ASO Region 3
Serving Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake Counties
Chapter Representatives:
Rhonda Smerdon by email (Jackson & Josephine counties)
Misty Suppah (Douglas county)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with your Region 3 Reps, please give us a call at 503-636-1676, or CLICK HERE to send an email to ASO.
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups:
For Children & Youth
All-Ability Gaming Socials (Ashland)- Meets on Thursday at 5:30-7 PM. For ages 8-14. These gatherings are open to all skill levels and designed to be a fun inclusive environment to develop social skills as well as have fun making new friends. Participants will enjoy a variety of types of games including video games, board games, and more provided by the Autism Society of Oregon and Bridging Communities. Pre-registration is required and FREE! Location: Ashland Senior Center. Register at LINK HERE
All Together Play (Medford)- Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM at the Family Nurturing Center, 825 E. Main St, Ste A. Medford, OR 97504. Recommended for families with children ages 0-5. Join us each month for a gathering where children of all abilities and their families find opportunities for play, growth, connection, and belonging. Questions? Contact 458-278-0697 or info@bcoregon.org
Grupo de Juego (Medford)- Se reúne el segundo miércoles de cada mes, de 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM en el Family Nurturing Center, 825 E. Main St, Ste A. Medford, OR 97504. Recomendado para familias con niños de 0 a 5 años. Acompáñanos cada mes en un encuentro en el que niños de todas las capacidades y sus familias encuentran oportunidades de juego, crecimiento, conexión y pertenencia. ¿Tiene preguntas? Póngase en contacto con el 458-278-0697 o info@bcoregon.org.
For Parents & Caregivers
This group is currently on hiatus. Growing Abilities – Support Group For Parents & Caregivers With Children Of All Abilities (Grants Pass): Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 9:30-10:30 am. Free! All parents of children from 0-21 are welcome. Do you have a child experiencing a developmental delay or disability and looking for support? Please join us to talk, share and connect with others going through similar experiences. For more info: call/text Stacy at (541) 601-6714. www.GrowingTogetherGP.org
Este grupo está actualmente en pausa. Growing Abilities – Grupo de apoyo para padres y cuidadores con niños de todas las capacidades (Grants Pass): Se reúne el tercer martes de cada mes de 9.30-10.30 am. Gratuito. Todos los padres de niños de 0 a 21 años son bienvenidos. ¿Tiene un hijo que sufre un retraso en el desarrollo o una discapacidad y busca apoyo? Únase a nosotros para hablar, compartir y conectar con otras personas que están pasando por experiencias similares.Para más información llamada/texto Rosa al (541) 414-4958. www.GrowingTogetherGP.org
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. 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 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) 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.
Online Support Groups Pages:
Southern Oregon Developmental Disability Group for Parents. The group is set up for members only and is private. This is a collection of parents, caregivers, doctors, nurses, therapists, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and any other individuals that are in the lives of children up to the age of 18 that have any type of developmental disability. Click here for the page and to request to join.
ASO Facebook page, posting events and discussions of interest throughout Oregon. Click here for the ASO Facebook page.
Other Support Groups & Activities:
The Arc Jackson County – Various Events, including Sensory Friendly Movies, Arts & Crafts and educational workshops for parents. For more information, see their website: https://thearcjackson.org/
Young Adults with Autism Social Club (YAAS) with Bowling with Friends Group– Meets on Fridays from 4-6 PM at Lava Lanes in Medford. This is a fantastic opportunity for all families and individuals impacted by a disability to come together and enjoy a great time. It’s just $5 for two games, and shoe rental is free! We can’t wait to see you there! Register at LINK HERE. Questions? Contact darus@yaasclub.org.
Roseburg/Douglas County. Local Chapter of Square Pegs Adult Autism Support Group in Roseburg. It is not tied to a particular agency or organization. My group is for adults on (or near) the autism spectrum who are searching for a safe place. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about Autistic Adults. We are currently meeting every Tuesday at 7:00 pm at Sunrise Enterprises Headquarters, which is located at 423 NE Winchester, in Roseburg. For additional information contact Shawn Sullivan. Email: shawnsawb@me.com Phone 206-696-5794. Find our Roseburg Autism Exploration Group on Facebook, linked here.
Hosted by Bridging Communities
Parent Coffee – Medford: 1st Thursday of the month from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Please come join Bridging Communities for coffee/tea and an opportunity to connect with other parents. Bridging Communities will be sharing information and resources that will help you better advocate for your child. Black Rock Northgate, 151 Rossanley Drive, Medford, Oregon. Contact Stacy Fields at stacy@bcoregon.org or see events on the Bridging Communities Facebook page at LINK
Parent’s Turn – Medford: 1st Monday of every month from 9:00 – 10:00 am. This group is for parents of children enrolled in or considering enrolling in EI/ECSE. The location is Doulas & Company, 305 N. Bartlett St., Medford, OR 97501. Children are welcome to attend, but childcare is not provided.
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.
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.
Cafe y charla – 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10:00 – 11:00 am. A chance for parents to connect and share in Spanish. The location is Doulas & Company, 305 N. Bartlett St., Medford, OR 97501. Children are welcome to attend, but childcare is not provided. Coffee and bread are served. A new community resource is invited to share each month.
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.