ASO Region 3
Coronavirus Update: Each of our support/social groups is deciding when, or whether, to return to in-person meetings. Please check with each group for up-to-date information.
Serving Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake Counties
Chapter Representatives:
Rhonda Smerdon (541) 261-8357 RhondaS@AutismSocietyOregon.org (Jackson & Josephine counties)
Misty Suppah (541) 777-1187 (Douglas county)
If you have a question, comment, or concern that you’d like to share with ASO Region 3 Reps, please GIVE US A CALL or use the form at the bottom of this page to send us an email.
ASO-Sponsored Support Groups:
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
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
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:
These groups are currently meeting on-line:
(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 us to be placed on a waitlist at info@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.
New (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. Click here to REGISTER. For more information contact Lori Ball at LoriB@autismsocietyoregon.org or 503-636-1676.
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.
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.
“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.
Teen & Young Adult Club – meets 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.
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.
Autism Parent Support Group (based in Durham/Tigard): Free! All parents of children from 0-21 are welcome. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30. This group is facilitated by Lori Ball, ASO’s Programs Coordinator and parent of an autistic child. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month. To register and get the Zoom link, please go to LINK.
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.
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
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.
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/
Self Advocates: Meets every second Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm-8:30pm normally. Location TBA. This group is currently on hiatus.
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.
Lift Your Voice (Douglas County) – Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10:00-11:30 am and the 4th Wednesday of the month from 4:00-5:30 pm. Are you a parent or caregiver to a child with complex needs? Are you looking to connect with families in your area that share your lived experience? Please join us to share, connect and learn together. For more info, email Cori Thye-Couch at corit@ofsn.net or call 541-530-9276.
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.
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.