to be together to enjoy and experience nature without any agenda or judgment. Both events are for Autistic adults only. We will have family dates available in Spring/Summer.

What- Come and enjoy a beautiful, guided nature walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. The guided walks will be led by an Oregon Master Naturalist, Certified Interpretive Guide and former ASO Board member.
When-
Sunday, January 21 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm (Adult walk – ages 18+)
Sunday, February 18 from 1:00 to 2:30 (Adult walk – ages 18+)
Where- Tryon Creek State Natural Area: 11321 Southwest Terwilliger Boulevard Portland, OR 97219
Parking can be limited. Consider arriving early to allow time to park and join the group.
We are capping each guided walk at 20 people. Advance registration is required but registration is FREE.
For more info & to register, LINK HERE
If you need help getting there, or for additional questions, please contact Lori Ball at LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676 during business hours (9 am – 6 pm).

Women and Non-Binary Friendship Group for Those on the Autism Spectrum
2024-01-21 15:30 - 17:00 | OR, United States
Temporarily Full!
Women and Non-Binary Friendship Group for Those on the Autism Spectrum (based in Portland)

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.
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!
For more information, please contact Kim at 503-312-3103 or click here to email. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Oregon.

Special Needs Families Connect (Pendleton)
2024-01-22 17:30 - 19:00 | OR, United States
Special Needs Families Connect (SNFC)
This group is based in Pendleton and has returned to in-person meetings .
This is a family support group that meets on the 4th Monday of each month from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. SNFC was created and is facilitated by Winnie Burnett, an ASO Chapter Rep and the parent of an autistic young adult.
For more information on meetings, including location, click to send an email to Winnie.

Cancelled!! Friendship Group for Autistic Kids (suggested ages: 7 – 13)
2024-01-22 18:00 - 18:45, 2024-01-29 18:00 - 18:45
Update!! Friendship Group has been cancelled for tonight due to technical issues. We will resume next week at the usual time.
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

Supporting Our Disabled Students/Apoyando a Nuestros Estudiantes Discapacides - Virtual Disability Justice Speaker Series
2024-01-23 15:00 - 17:00
The 2nd of We Can Do Better’s Virtual Disability Justice Speaker Series will be on Supporting our Disabled Students
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 · 3 – 5pm PST
ASL and Spanish Interpretation available.
More info and register at LINK HERE
Students with disabilities include those who have physical disabilities, are medically fragile, intellectually or developmentally disabled, have learning disabilities (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and/or dyscalculia), or may have disabling mental health conditions. In Oregon the latest graduation rates for students with disabilities is 67.5% compared to 81.3% for all students. In some districts it is as low as 50%. This is not acceptable.
We will hear from Oregon State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin about the state of education for disabled students in Oregon and her policy efforts to have the Indivduals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) upheld in Oregon schools.
And Greg Santucci, OT about strategies for parents, teachers and professionals to better understand how to support the sensory needs of disabled youth.
———-
La segunda parte de la Series Virtual de Oradores sobre la Justicia de We Can Do Better será sobre como apoyar a nuestros estudiantes con discapacidades.
Interpretación en Lenguaje de Señas Americano (ASL) y en Español estará disponible.
Más información e inscripciones en el ENLACE AQUÍ
Los estudiantes con discapacidades incluyen a aquellos que tienen discapacidades físicas, son médicamente frágiles, tienen discapacidades intelectuales o del desarrollo, tienen discapacidades de aprendizaje (como la dislexia, disgrafía y/o discalculia), o pueden tener condiciones debilitantes de salud mental. En Oregón, las estadísticas más reciente de estudiantes con discapacidades que se gradúan de la preparatoria es de 67.5%, en comparación con el 81.3% para todos los estudiantes. En algunos distritos, esta estadística es tan baja como el 50%. Esto no es aceptable.
Escucharemos a la Senadora del Estado de Oregón, Sara Gelser Blouin, hablar sobre el estado de la educación para estudiantes con discapacidades en Oregón y sus esfuerzos políticos para que se cumpla
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (La Ley de Educación para Personas con Discapacidades) en las escuelas de Oregón. También escucharemos de Greg Santucci, terapeuta ocupacional, quien proporcionará estrategias para que padres, maestros y profesionales comprendan mejor cómo apoyar las necesidades sensoriales de los jóvenes con discapacidades.

Sensory Storytime with Multnomah County Library (Online)
2024-01-23 15:30 - 16:00, 2024-01-30 15:30 - 16:00
Presented by Multnomah County Library
Online Sensory Storytime with Multnomah County Library
Registration is open for the Winter session of the online Sensory Storytime presented via Zoom.
Join us for stories and songs in an environment especially welcoming to those on the autism spectrum and families looking for a smaller, more adaptive library experience. Each storytime includes a hands-on activity and those who register can receive kits each month.
Storytimes are on Tuesdays at 3:30 starting January 9.
Registration at LINK HERE
All abilities are welcome. For disability accommodations, call 503.988.5123 or email help@multcolib.org 2-3 days before a program.

NAMI Multnomah Peer Support Group (Online)
2024-01-23 15:30 - 17:00 | OR, United States
Presented by NAMI Multnomah
Peer Support Group
A free, drop-in recovery support group by and for people living with mental health differences.
Dates: Beginning April 25th
Schedule: The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Format: Online via Zoom
Register online here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form…/s/155sqWvv7gvpdwSwYr2RWA
Or call 503-228-5692

NAMI Basics (online)
2024-01-23 17:00 - 19:30, 2024-01-30 17:00 - 19:30
NAMI Basics
A class for parents and caregivers of youth experiencing mental health or behavioral challenges.
NAMI Basics is a free six-week educational program taught by trained leaders who have similar lived experiences with their own children.
Dates: January 9th-February 13th, 2024
Schedule: Tuesdays, 5:00-7:30 PM
Format: Online via Zoom
Register at LINK HERE
For additional questions, email info@namimultnomah.

Autism/Aspergers Peer Community Support Group (Online)
2024-01-23 19:00 - 20:00 | OR, United States
This group is not sponsored by ASO

This peer support group will be meeting the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST via Zoom and will work to cover topics related to walking through this world as an autistic adult.
For those age 27 and older, you are invited to experience support, understanding, and community with others walking in autistic bodies.

To sign up, or for questions, email Hannah Rockey at comorbidlife@gmail.com and you can also find them on FB at Autism Peer Support

Legislative Advocacy Basics (online)
2024-01-24 09:00 - 11:00
Presented by Oregon Community Brokerages
Legislative Advocacy Basics
Thursday February 1 from 9:00 to 11:00
Katie Rose with Oregon Community Brokerages will host an hour-long training session at 9:00 on Thursday February 1st. There will be time until 11:00 for questions and deeper discussion for those who would like to stick around.
The presentation will not include information about bills and plans for the upcoming 2024 legislative session and will focus on the whys and hows of advocacy. Questions about the session will be answered to the best of my ability!
This is an introduction—no prior experience necessary. Brokerage staff, PSWs, DSPs, and other supporters are welcome to join as well, but our content will speak to people who use Brokerage services.
Our Zoom is limited to 100 participants, and people will be joined to the meeting on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5266110353?omn=82983874770
Meeting ID: 526 611 0353
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,5266110353# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,5266110353# US (Houston)
Questions? Reach out to us at krose@oregoncommunitybrokerages.org

Internet Safety: How to Avoid Scams and Illegal Activity (Online)
2024-01-25 13:00 - 14:00
Cosponsored by Autism Society and NACDD
Zoom Workshop – Internet Safety: How to Avoid Scams and Illegal Activity
This self-advocacy workshop will focus on how to stay safe on the internet.
We will learn from an expert on best practices and common errors that result in individuals getting into negative situations.
January 25, 2024 at 1pm PST
Register at LINK HERE
Speakers include Dr. Garcia, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Brandon Delgado, Licensed Psychological Associate

Healthy Relationships on the Autism Spectrum (HEARTS): Register now for the October class and research study
2024-01-25 16:00 - 18:00 | OR, United States
Presented by AANE
Please note that the fee ranges from $30 – $120 for all 12 sessions. NOTE: Some enrollees will be invited to participate in research study surveys and interviews to help evaluate the program. Research participants can earn up to $300 in Amazon.com e-gift cards.
DESCRIPTION: Healthy Relationships on the Autism Spectrum (HEARTS) is a 12 session workshop for autistic adults who would like to learn about, and talk about, healthy friendship and dating relationships. The workshop does not teach how to find new dating partners or friends. Rather, it provides education about what a healthy vs. unhealthy relationship feels like, how to notice warning signs that a relationship is becoming unhealthy, how to cope with a breakup or end of a friendship how to restart friendships with people when you have fallen out of touch, and how to stay motivated to meet new people. HEARTS is rooted in a neurodiversity perspective and is taught by an autistic and non-autistic team. HEARTS affirms all relationship types and styles, all genders, and all sexual orientations (LGBTQ+, poly, asexual, etc.).
DATES: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8
TIME: 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM PST
WHERE: Online via Zoom
FACILITATORS: Karen Lean, Sarah DeCosta, Jess Alder, and Brandy Haberer
HEARTS is also being evaluated through a randomized controlled trial funded by NIH. Therefore, people who sign up for the HEARTS class and meet eligibility criteria can also receive up to $300 on a e-gift card for participation in surveys and interviews related to HEARTS.
REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required. After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the event. Early registration is highly recommended as many programs fill quickly.
Register at LINK HERE
AUDIENCE: AANE Adult Support Groups, Social Groups, and events are intended for post-high school adults on the spectrum who are able to self-regulate AND independently participate in activities without the assistance of a dedicated caretaker.
EVENT & GROUP INFORMATION: Most of AANE programming is currently online. The following terms are used for different audience specifications:

“Open” events/groups may have different participants joining from session to session and “Closed” events/groups have the same participants for a set number of sessions. This series will be a closed group.

CODES OF CONDUCT: Participants at AANE events are expected to act respectfully toward other participants and group facilitators. AANE reserves the right to deny admission, ask an individual participant to leave, or remove participants from the event/program for inappropriate or disrespectful behavior. For more information see FAQS.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT: The online platform for the event/program will be listed in the confirmation email from AANE. For assistance with Zoom, please visit the Zoom Help Center prior to the event to become familiar with the platform.
For questions, contact nancy.schwartz@aane.org

Grupo mensual para padres y cuidadores de habla hispana (Bend)
2024-01-25 18:00 - 20:00 | OR, United States
Presentado por CODSN
Grupo mensual para padres y cuidadores de habla hispana (Bend)
¡Conéctese como padres y cuidadores que crían niños con discapacidades el cuarto jueves de cada mes en Bend! 6-8pm (1270 NE 27th St, Bend, OR 97701)
No es necesario inscribirse. Cuidado de niños disponible. ¿Preguntas? Llame o texto Damaris 458-202-9756 o enviar un correo electrónico: damaris@codsn.org
—
Presented by CODSN
Monthly Group for Spanish-Speaking Parents & Caregivers (Bend)
Connect as parents and caregivers raising children with disabilities on the fourth Thursday every month in Bend! 6-8pm (1270 NE 27th St, Bend, OR 97701)
No registration is required. Childcare is available. Questions? Call or text Damaris 458-202-9756 or send an email: damaris@codsn.org

Autistic Professional Support Group (Online)
2024-01-26 18:00 - 19:00
ASO’s Autistic Professional Support Group
6:00 PM- 7:00 PM Every other Friday
Register at LINK HERE
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 LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org
We are sorry but no interpretation is provided for this group.
These support groups are intended to create a safe environment for Autistic adults, whether formally diagnosed or not. If you do not identify as Autistic, kindly do not join this group.

ASO/Synergy Autism Support Group Meeting for Parents (Online)
2024-01-27 10:00 - 11:30 | OR, United States
FREE Our on-line group is for parents of children (birth-adult) on the autism spectrum living in Oregon. Meets 4th Saturday each month, from 10:00 – 11:30am. Cozy up with a morning beverage and join us by computer!
Facilitated by Barbara Avila, MS, of Synergy Autism Center.
Open to parents of children on spectrum of any age (birth – adulthood).
Statewide – If you have access to Zoom, you can access this group.
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 in supportive ways.
To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.

Free Webinar for Partners of Autistic People
2024-01-31 19:00 - 20:00
Presented by Kate McNulty, LCSW
Let’s Talk – Your Autistic Partner
Free Webinar for Partners of Autistic People
Wednesday January 31, 2024 from 7-8 pm PST
Register by email: AutisticTherapist@gmail.com
Topics Include:

Expressing affection
Sharing interests & information
Identifying each other’s needs & emotions

OFSN Parent Support Group: Raising Young Children with Developmental or Behavioral Challenges (Lane County, Virtual)
2024-02-01 10:00 - 11:30 | OR, United States
Hosted by Oregon Family Support Network Family Support Specialist Debi Warner
For Who: Parents of younger children, ages 0-12, who have
behavioral or developments challenges
What: A chance for parents to meet others with similar experiences to share ideas, listen and understand the frustrations and anxieties that arise
Topics include navigating education, disability
and mental health resources
When: Every first Thursday of the month,
10:00am to 11:30am
Where: Virtual
Register at LINK HERE
For questions, please contact Debi at 971-209-9726 or DebraW@ofsn.net

Men of Color/Caretaker Support Group (Online)
2024-02-01 16:00 - 17:00 | OR, United States
Presented by The Color of Autism
Men of Color/Caretaker Support Group
Lead, Love, Elevate (LEEP!)
A free, confidential, enlightening, and educational SUPPORT GROUP for Black/African American Men who Parent/Co-Parent Children on the Autism Spectrum.
Date: The 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Time: 4PM PST
Location: Virtually over Zoom
Register at Zoom LINK HERE
For more information: https://thecolorofautism.org/programs/
